Is it OK to get your septum pierced after a few years since your rhinoplastery surgery.

Question

I was born with a full cleft lip and palate. Im only 17 and I've had 19 surgeries. I cannot get any piercings besides my nose. Which I'm fine with. I have the side of my nose pierced, and currently want my septum. I had nose surgery over a year ago. Would this be OK? I have no more surgeries besides one which has to do with my teeth.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You shouldn't have piercings for at least 2-4 months. Then, if you talk to your surgeon and get approval, there is no obstacle to having a piercing. I wish you all the best.

Danny Soares, MD · Answer

Although the answer for the majority of individuals who have had prior rhinoplasty and are seeking to have a piercing done would be yes, I would  caution you against having a septal piercing yourself. After that many surgeries, the nasal septum is already likely to be fairly scarred and potentially also lacking great cartilage support. While the piercing may be tolerated by the septum in your case, there is a higher risk of complications, including a permanent septal perforation, which can become quite a nuisance should you decide to discontinue the nasal piercing. In addition, if, despite having gone through 19 surgeries, there are still some aspects of your nose that you envision changing in the future as an adult, it would be best to avoid additional trauma to the septum in order to preserve as much healing potential as possible and minimize future complications. Furthermore, nasal piercings and other wearable jewelry draw more attention to your nose than they actually aid in camouflaging and possible pre-existing deformities, so often they can end up being counter-productive from an aesthetic standpoint. Best of luck!

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I would be very cautious. If there is very little cartilage in the septum then there is only the thin septal membranes to support the ring. Prolonged pressure may create a much larger septal defect. Also the blood supply to the nose is impaired From all the scarring which would increase the risk of perforation and loss of cartilage potentially causing loss of tip support and tip collapse. I would consult with your surgeon who knows best the septum status.

Is it OK to get your septum pierced after a few years since your rhinoplastery surgery.

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Is it OK to get your septum pierced after a few years since your rhinoplastery surgery.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.