Austin Bar Piercing: Everything You Need to Know About this Bold Piercing Style

Body modifications like tattoos and piercings have long been essential to human self-expression. The Austin Bar piercing has been gaining popularity among the many options available for its unique and bold look. This guide will walk you through everything you need about Austin Bar piercings—what they are, how they’re done, the healing process, potential risks, and aftercare.

What is an Austin Bar Piercing?

An Austin Bar piercing is a type of nose piercing that horizontally pierces through the tip of the nose. Unlike other nasal piercings, it doesn’t go through the septum or nostrils. Instead, it passes through the flesh of the nose, across the middle of the nasal tip. It creates a straight barbell look across the nose’s surface, which gives it a distinctive, bold appearance.

It is named after Austin, Texas, although its origins may have less to do with the location and more with the name of its creator or a trendsetter. Regardless of its origins, the Austin Bar piercing is considered a more advanced piercing style, requiring experience and precision from the piercer.

What Makes the Austin Bar Piercing Unique?

The Austin Bar piercing is not your typical nose piercing. While nostril and septum piercings have become widely accepted and mainstream, the Austin Bar is still relatively rare and offers a way for body modification enthusiasts to stand out.

Here’s why it’s unique:

• Positioning: Unlike other nose piercings that go through either the nostrils or the septum, the Austin Bar passes through the tip of the nose without involving the nasal cavity or septum.
• Jewellery Options: The piercing is typically adorned with a straight barbell, which can be customized with different colours, materials, or designs for a more personalized look.
• Statement-Making: Its bold placement across the nose creates a statement without being as invasive as other facial piercings.

The Procedure

Getting an Austin Bar piercing requires a skilled and experienced piercer. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the procedure:

1. Consultation

Before the procedure, consult with your piercer to discuss placement, jewellery options, and aftercare instructions. It’s essential to choose an experienced piercer familiar with the nose’s anatomy and the specific challenges of Austin Bar piercings.

1. Preparation

The piercer will begin by cleaning the area to prevent infection. They will mark your nose’s entry and exit points to ensure proper alignment.

1. Piercing

Using a hollow needle, the piercer inserts it horizontally through the soft tissue of the nose. Since it doesn’t go through cartilage or bone, the pain level is generally moderate, but everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Once the needle is through, the piercer inserts the barbell jewellery.

1. Post-Piercing Care

Once the jewellery is in place, the piercer will give instructions on caring for your Austin Bar piercing to ensure proper healing.

Healing Process

Healing times can vary depending on several factors, including how well you care for the piercing and your body’s natural healing abilities. On average, the Austin Bar piercing takes about 2 to 3 months to heal fully, though it could take longer for some individuals.

Factors that affect healing include:

• Aftercare Routine: Following proper aftercare procedures can drastically reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process.
• Personal Health: A strong immune system and a healthy lifestyle will likely help your body heal faster.
• Piercer Experience: Getting pierced by an experienced professional ensures that the procedure is done correctly, minimizing trauma to the tissue and promoting faster healing.

Signs of Proper Healing

During the healing process, it’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness at the piercing site. However, if you notice significant pain, discharge of yellow or green pus, or if the piercing becomes excessively red or hot to the touch, these could be signs of infection, and you should consult your piercer or a healthcare professional.

Aftercare Tips

Taking care of your Austin Bar piercing must ensure it heals properly and avoids infection. Here are some aftercare tips to follow:

1. Cleaning

Clean the piercing with a saline solution or soak it in sea salt twice daily. This helps to remove any debris and bacteria that might cause an infection. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can dry out the skin and delay healing.

1. Avoid Touching

As tempting as it may be, try not to touch or twist the jewellery, especially with unwashed hands. Touching the piercing can introduce bacteria to the site and increase the risk of infection.

1. Watch for Irritation

Be mindful of any clothing or accessories (like glasses) that may rub against your nose. This friction can irritate the piercing and prolong healing.

1. Avoid Submersion in Water

For the first few weeks, avoid swimming in pools, oceans, or hot tubs, as these can harbour bacteria that may infect your piercing.

Choosing the Right Jewelry

One of the exciting parts about getting an Austin Bar piercing is choosing the jewellery. Since this piercing is horizontal, it’s typically adorned with a straight barbell. However, there are plenty of customization options to fit your style.

Materials

• Titanium: This is often recommended for initial piercings due to its biocompatibility and low risk of allergic reactions.
• Surgical Steel is another popular option, though it may be better for sensitive skin.
• Gold: Gold barbells can be used for a more luxurious look, but to avoid irritation, ensure that they are high-quality (at least 14k gold).

Design Options

Once the piercing has healed, you can switch out the plain barbell for something more personalized, like barbells with gemstone ends or decorative charms.

Potential Risks

As with any piercing, there are potential risks to consider with an Austin Bar piercing. Some of the common risks include:

1. Infection

Infections can occur if the piercing is not adequately cared for or if unsanitary equipment is used during the procedure. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, heat, and discharge.

1. Rejection or Migration

In some cases, the body may recognize the jewellery as a foreign object and try to push it out, leading to rejection or migration of the piercing. This is more common with surface piercings like the Austin Bar, so monitoring the piercing during the healing process is essential.

1. Scarring

If the piercing is removed or rejected, scarring is possible. To minimize the risk, ensure the piercing is done by a professional and follow aftercare instructions closely.

1. Nerve Damage

Though rare, there is a slight risk of nerve damage since the piercing goes through the soft tissue of the nose. Choosing a reputable and experienced piercer can minimize this risk.

Is the Austin Bar Piercing Right for You?

The Austin Bar piercing is a bold choice that’s perfect for individuals looking for a unique piercing to stand out from the crowd. However, it requires a commitment to aftercare and a willingness to take on the healing process.

Who Should Avoid the Austin Bar Piercing?

• If you have chronic sinus issues or frequently experience nasal congestion, this piercing may not be the best option for you, as it can interfere with these conditions.
• Individuals with a history of slow healing or keloid scarring may also want to consult a piercer before proceeding.

Final Thoughts

The Austin Bar piercing is an intriguing and eye-catching option for anyone seeking a bold facial piercing that’s out of the ordinary. With proper care, it can be a beautiful addition to your body modification journey. Remember to research, choose a reputable piercer, and follow aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a successful healing process.

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