Differences between nostril, septum and bridge
Nasal piercing is divided into three main variants, each with different anatomy, healing time and visibility. At Funky Tattoo in Piața Romană, Bucharest, we work with all three variants, but each fits different needs — which is why the pre-piercing consultation is essential.
The nostril is the most popular variant and refers to perforating the side of the nose, usually on the natural crease where the nose meets the cheek. It can be placed left or right (in Indian culture, married women wear the nostril on the left), and the standard jewellery is a small stud with a flat back disc or a subtle captive ring. Healing takes 8-16 weeks, and the pain level is moderate (2/5).
The septum is the perforation of the cartilaginous wall between the nostrils, but — importantly — through the "sweet spot", the thin portion of skin between the septal cartilage and the lower rim. When correctly placed, the septum does not cross the actual cartilage, which is why pain is bearable (3/5) and healing is relatively fast (6-12 weeks). The septum has the unique advantage of being completely concealable by flipping the jewellery up inside the nostrils — ideal for restrictive professional environments.
The bridge (also known as Erl) is a surface piercing placed horizontally on the bridge of the nose, at the junction between the nasal bones and cartilage. It doesn't traverse the nasal structure, but only catches the skin above. Anatomically, it is the most difficult of the three: it has the highest rejection rate (around 30%), healing takes 8-16 weeks and requires careful aftercare. At Funky Tattoo we accept bridge piercings only after careful evaluation of skin thickness and local vascularity.
Choosing between the three depends on the desired visibility (nostril and bridge are always visible, septum can be hidden), pain tolerance and individual anatomy. For clients working in strictly dress-coded environments (corporate, hospitals, schools), the septum is often our primary recommendation, precisely for the flexibility to hide it when needed.
Specific aftercare for nasal piercing
Caring for a nasal piercing requires attention to details that other piercings don't have. At Funky Tattoo we give each client a written aftercare protocol, but the basic principles are: 2-3 daily washes with sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl), without touching the jewellery with unsanitised hands, and total avoidance of cosmetic products on the peri-nasal area (foundation, powder, face cream) for 4-6 weeks.
For the nostril, the main risk is mechanical irritation: blowing the nose, wiping the face with a towel, sunglasses or prescription glasses pressing on the piercing. We recommend using soft paper tissues for blowing during the first 3 weeks, avoiding jewellery movement. Swimming in pools or bathing with soap is forbidden for the first 6 weeks — showers are allowed, but keep shampoo off the face.
For the septum, the main issue is the drying of secretions that accumulate around the jewellery. These "crusties" must not be ripped off — they're softened with saline for 2-3 minutes, then gently removed with a tissue. Accidental jewellery movement (for example when blowing) is normal, but avoid intentionally rotating it — this old myth causes micro-lesions that prolong healing. The septum can be flipped up inside for hiding, but not in the first 4 weeks, when the tissue is still fragile.
For the bridge, the risk of migration and rejection is high, so aftercare includes total avoidance of pressure on the area (no glasses, no tight mask on the nose, no sleeping on the face). If migration signs appear (the jewellery visibly approaches the surface, or the skin becomes thin and red around it), contact us immediately — sometimes the piercing needs to be removed before complete rejection, to minimise scarring.
Regardless of the variant, we avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, betadine and antibacterial soaps — these destroy newly formed tissue and prolong healing. The only recommended substance is sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl) or a H2Ocean saline spray. For any concern during healing, call +40 731 525 808 — post-piercing consultation is free and unlimited in the first 6 months.