Wondering how long does it take for a nose piercing to heal? It varies from 2 to 9 months based on piercing type, jewelry, and aftercare. Discover the factors affecting healing and tips for caring for your new piercing.
Everyonenosepiercingsare rad. They’re a great way toexpress yourselfand can be very meaningful. The downside — other than the ouchie itself — is that they can take a while to heal.
Here’s how long the most popular types of nosepiercingstake to heal. We also have important deets on aftercare, risks, andinfectiontreatments.
Nose piercing healing times
Most nose piercings will heal within 2 to 9 months.
The exact timeline depends on the piercing location, piercing method, style of jewelry, and how well you care for the wound as it heals.
How long does it take for a nose piercing to heal?
Here’s a rundown of the average healing times of the most common types of nosepiercings.
A nostril (aka nares)piercinggoes through the softcartilageon either side of your nasal passages.
Expect a healing time of 4 to 6 months, depending on the type of jewelry. Thicker gauges tend to take longer to heal than thin rings.
Your septum is the thin layer of nerves, skin, and blood vessels between your nostrils. It’s a delicate area, so thesepiercingstend to hurt more than nostril piercings.
The good news? Septum piercings usually heal faster. Most folks bounce back in 2 to 3 months.
Bridgepiercingspass through a small section of skin on the very top of your nose, almost near theeyebrows.
Since very little tissue is being pierced, bridge piercings usually heal in 2 to 3 months.
Nasallang piercings are pretty complex. They go through the septum and both nostrils. That’s why you should def go to an experienced piercer to get this done.
The average healing time is 4 to 6 months.
Vertical nose tip (aka rhino)
This piercing goes through the tip of your nose in a vertical straight line. Think of it as an inverse septum piercing, only way less common.
Because the tissue on the tip of your nose is fairly thick, these piercings heal more slowly. Most folks say it takes about 6 to 9 months.
Factors that affect healing time
Lots of factors can impact your nose piercing’s healing timeline. Here’s the DL.
Some parts of the nose heal faster than others. For example, a rhino piercing that goes through a thick section of nose tip tissue will take longer to heal than, say, a bridge piercing.
Picking at skin
Do notpick at your piercing. We know the temptation is real, but picking can irritate the wound and increase your risk of infection, lengthening recovery time.
Pulling or playing
Heads up: It’s a total myth that you’re supposed to twist or turn your piercing as it heals.
IRL, touching your piercing can agitate the wound. It can also be hella painful if you tug too hard or get your jewelry snagged on a sweater. Trust us.
Type of jewelry
Be careful with the type of jewelry you use. The safest metals are solid gold, niobium, titanium, or surgical stainless steel. Nickel, on the other hand, is more likely to cause anallergic reactionor turn your skin green. Yuck.
Reminder: Thicker gauges take longer to heal than thinner posts.
Piercing method
Piercing guns are the pits. Go for a needle instead.
Piercing guns cause more trauma to sensitive tissue and prolong the healing process. They’re also more likely to cause scarring or infections compared to a clean needle and an experienced hand.
Cleaning regimen
Aftercare is ahugepart of the healing process. Clean and care for your piercing like you would any other wound. (More on that in a minute.)
How to properly care for your nose piercing
Nose piercing aftercare regimens differ slightly depending on the type of piercing. But here’s a general step-by-step guide.
Now that you know how to slay an aftercare regimen, follow these tips to keep your piercing free from infection:
Health concerns and risks of nose piercings
Piercings can look cool AF, but they aren’t without risks. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Signs something is wrong
Minor discomfort, itching, or swelling are common after a piercing. But it’s important to know the signs of a more serious concern.
Symptoms of an infected piercinginclude:
How to heal an infected nose piercing
You might be able to treat a minorinfectionat home. Some tips:
PSA: Contact a health care provider ASAP if you have severe pain, fever, or pus. A doc can examine the wound and prescribe antibiotics or other helpful meds.
Frequently asked questions
Feeling nosy? Here are the answers to all of your piercing questions.
What are the different stages of nose piercing healing?
The piercing healing process has 4 main stages.
How do I know when my nose piercing is healed?
Your piercing is healed when you no longer have any:
How long do you have to wait to change your nose piercing?
It depends on the type of piercing you have. Some jewelry can be changed after 2 months. Other piercings need 6 months or longer to heal.
Ask your piercer for an estimate based on your unique situation.
How can I make my nose piercing heal faster?
You can’t rush the healing process. Your best bets are to keep the wound clean and avoid picking at it. Also, be sure to treat an infection as soon as you start to show symptoms.
Do you clean the inside of a nose piercing?
Yup! It’s important to clean the inside and outside of your nose piercing.
Nose piercings have a wide range of healing times. Some are good to go in a couple of months, while others take up to 9 months.
A lot of factors can impact the healing, including:
Thicker areas of tissue — like the tip of the nose — take longer to heal than thinner areas of tissue. Getting pierced with a piercing gun or by an inexperienced piercer can also increase your healing time. Always see a qualified piercer and follow aftercare rules. This will reduce your risk of infection and keep your healing on track.
