How long does it take a nose piercing to close?

How long does it take a nose piercing to close? It is important to remember that you have just passed through a tricky section of cartilage, and it will take between 7-10 weeks for your piercing to heal completely. Remember that proper care and cleaning are essential during the healing process.

It is a good idea to follow the cleaning and care routines that the professional who did your surgery gave you.

This way, you will not only speed up the healing process, but you will also avoid problems like getting infections or having poor healing.

When you decide to remove the jewelry during this period, it may take some time for the hole to heal - up to several days.

What is a Nose Piercing?

A nose piercing is a type of body modification that involves the insertion of jewelry or adornments into the skin on or around the nose. Generally, this is done with a needle, and often it consists of a nose ring that contains a clasp, allowing the jewelry to be opened and closed.

A nose piercing can be done on any part of the nose, including the nostrils, septum (the soft tissue between your nostrils), or even above and below the nostrils. As for the closure mechanism itself, it typically involves either a ball closure ring (BCR) or a circular barbell (CBB). 

The ball closure ring comprises an internally-threaded bead and a removable ball. The bead is inserted first through your skin, followed by the removable ball that screws onto the internal threading to secure it.

When you want to remove or replace your jewelry, you unscrew the ball from its threading to open it up. This makes for an easy process when it comes time to switch out your nose jewelry for another piece. 

Circular barbells are also popular due to their ease of use—they feature two removable balls similar to BCRs but have one continuous piece of metal rather than being threaded on one end.

The Healing Process of a Nose Piercing

Once the piercing is done, it can take between 7-10 weeks to heal completely. You should always clean and care for your piercing correctly during this time to avoid infections or other problems.

After the healing period is over, if you decide to remove the jewelry, your hole will eventually close up—although this could take from a few days up to several months depending on how long the jewelry was present in the skin and how frequently it was moved around during the healing process.

However, even after closure, some scar tissue may still be left behind, which will not go away without additional treatment.

Therefore, if you plan on changing your jewelry often or are considering removing it for longer, the best course is to have your piercing done professionally and follow all the necessary care instructions. This way, you can remain safe and comfortable throughout the healing process.

Factors that Affect the Time It Takes for a Nose Piercing to Close

Although the healing process is often estimated to take 7-10 weeks, several factors can affect how long it takes for a nose piercing to close. These include:

• The jewelry material: Different types of metal, such as titanium or gold, can cause different levels of irritation and can prolong the healing process.
• The size and gauge of the piercing: Thicker gauges will generally take longer to heal than thinner ones.
• Cleaning and care routines: Proper cleaning and aftercare are essential to a successful and speedy healing process.
• Movement of jewelry: Moving your jewelry around too much during the healing period may disrupt the wound area and delay closure.
• Location: Piercings located in areas like the nostrils or septum that experience more movement throughout the day may take longer to heal compared to those on the side of the nose.

Tips to Speed Up the Healing Process

If you're looking to speed up the healing process of your nose piercing, there are some steps you can take.

The most important one is ensuring proper cleaning and care routines, including regularly washing the area with mild soap and warm water to remove any bacteria or dirt particles that could cause infection.

You can also apply an antiseptic solution like hydrogen peroxide or saline solution over the pierced area several times daily to reduce inflammation and keep it clean. Additionally, avoid touching or moving your jewelry too much, as this may disrupt the healing process and delay closure even further.

The bottom line

The bottom line is that a nose piercing takes 7-10 weeks to heal completely, and proper cleaning and care routines must be followed during this time.

When the jewelry is removed, it could take several days to several months for the hole to close up fully, depending on its length of presence in the skin and how much it was moved around during its healing process. In any case, some scar tissue may still be left behind after closure without additional treatment.

Therefore, if you have a nose piercing, it's essential to take proper care of it. To ensure the best outcome, always have your piercings done by a professional and follow their aftercare instructions carefully.

This is the best way to keep yourself safe and comfortable throughout the healing process. Good luck!

DISCLAIMER: buildyourbody.org does not provide medical advice, examination, or diagnosis.

Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue M D.