Do Nose Rings Scar?

People need to consider the consequences of nose piercing before jumping into a jarring and potentially scarring experience. Like any procedure, piercing should be researched ahead of time to avoid the perils. Being an informed consumer can literally be the difference between acquiring a unique addition to one's beauty or enduring a painful and disfiguring nightmare.

The Facts

• Nose piercing is no joke. While it is a popular trend among rebellious teens and expressive bohemians alike, the fact remains that serious and deforming consequences can result if it is not done properly by a licensed and experienced technician. Infections frequently occur with nose piercings because the nose cartilage does not receive as much nutrient-rich blood as other soft tissue areas of the body (for example, the earlobe). If an infection begins, if it's not treated quickly and properly with oral antibiotics, an infection can lead to misshapen masses forming on the cartilage and significant external scarring can result. If left unattended, the infection can lead to the development of a keloid, a large build-up of scar tissue at the site. Keloids can be serious and, in the worst cases, often require multiple treatments and various approaches, including laser and surgical procedures, to fully remove the mass.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to avoid scarring from a nose ring is to take preventative measures from the start. First, be selective when choosing a piercing parlor: is the environment sanitary? Does the piercer have a portfolio of his/her work? Are there satisfied customers in the waiting area? Also, look for credentials. A qualified piercer should have a certificate recognized by the APP (Association of Professional Piercers). Before jumping into the chair, check to make sure that the piercer is using a sterile needle (one that they remove from the packaging within your view) and never allow a piercer to use a piercing gun for the nose. If given the option, always choose pure gold or sterling silver for the stud; both gold-plated and platinum studs can trigger allergic reactions in some wearers. If after all these precautions, your piercer passes your test, you must follow up with proper and frequent cleansing of the area. Most piercers recommend using an anti-bacterial soap on the fresh wound at least 3 times a day --- a painful but necessary process that involves twisting the piercing to prevent scabs and scar tissue from forming around the stud. It is also advised that you not take out the stud for at least 6 weeks to allow for adequate healing. Bottom line: prevention and attention will reduce chances of permanent scarring.

Home Remedies

• Many piercers recommend continuing to wash the piercing during the first six weeks with antibacterial soap and apply compresses of warm water and sea salt to reduce any swelling or redness. Tea tree oil, used to naturally combat blemishes on skin, and vitamin E oil, a known scar diminisher, are both available in most natural food or drug stores and can be purchased in pure oil form. Such oils are encouraged if and when the wearer decides to remove the piercing to avoid scarring.

Witness Testimony

• As a victim of an unfortunate nose piercing, I was very fortunate that no permanent scarring occurred. I only had my stud in for two weeks before infected tissue developed around the stud. Frantic, I returned to the same piercer who put in the stud and he proceeded with the excruciating extraction. As the piercer noted, my nostrils were narrow, and therefore, the stud, once inserted through the cartilage had to be bent backwards to keep from view. Thus, the extraction involved removing the stud through the same path it went in, with a not-so-convenient 90 degree angle to manipulate. The original piercing hurt, but the extraction nearly made me pass out. I have several tattoos and none of them compare to the pain endured with removing the nose ring. Luckily, the mass around the stud turned out to be merely inflamed tissue, and not a keloid. With some strict cleaning, and application of sea salt and tea tree oil, the mass receded and after several weeks, the piercing was unrecognizable to the eye. However, to this day, I still have a small bump on the inside of my nostril, which is scar tissue at the site of the piercing.

Warning

• If prolonged swelling, redness, pain or pus occurs at the site of the piercing, immediately contact your physician who can diagnose, remove, and begin a treatment plan for the infection. Do not wait or try to remove the piercing yourself.