To start off, I've had an infatuation with body mods for a long time. My parents, on the other hand, have always strongly disproved and discouraged my love. For a while, I simply felt ashamed and scared to mention it to them. Then, I simply became angry because of their stereotypical mannerisms. That, of course, brings us to my story ... and, as a side note, I do not condone self piercing, as it is very dangerous. And if you MUST, make sure to sterilize.
At A Glance Author Mandee Contact tintedxshades@yahoo.com When A week ago Artist Myself! Studio My house! Location In my room, on the floor! I was thirteen, naive and spontaneous as ever, and I finally had a thought. I had retired my "snake bites" because I had become tired of removing them, letting them seal a bit, and having to kind of re-pierce them whenever I went out in public (without my family.) I was never caught or infected, just sick of that. I was browsing BME (no wonder,) and came across the nose section. I used to really think, Septum piercing? What the hell? That's just lame! until I really began thinking. It was rather low risk to infection, not straight into my blood stream, and once I knew I could simply flip it up and have it be never seen nor heard of, I HAD to have it. My disgust had faded to pure and simple delight! Just one more question ... how in the hell do I pierce it?
I had never really done any piercing that would be as difficult, I won't lie. When piercing my ears or lips, it went with a simple "pop!" But the septum had many more layers, harder to stretch to fit the jewelry, and much, much more painful. I went to the mall with a good friend (she hates piercings, but humored me, none the less) and bought a 16G captive hoop. I asked about piercing needles. "Oh, sorry. You have to be 18." I was screwed, was my first thought as the pierced and scary boutique woman turned a page of her magazine. Bitch! Well, you already bought the jewelry. Might as well give it a go.
After we got home, I did make a totally pathetic attempt I won't fully review. It did end in a lot of crying, blood, and running noses. A few hours later, after my friend had left, I just had to try again. I am very stubborn; I was GOING to have my septum. I took one sewing needle (probably an 18G,) the hoop, and a larger but dull needle (it began at about 18G at one end and slowly widened to about 14G.) I boiled them in water for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, I snuck up into my room with some hydrogen peroxide and sanitary latex gloves. I cleaned my nose area. I put on the gloves and picked up the needle. I already knew that the slower I went, the more it would hurt. So I aligned it as straight as I could, and shoved. I heard the many small POPS! as it penetrated the skin. And then there was that dreaded last layer. My eyes were watering, I felt like I had to sneeze, and I needed a tissue now more than ever. Anyone who's DIY pierced themselves knows what I'm talking about. You can see and almost feel the needle, but it hurts so much. I bit my lip and shoved until I felt it on the other side.
I opened my eyes and inspected my work. Not too shabby! And rather straight for someone who nearly peed their pants. I look like a bull ... great! I turned off Jimmy Neutron so I could focus well. I left that in for about 10 minutes, and then twisted and eased it out. I worked in the larger, dull needle and let it slowly stretch to fit. After another 10 minutes of that, I took it out and eased in the jewelry. It went in so easily this time! I was shaking so much, it took me forever to get the other ball on. At first, I dropped it and searched for about five minutes in the carpet, on my hands and knees. After I finally found the small pink ball, I screwed it on, regaining focus. I looked at myself, and just smiled. I tried to flip it up, and since it was such a small gauge (small jewelry) it wouldn't fit past my cartilage. After awhile, I managed to get it past. That part has been a pain in the ass, since, but it sure beats re-piercing. It's only been a few days, but I love it! No one in my house has any idea I have metal, smack dab in the middle of my face!
I did a stupid thing, but it was worth it. I would HIGHLY recommend going to a professional, though. Much safer and such. For anyone considering a septum, go for it!