I received this message from a Facebook friend:

Hey Elayne, i just yesterday did a septum and I'm used to doing them with either septum clamps or just a needle and cork. I am not a big fan of the clamps cause I have found that they just plain hurt! So I almost always use the needle and cork method. I have heard recently that using a receiving tube for the procedure was very easy and comfortable..so I tried this method last night on a client and it was a mess..now granted its my responsibility to control my needle no matter what..

well this guy sneezed four times and moved around like a fish out of water..so the piercing was completely off and had to be redone..2nd time around he sat fine and it was still extremely off..at this point I just went back to my old method and used a cork and needle and the final product was just as it should be.

My question is this: Why is there so many good things i am hearing of the receiving tube method for septum's? Is there a secret that i am not aware of that makes it better or am i just misinformed? I have done more research and I'm still reading rave reviews of that method..does an angled receiving tube make a difference as opposed to a flat one?

My reply:

Hi Mike,
Whatever technique works for you is the best one to use. If you would like to see the way I do it, I have video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxkRe-srWmA

You DEFINITELY need to use a flat ended receiving tube for this placement. Also, part of the process you don't see is the tissue manipulation I do before the piercing to help securely seat the tube and prevent the tissue from sliding around.

You can see how I do that on the conch part of the conch and tragus video on this page of my site: http://piercingbible.com/video

I've never had trouble with anyone sneezing--ever. And I've been using the receiving tube technique for many years. Here's a part of the section from The Piercing Bible about it, but there's LOTS more information in the book.

Septum Piercing: Procedure
After cleaning, your piercer may mark dots inside your nose or guidelines on the undersurface to help him visualize the correct placement during the procedure. At the very least, he will need to put gloved fingers into your nose to feel the septum for the proper spot to pierce.

For the procedure, some piercers will seat you in a chair, but I prefer you supine (on your back) on a flat exam table. I position you so that your head hangs backs over the edge of the table. It is not particularly comfortable to hyperextend your neck this way, but it gives me an excellent view of the area from above and behind you—and I don’t keep you that way for long. It is worthwhile to get the best placement.

I use an NRT for septum piercings. Tissue manipulation is invaluable, especially if there is any irregularity to the area. The nasal septum has a soft tissue membrane on each side, and this structure is quite mobile. If the tools aren’t seated securely, they have a tendency to slip during the procedure, causing a crooked piercing.

Special septum forceps have a short piece of receiving tube soldered onto each end, and this clamps onto the area. Precise positioning of this tool is crucial for a well-placed piercing. Regular forceps are not at all suited to the septum because they painfully crush the skin in the center of the nose, which is much wider than the tissue that must be secured and pierced. You should never be subjected to having ordinary Pennington forceps placed onto your nose for this piercing. Either septum forceps or the NRT can be used successfully when the technician is skilled at the procedure.

I hope this is helpful to you. If you haven't already seen my book, The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing, I'll bet you would find it very interesting.

Orders are being filled by the Association of Professional Piercers: http://www.safepiercing.org/publications/the-piercing-bible/

Call toll free: 888 888-1APP or email: [email protected].  A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to the organization, and you will received a signed copy of my book.

Alternatively, you can get it from major booksellers, or Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1580911935?tag=buckangelcom-20&camp=14573&crea…;

Also, if you'd like to see me performing genital and other piercings,I've got videos available here:
http://clips4sale.com/10557