Rhino Piercing: A Unique and Bold Nose Piercing Option
Are you looking for a nose piercing that is different from the usual nostril, septum, or bridge piercings? Do you want to make a statement with your body modification and stand out from the crowd? If so, you might want to consider getting a rhino piercing.
A rhino piercing is a type of vertical nose piercing that goes through the tip of the nose and exits through the skin above the septum. It resembles a rhinoceros horn, hence the name. It is a rare and unconventional piercing that not many people have, but it can look amazing if done right.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about rhino piercings, including:
- How they are done
- How much they cost
- How to take care of them
- What are the risks and complications
- What are the pros and cons
How are rhino piercings done?
A rhino piercing is done by inserting a standard piercing needle and a curved barbell through the tip of the nose. The needle goes through the soft tissue between the two halves of the cartilage in the nose tip, avoiding the major cartilage structures. The position and angle of the piercing need to be precise to avoid damage and unnecessary trauma to the nose.
The piercing process is usually quick and simple, but it can be quite painful. The tip of the nose is very sensitive and has many nerve endings, so you can expect some discomfort and bleeding during and after the piercing. The pain level may vary depending on your pain tolerance and the skill of your piercer, but most people rate it as one of the most painful nose piercings.
To get a rhino piercing, you need to find a reputable and experienced piercer who has done this type of piercing before. Not all piercers are familiar with this piercing, so you may need to do some research and ask for recommendations. You should also check out their portfolio and reviews to see their previous work and customer satisfaction.
How much do rhino piercings cost?
The cost of a rhino piercing may vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The location and reputation of the piercing studio
- The experience and skill of the piercer
- The quality and type of the jewelry
- The aftercare products and services
On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a rhino piercing in the US. This price may not include the jewelry, which can range from $10 to $50 or more depending on the material, design, and size. You may also need to pay extra for aftercare products, such as saline solution, antibacterial soap, or cotton swabs.
To save money on your rhino piercing, you can look for discounts, coupons, or special offers from your local piercing studios. You can also compare prices from different places and choose the one that offers the best value for your money. However, you should not compromise on quality or safety for a cheaper price. Make sure that the studio is clean, licensed, and follows proper hygiene standards. Also, make sure that the piercer is qualified, certified, and uses sterile equipment and jewelry.
How to take care of your rhino piercing?
A rhino piercing can take anywhere from six months to a year or more to heal completely. During this time, you need to follow some aftercare instructions to prevent infection, irritation, or rejection of your piercing. Here are some tips on how to take care of your rhino piercing:
- Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline solution soak or spray. You can either buy a ready-made solution or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water. Soak a cotton ball or pad in the solution and gently apply it to your piercing for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can dip your nose in a bowl of saline solution for 5 minutes.
- Rinse your piercing with clean water after cleaning it with saline solution. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
- Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with your jewelry. This can introduce bacteria or cause trauma to your piercing. Only touch your jewelry when cleaning it with clean hands.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or products on your piercing, such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial ointment, or makeup. These can irritate or dry out your skin and delay healing.
- Avoid swimming or submerging your piercing in water until it is fully healed. Water can contain bacteria or other contaminants that can cause infection or inflammation.
- Avoid sleeping on your pierced side or putting pressure on your piercing. This can cause irritation or migration of your jewelry.
- Change your pillowcase regularly and keep it clean. Dirt or oil from your pillowcase can transfer to your piercing and cause problems.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet and drink plenty of water. This can boost your immune system and help your body heal faster.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs. These can impair your blood circulation and slow down healing.
- Monitor your piercing for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your piercer or doctor immediately.
What are the risks and complications of rhino piercings?
Like any other piercing, rhino piercings come with some risks and complications that you should be aware of before getting one. Some of the possible problems that you may encounter are:
- Infection: This is the most common and serious complication of any piercing. Infection can occur if you do not clean your piercing properly, use unsterile equipment or jewelry, or expose your piercing to bacteria or other germs. Infection can cause pain, swelling, redness, pus, fever, or even blood poisoning. To prevent infection, you should follow the aftercare instructions carefully and seek medical attention if you suspect an infection.
- Rejection: This is when your body treats your jewelry as a foreign object and tries to push it out of your skin. Rejection can happen if your jewelry is too small, too heavy, or made of a material that you are allergic to. Rejection can cause scarring, migration, or loss of your piercing. To prevent rejection, you should choose a suitable jewelry size, weight, and material for your piercing. You should also avoid trauma or pressure on your piercing.
- Scarring: This is when your skin forms excess tissue around your piercing as a result of healing or trauma. Scarring can affect the appearance and shape of your nose and make it difficult to change or remove your jewelry. Scarring can be minimized by choosing a reputable piercer who uses proper technique and jewelry. You can also use scar-reducing products or treatments to improve the appearance of your scar.
- Allergy: This is when you have an adverse reaction to the material of your jewelry. Allergy can cause itching, rash, swelling, or blistering around your piercing. Allergy can be avoided by choosing a hypoallergenic material for your jewelry, such as titanium, gold, or surgical steel. You should also test your jewelry for any sensitivity before wearing it.
- Nerve damage: This is when you experience numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your nose due to the piercing. Nerve damage can occur if the needle hits a nerve during the piercing process or if the jewelry puts pressure on a nerve. Nerve damage can be temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the injury. Nerve damage can be prevented by choosing a skilled piercer who knows the anatomy of the nose and avoids piercing through nerves.
What are the pros and cons of rhino piercings?
Rhino piercings have both advantages and disadvantages that you should weigh before deciding to get one. Here are some of the pros and cons of rhino piercings:
Pros
- They are unique and eye-catching. Rhino piercings are not very common and can make you stand out from the crowd. They can also express your personality and style in a bold way.
- They are versatile and customizable. Rhino piercings can be worn with different types of jewelry, such as curved barbells, circular barbells, or spikes. You can also choose different colors, sizes, or designs for your jewelry to suit your preference.
- They are compatible with other nose piercings. Rhino piercings can look great alongside other nose piercings, such as nostril, septum, or bridge piercings. You can create a stunning combination of piercings on your nose.
Cons
- They are painful and slow to heal. Rhino piercings are one of the most painful nose piercings due to the sensitivity and nerve endings in the tip of the nose. They also take longer to heal than other nose piercings due to the thickness and complexity of the cartilage in the nose.
- They are prone to infection and rejection. Rhino piercings have a higher risk of infection and rejection than other nose piercings due to their location and exposure to bacteria and germs. They also require more care and maintenance than other nose piercings to prevent these problems.
- They are not widely accepted by society. Rhino piercings are still considered taboo or unprofessional by some people or workplaces due to their unconventional appearance. They may also cause negative reactions or judgments from others who do not understand or appreciate them.
Conclusion
Rhino piercings are a unique and bold option for those who want to try something different with their nose piercings. They can look amazing if done right and suit your face shape and features. However, they also come with some challenges and risks that you should be prepared for before getting one.