Can you use stainless steel for septum?
Most piercers use initial piercings made of surgical stainless steel (SSS) because they're generally safe and inexpensive.
The best metal for nose rings is stainless steel.
Look for implant-grade steel, such as 316L or 316LVM. These are affordable and hypoallergenic, making them perfect for a first piercing.
Surgical Stainless Steel (SSS)
This is the most commonly used type of metal for nose piercings and is perfect for a fresh or healing piercing. As surgical steel is hypoallergenic, it typically does not irritate the skin.
Common materials used for these piercings are surgical steel, titanium, 14k gold, acrylic, glass, natural stone, and even wood. However, for jewelry that will last and won't irritate your skin, 14k gold septum jewelry is your best option.
"Surgical stainless steel (SSS) is very commonly used for [piercings] because it is both hypoallergenic and affordable," says Dr. Rabach.
Key Differences
While surgical steel is a type of stainless steel, all stainless steels are not surgical steels. Surgical steels are those with the greatest amount of corrosion resistance and are designated for biomedical applications. When compared to other steel types, stainless steel is typically the most expensive.
There are a few materials approved by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), but implant-grade titanium is the one most piercers recommend for initial piercings. Here's why: It's nickel-free.
Titanium is Ideal for Hypersensitive Users
Those with hypersensitivity issues should use Titanium instead of Surgical Steel. Titanium is a preferred material for initial piercings because it's an elemental metal – it doesn't contain nickel. Titanium is as strong as steel, but as light as aluminum.
Model Display. Gauge Size: 1.2mm=16G, Inner Diameter from 8mm-12mm, Perfect Size for Ear and Septum Piercing. Quality 316l Stainless Steel Made, Solid and Durable; Great Plating, Long Color Retention.
What Type of Jewelry Is Used for a Septum Piercing? “A septum piercing should always be completed using either a horseshoe-shaped hoop or a circular hoop, also known as a CBR,” says Sue. “The gauge normally is a 16 or 14g, and the diameter or size of the hoop depends on each person's own personal anatomy.”
How do I choose a septum jewelry?
To buy a septum ring that fits properly you will need to know which gauge you wear and what inner diameter fits you well. The gauge refers to how thick the jewelry is, and the inner diameter is a vertical measurement that's taken in a straight line from one inside edge to the other inside edge.
Stainless Steel (surgical)
Low-carbon surgical stainless steel is ideal for body piercing as, even though they contain alloys, these are trapped in the metal through a special process and aren't released. 316L and 316LVM are the only types that are body-friendly.
Are they any risks in getting a septum piercing? While risks are low if you get a septum piercing from a reputable piercer, you still run the risk of infection, allergic reaction to the metals in the piercing, a septal hematoma (when the blood vessels break and blood collects in the septum), and scarring.
The healing process should only take a month or two, and it should stay open; hence, it will take several days to close up completely.
Can a Septum Piercing Cause a Sinus Infection? In a word, yes, but not the kind of sinus infection you might be thinking of. While minor infections of a piercing site are uncomfortable, but uncommon, the kind of sinus infection that should have you running for the doctor is a septal hematoma.
316L SURGICAL STEEL contains between 6-13% nickel and it does not conform to the first part of the Directive and it cannot, therefore, be used for fresh piercings. It can only be used after the healing process (also known as 'epithelization') has taken place, as replacement jewelry, since it does not release nickel.
Surgical-grade stainless steel may contain some nickel, but it's generally considered hypoallergenic for most people. Be sure that your earring backings also are made of hypoallergenic materials.
Any metal can be rhodium-plated, but nickel-free sterling silver is the best hypoallergenic option. No matter the base metal, rhodium-plating will protect against a reaction to nickel.
We prefer 316L Stainless Steel
This material can be worn by most people, including those with a nickel allergy with ease. 316L stainless steel is very easy to clean and keep clean. We often refer to 316L stainless steel as “Surgical Steel”. Surgical steel is probably the most commonly used in manufacturing piercings.
Austenitic 304 and 316 stainless steels are considered surgical or medical-grade stainless steels, they are the most commons stainless steels.
Which type of stainless steel is used for surgical instruments?
Surgical cutting instruments are often made from 440 or 420 stainless due to its high hardness coupled with acceptable corrosion resistance. This type of stainless steel may be slightly magnetic. General surgical tools are made from other chromium-bearing stainless steels, such as 17-4.
What Size Gauge Are Septum Piercings? While sizes vary based on personal preference, anatomy, and your piercer, septum piercings are typically 16g. However, you may decide to size down to an 18g or stretch larger to a 14g and beyond.
Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver and can contain other elements that cause irritation. As silver is such a soft metal, it can be easily scratched or tarnished. These imperfections can then harbor harmful bacteria, which are then harmful to your piercing, potentially causing irritation and infection.
To test, simply hold a magnet to your jewelry and see if it sticks. If it does, then it's likely your piece is made of stainless steel. If it partially sticks, it could still be authentic.
The main difference between stainless steel and titanium is simply that stainless steel is an alloy metal while titanium is a metal. The unique characteristics of stainless steel are created by adding alloying metals to it, while titanium's characteristics are naturally found within it.
