Dear Alice,
I am a first-year student and I want to get my nose pierced. This isn't
just a whim; I've wanted one for a long time. However, I know that there
will come a time when the ring will look juvenile on
me. My question: will such a hole close up fairly quickly, without
leaving an ugly scar?
—Holy, holy, holie
Dear Holy, holy, holie,
When you choose to get your nose pierced, have the piercing done with a
needle, instead of a piercing gun; the piercing gun causes more trauma to
the nose tissue and will result in a more difficult healing process. Use
a nose ring versus a nose stud, as the rings are generally made with
hypoallergenic material (i.e., surgical steel), which is not always the
case with the stud. The stud also has the potential to sink into the
tissue and cause infection. Once you get your nose pierced,
do not remove the ring for six to eight weeks, giving your nose time to
heal. Also, to prevent infection while it is healing, regularly clean
the area, as directed, using a topical antibacterial
cleanser, and apply an antibiotic cream or ointment. Make sure to dry
the site, too. When you're ready to remove it for good, the amount of
time it will take to close up completely depends on your
body and your individual healing processes. If there is any scar, it
should be very minimal and barely noticeable to others.
- Alice
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Nose piercing
