Ashley Piercing

Everything you need to know about the unique Ashley lip piercing

If you are considering getting a new piercing, you may want to look into the Ashley piercing. This unique lip piercing has been gaining popularity in recent years and has become a favorite among piercing enthusiasts. But before you decide to get one, there are some things you need to know. In this article, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Ashley piercing.

What is the Ashley piercing?

Ashley piercing is a distinctive form of lip piercing that has been gaining popularity in the body modification community. Unlike traditional lip piercings that have one end inside the mouth and the other outside, the Ashley piercing is unique because it is a single-entry piercing. This means that the piercing goes directly through the center of the lower lip, with both the entry and exit points located on the lip itself. This positioning allows the jewelry to be fully displayed on the lip, adding a unique aesthetic appeal that sets it apart from other types of lip piercings.

Aspect	Ashley Piercing Information
Placement	At the center of the lower lip
Pricing	$30-$70
Pain Level	5/10
Healing Time	3-4 months
Aftercare	Wash the outside of the piercing with saline solution and the inside with diluted alcohol-free mouthwash twice a day

Ashley Piercing Placement

The placement of the Ashley piercing is crucial, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for the comfort and health of the individual. This piercing involves a straight barbell or stud that passes through the center of the lower lip. It enters from the front and exits through the inside of the mouth, with only one visible point on the outside. This unique placement helps to center the face and can be combined with other facial piercings like septum or medusa piercings for a more dramatic look.

The Ashley piercing is positioned differently than a traditional labret piercing. It goes through the lip, above the lip line, making it appear similar to a dermal piercing from the outside. However, unlike a dermal piercing, the Ashley piercing has another exit point inside the mouth.

Due to its placement, the Ashley piercing requires a longer bar to allow for swelling, which is a common occurrence in lip and oral piercings. It’s essential to have adequate space for the initial swelling that may occur after getting pierced. Using a longer bar initially accommodates this swelling, and it can later be replaced with a shorter one after the healing process.

One important consideration with the Ashley piercing is its potential impact on dental health. Due to its placement, the jewelry is likely to come into frequent contact with the front teeth. This constant impact can lead to enamel damage and potentially affect one’s smile and dental appearance. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor any changes in dental health after getting an Ashley piercing.

During the piercing procedure, proper placement is crucial to avoid any potential damage to the teeth or gums. Piercers may choose to use a clamp or not based on their personal preference. It’s important for the piercer to ensure that the piercing is straight and centered, as an improperly placed piercing may cause damage to the inner mouth, including teeth and gums.

Ashley piercing Procedure

The procedure for getting an Ashley piercing, like any invasive body modification, is a meticulous process that requires both precision and hygiene. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

• Step 1: Finding a Reputable Piercer

The first step to any piercing is finding a reputable piercer. This is crucial as the skill and experience of the piercer significantly influence the success of the piercing and the healing process. Once you’ve found a professional piercer and arrive at the shop, they will go over the procedure with you and have you fill out some necessary paperwork.

• Step 2: Sterilization

Before the procedure begins, the piercer will thoroughly sterilize all the tools and jewelry to be used. This is an essential step to prevent any potential infections. After the tools are sterilized, the next step is to clean your lip and mouth. You’ll be required to rinse your mouth with a disinfectant solution to ensure any potentially harmful bacteria is eliminated from the piercing area.

• Step 3: Marking the Piercing Location

Once your lip is clean, the piercer will mark the entry and exit spots of the needle with a surgical pen. This step is crucial for both safety and aesthetics. It’s important to stay still during this process and to pay attention to the piercer’s instructions. Make sure you’re satisfied with the location of the marks before moving forward.

• Step 4: Piercing

Your lip will then be fixed in place with a tool called a clamp. This helps to minimize movement and ensure precision during the piercing process. The piercer will then quickly perforate your lip with a hollow needle. This process is done swiftly to minimize pain.

• Step 5: Inserting the Jewelry

Immediately after your skin is pierced, the chosen jewelry is inserted. This is typically a straight barbell or labret stud, which is inserted right through the path created by the needle.

• Step 6: Aftercare Instructions

As the final step, your piercer will discuss proper aftercare with you. This is an important part of the process to avoid any complications and ensure a smooth healing process. They will provide you with detailed instructions on how to clean and care for your new Ashley piercing.

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Ashley Piercing Pain

When considering an Ashley piercing, it’s important to understand that the procedure can be quite painful due to the amount of lip tissue being perforated. The lip area is sensitive and comprises several tender nerves that accelerate blood circulation. When the needle pierces the lip, it can stimulate these nerves, leading to a significant amount of pain, albeit briefly. On a pain scale, Ashley piercings are often rated a 5 out of 10, making them one of the more painful lip piercings. However, they are still considered less painful compared to nipple piercing, tongue piercing or cartilage piercing.

Ashley Piercing Healing Process

The healing process for an Ashley piercing is a crucial period that requires careful attention and care.

