How long before a nose piercing closes?

Nostril piercings, located on the outside area of the nose between the cheeks and nose tip, generally heal completely in two to four months. Septum piercings pierce through cartilage and take longer to heal but generally close in six to eight months.

To minimize the risk of infection and irritation, the individual should not remove nose jewelry during the healing process. Some bleeding and tenderness with slight itching are normal after a nose piercing. Swelling usually disappears in 10 to 15 days. As healing progresses, the piercing may turn pink and have a slight whitish-yellow discharge. The piercing heals on the outside first; healing on the interior of the nose takes longer.