When it comes to color, titanium and stainless steel may look similar. Titanium and stainless steel in the natural state are silvery metals. The difference is that titanium is somewhat darker. In another dimension, both titanium and stainless steel may look grey, however, titanium will be darker than stainless.
No, stainless steel rings do not tarnish and turn your finger green.
Stainless steel jewelry that is made like medical grade stainless steel is perfectly safe to wear. An example would be 316L or 304 stainless steel.
316L Stainless Steel
316L steel is the most basic metal used in body jewelry. It is the basic requirement of metal to be used in initial piercings and for healing. There are better grades (below) but usually they cost more as well.
Can I flip it up while healing? Yes! That's one of the best things about this piercing- it can be flipped up while healing. If you need to we suggest starting with either a circular barbell or a retainer.
Will my septum close if I take it out for a day?
Yes, septum piercings do close if kept out. It however, depends how long you've had it for. If you haven't had the piercing for very long, it can take up to 24 hours for it to fully close, while the exterior will be open for much longer.
The septum piercing is done on the center of the face, and it can be moved naturally when eating or talking. Straightening it is okay as long as you are only touching it with clean hands. If you need to flip the piercing up or straighten the piercing make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
A septum piercing may bleed more than pierced nares. You could also form a hematoma, a swollen bruise that can become infected or disfigure your face.
If you have not had your septum pierced before, we recommend waiting at least 30 days before changing the jewelry. This will allow time for healing and to reduce the risk of infection.
This small diameter is perfect for delicate piercings where you want the ring to sit neatly against your skin. Most 6mm pieces are ball closure rings, ideal for delicate ear placements like tragus piercings and helix / pinna piercings.
The alloying element that makes steel 'stainless' is chromium; however it is the addition of nickel that enables stainless steel to become such a versatile alloy. It is the addition of nickel that enables stainless steel to become such a versatile alloy.
Don't twist, turn or slide your septum jewelry to loosen crusties; instead, use the soak-and-wipe suggestion in the bullet above. You should also avoid wiping your nose with your bare hands or used tissues.
"If you let your piercing heal completely (keeping it in over a year), the hole will probably stay open for the rest of your life," Thompson says. "The opening will shrink, but you'll be able to put something back in should you ever decide you want it back."
Being told your piercing is unprofessional
For that, I find that the septum piercing is one of the most professional “unprofessional” piercing to have. As long as you're wearing a horseshoe ring, you can always flip it up into your nostril where nobody can see it.
2. Rihanna. Bad gal RiRi is no stranger to the septum piercing, having been seen wearing an elaborate fake ring at her brother's album release party in 2014. She made a style statement once again this past October, debuting a septum ring on the cover of T Magazine.
Are septum piercings permanent?
The best thing — besides the pretty septum jewelry that you'll get to shop— is that it doesn't have to be permanent. It doesn't leave much of a trace if you decide to take the ring out for good, either.
How to Get Rid of Septum Stink - YouTube
The tender and painful period
You will experience pain during this period that lasts for between 1 to 8 weeks, especially whenever you have to touch your swollen nose. The septum piercing aftercare for this stage is demanding and requires complete dedication.
Septum rings which are made from poor quality metals are more likely to cause irritation, reaction and bad smell. Coated metals will peel off over time, revealing the base metal which could cause a reaction with your skin. Always prefer septum rings made of best quality materials.
The septum piercing was used to signify their success and show their rite of passage into manhood. Later on, in history, the piercing of these flesh tunnels became connected to rebel subcultures such as the punk rock movement, which is seen as a sign of rebellion.
Surgical steel is a popular choice for piercings because it's affordable, durable, and safe for most. It does contain some nickel, but thanks to a low rate of transfer, your skin is unlikely to notice. Just remember that not all steel jewelry is of the same quality.
Model Display. Gauge Size: 1.2mm=16G, Inner Diameter from 8mm-12mm, Perfect Size for Ear and Septum Piercing. Quality 316l Stainless Steel Made, Solid and Durable; Great Plating, Long Color Retention.
There is a widespread misconception that stainless steel jewelry will never tarnish or rust due to the outer Chromium film. But the continuous contact of the jewelry with the external environment fades its appearance over time. Stainless steel jewelry contains about 10% Chromium which protects it from tarnish and rust.
Enrizza P. Factor, who also spoke to Bustle for this article, adds that surgical stainless steel is another hypoallergenic option that's safe for most people with sensitive skin, because it's durable, non-porous, and also medical-grade.
Which is stronger? When alloyed with other metals such as aluminium or vanadium, titanium becomes dramatically stronger than many steels. In terms of sheer strength, the best titanium alloys beat low to medium grade stainless steels. However, the highest grade of stainless steel is stronger than titanium alloys.
Is stainless steel good for new piercings?
Stainless Steel (surgical)
Low-carbon surgical stainless steel is ideal for body piercing as, even though they contain alloys, these are trapped in the metal through a special process and aren't released. 316L and 316LVM are the only types that are body-friendly.
Titanium is Ideal for Hypersensitive Users
Those with hypersensitivity issues should use Titanium instead of Surgical Steel. Titanium is a preferred material for initial piercings because it's an elemental metal – it doesn't contain nickel. Titanium is as strong as steel, but as light as aluminum.