The septum is a thin wall of cartilage that runs down your nose. It separates your right and left nostrils. Despite its name, septum piercings do not penetrate the cartilage. In fact, they don't pierce through any bone (ouch!)

Does a septum piercing go through the hard part?

A septum piercing is just what it sounds like—a piercing that's located at your septum, a part of the nose. ... A septum piercing, however, shouldn't penetrate the cartilage. It should go through the softer space of tissue just below the septum. Piercers refer to it as the "sweet spot."

What happens if a septum piercing goes through cartilage?

A septum piercing through cartilage will receive less blood supply, meaning it is going to heal slowly. Expect at least six (6) to eight (8) months of tender recovery time, and at least a full year of careful and diligent healing time.