• Healing Time

The healing time for an Ashley piercing is slightly longer compared to a regular lip piercing. Piercings are essentially open wounds, so it’s important to take proper care of them. The basic healing time for this kind of piercing is around 3 to 4 months, but it can extend up to 6 months. This duration varies from person to person, depending on individual health and how well the aftercare instructions are followed.

As the Ashley piercing is located on the lips, it can encounter more swelling during the healing process compared to other facial piercings. In the initial few weeks, you will have to keep using the barbell to help minimize the swelling, and later you can switch to a labret stud. It’s essential to be extremely careful not to bite on the piercing jewelry, especially since the initial jewelry used in piercing is easier to bite on. It is advisable to eat mainly soft foods for the first few weeks, until you get used to the piercing.

After the piercing procedure, it’s common to experience throbbing, swelling, and soreness for the first few days. This is a natural response to the trauma caused by the piercing. To accommodate the swelling, your piercer will fit you with a longer starter jewelry piece. During this period, it’s crucial to monitor your Ashley piercing jewelry to make sure that the ends of the jewelry aren’t pressing against the piercing. If your jewelry starts to press against the swollen piercing, it’s necessary to see your piercer for a larger piece of jewelry.

Once the swelling subsides, usually within a few days, it is advisable to replace the initial labret with a shorter one that sits closer to your lip. This adjustment not only enhances comfort but also safeguards your teeth from inadvertent bites during meals. The snug fit of the shorter labret also minimizes interference with eating or speaking. At this juncture, some individuals opt for a bioflex labret. Bioflex, a biocompatible plastic, offers a softer and more flexible alternative to metal, thus further mitigating the potential harm to teeth and gums.

Lip piercings, including the Ashley piercing, are more prone to infection compared to other types of piercings. This is due to their frequent contact with saliva, food, makeup, and other potentially bacteria-infested objects. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer to prevent infection. Early detection of signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or discharge, is essential to prevent further complications.

As for activities like kissing, it’s recommended to be cautious for the first few weeks after getting an Ashley piercing. Quick, careful smooches are okay, but anything more intense could potentially cause discomfort or harm the healing process.

• Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a successful healing process and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some recommended aftercare tips:

• Clean the piercing twice a day using a sea salt solution or a pre-made saline rinse. Avoid over-cleaning, and increase it to three times a day only if crusties form.
• Avoid using harsh products like alcohol, Neosporin, or Bactine, as they can be drying, hinder the healing process, or even cause irritation.
• Maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing of teeth and flossing, to prevent any lingering food particles from affecting the piercing.
• Don’t touch the piercing with your hands, clothes, or dirty objects.
• Soak your wound with saline for five minutes once or twice per day.
• As cloth towels can catch on your jewelry and possibly cause injury, use disposable paper products instead when drying your wound.
• Post-piercing, avoid chewing gum, tobacco, acidic or spicy foods and drinks that could irritate the delicate healing skin and cause piercing bumps.
• Don’t touch and play with your jewelry.
• Use aftercare sprays designed for piercings. These sprays, which usually contain sea salt and lysozymes, promote healing and prevent infection.
• If you notice persistent bleeding or severe swelling, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.

Ashley piercing Jewelry

Choosing the right jewelry for your Ashley piercing is an essential part of the process. The type of jewelry you choose can impact not only the aesthetic appeal of the piercing but also the healing process and your overall comfort.

Here are some of the primary jewelry options for an Ashley piercing:

• Labret Flatback Studs

Labret flatback studs are often the recommended choice for Ashley piercings. These studs have a flat back, which minimizes contact with the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of dental issues. They are comfortable to wear and come in a variety of designs and materials, allowing you to personalize your look. Initially, a longer post is used to accommodate swelling, but after approximately six weeks, a shorter post can be switched in.

• Straight Bars

Straight bars, such as labrets or barbells, are commonly used for Ashley piercings. Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the jewelry. Some individuals prefer a labret that has a flat disc on the back, while others may prefer a bead. Both options can work well for an Ashley piercing.

• Piercing Retainers

Piercing retainers are another suitable option for Ashley piercings, especially for occasions when you need to hide your piercing. These are typically clear or flesh-colored and are designed to be less noticeable than regular jewelry.

• Other Jewelry Options

While other jewelry options like hoops or horseshoes are possible, they are generally not recommended for Ashley piercings. These types of jewelry may have more contact with teeth and could potentially get caught on the lip, causing discomfort or injury.

Remember, the flat back of the jewelry is extremely important for an Ashley piercing. This design reduces the likelihood of the jewelry rubbing against your gums and teeth, which can cause dental issues. While the jewelry styles for Ashley piercings may be somewhat limited, you can get creative with different jewelry ends, materials, and designs to create a look that’s uniquely you.

Changing or removing ashley piercing

Changing or removing an Ashley piercing should be done with care, and it’s always recommended to ensure the piercing is fully healed before making any alterations.

