Everything You Need to Know About Septum Cuff Piercings

What is a Septum Cuff Piercing?

A septum cuff piercing is a unique and increasingly popular piercing option. As the name suggests, a septum cuff piercing involves wearing a cuff in the septum area of the nose. Cuffs are open-ended rings that can be snapped into place through an existing septum piercing.

Cuffs allow for a much larger diameter jewelry piece to be worn in the septum compared to standard circular barbells or captive bead rings. This enables those with stretched septum piercings to showcase their expanded holes in a new way.

Reasons People Get Septum Cuff Piercings

There are several motivations for getting a septum cuff piercing:

• To display a stretched septum piercing - Septum stretching is becoming more common, and cuffs allow people to highlight a stretched septum.
• For the unique look - Cuffs have an undeniably bold, eye-catching appearance.
• To experiment with different styles - Cuffs can be swapped out easily to change up your look compared to permanent jewelry.
• To show off piercings and tattoos - The openness of a cuff draws attention to other facial piercings and tattoos.
• For sensory stimulation - Some enjoy the feel and weight of a substantial cuff in the septum area.

The Process of Stretching the Septum

Wearing a septum cuff requires having a stretched septum piercing of sufficient diameter. This is most commonly done by gradually increasing the gauge of jewelry worn in the piercing over time:

1. Start with a standard 14g or 16g septum piercing using a circular barbell.
2. After it has fully healed, begin inserting larger gauge jewelry. Increase by 1-2 gauge increments at a time.
3. Allow 1-3 months between each gauge jump to enable the fistula to adapt without trauma.
4. Continue slowly increasing the gauge until the desired diameter is reached to fit the septum cuff.
5. Common target sizes range from 8g to 2g (or 6mm to 10mm diameter).

Using taper tools can assist with smooth gauge upsizing. Take care not to rush stretching to avoid tears and blowouts.

Cuff Piercing Jewelry Options

Septum cuffs come in a range of styles and materials:

• Circular cuffs - Continuous round open rings. Offer a uniform look.
• Open C-shaped cuffs - Gap allows easier fitting while providing distinct style.
• Custom shapes - Heart or star shaped cuff designs for unique flair.
• Plain metals - Polished gold, rose gold, silver, or black. Matches other jewelry.
• Decorated - Cuffs accented with opals, cubic zirconias, engraving, etc.
• Organic - Natural materials like bone, horn, or wood for organic appearance.

Biocompatible metals like implant grade steel or titanium prevent irritation. Ensure any plastics or coatings are also bio-safe.

The Process of Getting a Septum Cuff Piercing

These are the steps involved in actually getting a septum cuff piercing:

1. Have your septum stretched to the minimum diameter needed for the cuff jewelry you select.
2. Obtain high quality cuff jewelry designed for stretched septums. Measure diameter carefully.
3. Disinfect the cuff and septum piercing according to your piercer’s instructions.
4. Visit a reputable professional piercer to have the cuff inserted. Do not try to do it yourself.
5. Your piercer will use tools like forceps to hold the cuff open and guide it through the septum hole.
6. Once centered in the sweet spot, the cuff snaps into place. Enjoy your new bling!

The process only takes a few minutes and is not overly painful. Have your piercer show you how to safely remove and replace the cuff.

Healing and Aftercare

Provided the septum was well-healed and stretched gradually before cuff insertion, the piercing should not require extensive aftercare. Still, some tips include:

• Clean the area daily by spraying sterile saline and rinsing in the shower.
• Avoid touching or moving the cuff unnecessarily during initial healing.
• Inspect for signs of infection like persistent tenderness, redness or discharge.
• See your piercer if the cuff feels too tight or causes discomfort.
• Follow up with your piercer after 1-2 weeks to check placement and healing.

With appropriate stretching and high quality jewelry, a septum cuff can heal quickly. Avoid removing the cuff too early before the fistula has stabilized.

Risks and Things to Consider

While septum cuffs can be amazing, be sure to consider the following:

• Septum stretching should only be done slowly over time to avoid trauma.
• Rushing the stretching process can cause blowouts, tears or uneven holes.
• Cuffs may not be suitable for those with septum anatomy prone to irritation.
• Quality cuff jewelry designed for stretched piercings is a must.
• Poor placement can lead to discomfort. Have a skilled piercer do the insertion.
• Swelling after initial cuff insertion is normal. Downsize if excessive.
• Avoid playing with or moving the cuff until healed to prevent trauma.
• Septum cuffs tend to be quite noticeable. Be sure you are ready for the attention.

With proper precautions, stretching and cuff insertion should go smoothly. Take things slowly and let your body adjust between sizes.

Cuff Piercing Care Tips

To keep your septum cuff happy and healthy:

• Clean daily with a saline spray, especially after touching the area.
• Rinse the piercing during daily showers.
• Avoid submerging in bodies of water like lakes or pools.
• Do not use ointments or creams which can trap bacteria.
• Be gentle when wiping your nose or face.
• Never try to force a cuff that feels too tight. See your piercer.
• Monitor for signs of infection and see your piercer promptly if any arise.

Well-healed stretched piercings can tolerate cuffs long term. Maintain diligent aftercare practices.

FAQs

Does a septum cuff piercing hurt?

There should be only mild discomfort during the actual cuff insertion process. The septum stretching process involves more gradual discomfort as the hole is expanded. Go slow and listen to your body to avoid excessive soreness or pain.

How long does a cuff piercing take to heal?

If stretching was done properly over an extended timeframe, the pierced septum should heal quickly after cuff insertion, usually within 1-3 weeks. Avoid removing or changing jewelry during this initial healing phase.

Can you hide a septum cuff piercing?

Due to their substantial size, septum cuff piercings are very difficult to hide. Circular cuff rings especially tend to be quite obvious. For more discreet wear, choose a cuff with a small opening or gap on one side.

How do you clean a new septum cuff piercing?

Use a sterile saline spray 1-2 times per day. Rinse well with clean water while showering. Avoid touching the piercing and never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, or creams that can irritate it.

Can I sleep with a new septum cuff in?

It is best to keep the original cuff jewelry in for the first few weeks after getting pierced. Try your best not to sleep on it or move it around. Travel pillows can reduce pressure on the area at night.

FAQs

Can I wear a septum cuff in a new piercing?

No, cuffs should only be worn in well-healed, stretched septum piercings. Do not attempt to force a cuff through a standard 14g or 16g piercing as this can cause serious injury.

How long should I wait between septum stretches?

It is recommended to wait at least 1-3 months between each septum stretch to allow proper healing and tissue adjustment. Rushing the stretching process heightens the risk of blows or tears.

What is the best jewelry material for a septum cuff?

Implant grade titanium or steel are the best options. Avoid cheap jewelry that can irritate or corrode. Certain plastics and natural materials can also be tolerated if properly polished and smoothed.

Can I wear a septum cuff at work?

Cuffs are quite noticeable, so may not be acceptable in some conservative workplace environments. Know your employer's dress code policies. For discrete wear, choose cuffs with a small opening instead of a full ring shape.

Is there an age requirement for getting a cuff piercing?

Most reputable piercers follow APP guidelines, which recommend age 18+ for septum stretchings and cuff piercings. Those under 18 may need parental consent.