Last Updated 21/07/2026 | Written by Maëlys Chamard, Co-Founder of MADAJ

A septum piercing passes through the thin strip of tissue located between the nostrils, commonly known as the septum "sweet spot." Its distinctive placement and versatility have made it one of the most popular nose piercings, offering a range of jewellery styles from subtle rings to statement pieces.

Whether you're considering your first septum piercing or researching the healing process, this guide covers everything you need to know about septum piercing placement, pain level, procedure, healing time, jewellery options, and aftercare.

• Placement: The septum sweet spot, a thin area of tissue near the front of the nasal septum
• Pricing:  $40–$70, plus the cost of jewellery
• Pain Level: 4/10
• Healing Time:  6–8 weeks initial healing, 3–6 months for full healing
• Aftercare: Clean twice daily with a sterile saline solution, avoid unnecessary movement of the jewellery, and continue aftercare throughout the healing period.

The placement of a septum piercing is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and comfort.

It is typically positioned in the thin strip of skin towards the front of the nasal septum, known as the "sweet spot," which is the area between the bottom of the nose and the cartilaginous dividing wall that separates the nostrils. This location is chosen because it is less painful to pierce and generally easier to heal than piercing through cartilage.

Proper placement not only ensures a more comfortable healing process but also allows for a wide range of jewelry options to fit the piercing aesthetically. It's important for the piercer to accurately identify the sweet spot for optimal results and to minimize potential complications.

Not everyone has the same septum anatomy, so the exact placement may vary slightly from person to person.

Two numbers make up the total:

• Studio fee for the piercing, generally $40 to $70,
• Jewelry which price varies far more widely. On the open market, that jewelry range looks roughly like this:
  - ASTM F136 titanium starts as low as $5 and can climb past $100 for more detailed pieces.
  - 14k/18k gold set with precious stones sits higher, generally $100 to $2,500+, shaped by gold quality and stone size.
  - MADAJ septum pieces start from $460. Every one is handcrafted to order in nickel-free, hypoallergenic solid 18k gold, with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or black diamonds available. Diamonds carry a G–VS grade, other gems an AAA grade, and a Certificate of Authenticity

Pain Level of Septum Piercing: (4/10)

The pain level of a septum piercing is generally considered moderate. When placed correctly through the sweet spot, many people describe the pain as a quick pinch or pressure rather than prolonged discomfort. 

Some people use a lidocaine-based numbing cream, such as EMLA or a generic alternative, before their appointment to help reduce discomfort. This is usually available from pharmacies by prescription and is typically applied around the septum area 30 minutes to 1 hour before piercing.

The septum piercing procedure involves several key steps:

Preparation: The nose area is cleaned, and the exact piercing spot is marked on the nasal septum's "sweet spot" for precision.

Piercing: A professional piercer uses a sterile needle to pierce through the marked spot. The "sweet spot" is a thin piece of skin that is less painful to pierce.

Jewelry Insertion: Immediately after piercing, the chosen jewelry, typically a circular barbell or ring, is inserted.

Aftercare Instructions: The piercer provides guidelines on how to care for the new piercing to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.

This streamlined process requires professional expertise to ensure safety and minimize discomfort.

• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap to avoid introducing bacteria to the piercing site.
• Apply the saline solution gently to both sides of the septum piercing using sterile gauze.
• Rinse the area with clean, lukewarm water to remove any leftover saline solution or loosened debris.
• Pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and should be avoided.
• Clean your septum piercing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.

The healing time for a septum piercing can vary from person to person, but on average, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the initial healing phase. Complete healing, however, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on individual health and aftercare practices.

Healing Process:

Initial Healing: In the first few weeks, some swelling, redness, and tenderness around the piercing site are normal. You might also notice a clear or light yellow discharge, which is part of the healing process.

Mild crusting around the jewellery can also happen during this stage and should be softened and removed gently during cleaning.

Intermediate Phase: As the piercing starts to heal, these symptoms should gradually decrease. It's important to continue with regular cleaning during this phase to prevent infections and promote healing.

Maturation Phase: Over the next few months, the piercing will fully heal from the outside in.  Even if the surface appears healed, the tissue inside may still be repaired. Avoid twisting, flipping, or changing the jewellery too early, as this can irritate the piercing and slow down healing.  

Remember, patience and proper aftercare are key to a successfully healed septum piercing.

The MADAJ Vesta Diamond Septum Piercing

TYPES

The septum sits through the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils, a spot built for one style of jewelry above all others. MADAJ keeps it simple here: a septum ring, closed with a clicker, is the only option offered for this placement. It's a design that flips easily, worn visible or tucked up out of sight, depending on the moment.

SIZING

Three sizes cover septum rings at MADAJ: 6.5 mm, 8 mm, and 9.5 mm, all built on the same 1.2 mm (16 gauge) post and closed with a clicker.

8 mm is the size we recommend for most anatomies, striking a comfortable middle ground that's neither too tight nor too loose for the average septum. Want something that sits closer and more discreet? 6.5 mm is there for that. Prefer more drop and presence, or need extra room to flip the ring comfortably? 9.5 mm covers that end. Since the fold of tissue isn't identical from person to person, a piercer can help narrow down which of the three fits best.

MATERIALS

Nickel is behind most piercing irritation and allergic reactions, even in trace amounts, which matters even more at the septum since the ring gets flipped and handled daily. MADAJ septum rings are crafted in solid 18k gold, nickel-free and hypoallergenic from the start, not just plated over a reactive base metal underneath. Available in yellow, white, or rose gold, each ring can be finished with a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, or black diamond.

Every stone is graded before setting (G–VS for diamonds, AAA for colored stones), with a Certificate of Authenticity included.