When it comes to changing the jewelry, it’s advisable to start with a longer labret bar to accommodate any potential swelling. Once the piercing has healed, you can switch to a shorter stud for maximum comfort and to prevent tooth erosion or weakening of the enamel. After successfully downsizing your piercing jewelry with the help of a professional piercer, you can change it yourself in the future. The process involves simply unscrewing the top part of the jewelry and screwing in the new piece, without needing to remove the fixed part of the jewelry placed by the piercer.

If you decide to remove the Ashley piercing, it’s possible to do so. However, it’s recommended to have this done by a professional piercer, especially if the piercing hasn’t fully healed yet. Once the jewelry is removed, the hole will gradually close up on its own, but the time it takes can vary from person to person. It’s important to continue practicing good hygiene during this time to prevent any potential complications.

Ashley Piercing Risks and Complications

Like any form of body modification, Ashley piercing comes with its own set of risks and potential complications. Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision and take necessary precautions.

• Infection

Infection is a major risk associated with Ashley piercing, as it is with any other facial piercings. This risk can be exacerbated if a larger jewelry stud is used, as it stretches the skin and can leave a significant scar after its removal. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow proper aftercare and cleaning processes to minimize the risk of infection.

• Damage to Teeth

Due to its placement, the jewelry of an Ashley piercing is likely to come into frequent contact with the front teeth. This constant impact can lead to enamel damage and potentially affect your smile and dental appearance. It’s important to be mindful while eating and talking to prevent the jewelry from getting caught on teeth. During the initial healing phase, it’s advisable to eat slower and avoid consuming hot and spicy foods to prevent irritation or discomfort.

• Rejection or Migration

Ashley piercings are prone to rejection or migration. Rejection occurs when the body recognizes the piercing as a foreign object and slowly pushes it out. Migration refers to the piercing moving from its initial placement due to lack of supportive tissue. Both of these complications can affect the appearance and healing of the piercing.

• Swelling and Healing Issues

Swelling is a common occurrence with Ashley piercings since they pass through an area rich in blood vessels. Significant swelling should be expected when considering this piercing. Additionally, due to the combined factors of potential migration or rejection, swelling, and the nature of the soft tissue in that area, healing may result in a crooked or off-center appearance.

• Social and Professional Considerations

Finally, as with any facial piercing, an Ashley piercing may impact employability and social interactions. It’s important to consider these potential consequences before deciding to get this piercing.

Does the Ashley piercing affect speech?

The Ashley piercing typically does not affect speech. The jewelry is located on the lower lip and does not interfere with the tongue or the movement of the mouth during speech. However, during the initial healing period, you might experience some minor discomfort or changes in speech as you adjust to the new piercing. This is temporary and should resolve once the piercing heals and you become accustomed to the jewelry.

How much does Ashley piercing cost?

The cost of an Ashley piercing may vary depending on several factors, such as the piercer’s experience, the location of the piercing shop, and the region you’re in. On average, an Ashley piercing typically costs between $30 to $70 in most regions.

However, it’s important to remember that choosing a piercer based solely on the cheapest option may result in poor quality work and an increased risk of complications. Instead, prioritize a piercer’s professionalism and reputation to ensure a safe and well-executed piercing.

Ashley piercing Pros and Cons

Like any other oral piercing, the Ashley piercing has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Ashley piercing is a distinctive and stylish lip piercing and one of the trendiest piercing styles on social media

• Its minimal look allows for easy combination with other piercing styles and a variety of jewelry options.

• The Ashley piercing enhances the lower lip, boosting confidence and sex appeal by highlighting the shape and beauty of the lips.

Cons

• Ashley piercings are generally more painful than other lip piercings due to the amount of tissue being pierced.

• The jewelry’s placement can lead to dental issues over time due to constant contact with teeth and gums.

• The healing process for Ashley piercings is typically longer and more prone to swelling than other lip piercings.

• There’s a risk of infection and lingering dark scars if aftercare instructions are not properly followed.

FAQs

Does Ashley piercing hurt more than other lip piercings?

Yes, Ashley piercings are generally considered more painful due to the amount of tissue being pierced. However, pain is subjective and varies from person to person.

How long does Ashley piercing take to heal?

Typically, Ashley piercings take about 3 to 4 months to heal. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth healing process.

Can Ashley piercing cause any complications?

Yes, like any piercing, it can cause complications such as infection, rejection, or migration if not properly cared for. Regular cleaning and avoiding unnecessary touching can help prevent these issues.

Can you change the jewelry for Ashley piercing?

Yes, but it’s recommended to wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry. Changing it too early can cause irritation or delay the healing process.

How do you eat with Ashley piercing?

Initially, it’s best to eat soft foods and avoid spicy or acidic foods. Be careful not to bite on the jewelry. Over time, you’ll adjust and be able to eat normally.

Does Ashley piercing damage teeth?

If the jewelry frequently comes into contact with your teeth, it could potentially cause damage over time. It’s important to choose the right size of jewelry and to avoid playing with the piercing to minimize this risk.

What jewelry size for Ashley piercing?

The initial jewelry is usually a longer bar to accommodate swelling. After healing, a shorter bar is typically used. The exact size depends on your anatomy and the jewelry style you choose. Always consult with your professional piercer for the best fit.