Lip piercings have long been a sought-after form of body modification, with diverse cultures embracing various styles and techniques throughout history. In the modern world, there’s a vast array of lip piercing options to suit individual tastes and unique styles.
From simple upper and lower lip piercings to more elaborate double lip piercings, there’s something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the different types of lip piercings, offering a complete list along with detailed information on each type.
Additionally, we’ll discuss lip piercing jewelry, costs, aftercare, and healing times to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s embark on this lip piercing journey and explore the captivating world of lip and cheek adornments to find the perfect fit for your personal style.
Key Points
- Lip piercings have various placement options, with the most common one located below the bottom lip.
- Healing time for lip piercings is approximately 6 to 10 weeks.
- Lip piercings can be adorned with a variety of jewelry, including studs, hoops, and rings.
- Changing or removing lip piercing jewelry requires careful attention to prevent irritation or damage to the piercing.
- Nesting is normal during the healing process, but embedding can occur if the jewelry is too small or tight.
Lip Piercing Placement: Brief Overview
Derived from the Latin word ‘labrum’ translating to ‘lip’, the term ‘Labret’ broadly encompasses any piercing situated around the mouth area. However, it is conventionally associated with the one centered directly below the bottom lip. Even though there are certain anatomical boundaries and personal aesthetic considerations, the mouth’s surrounding area offers a diverse range of possible piercing placements.
The quintessential labret piercing is nestled in the middle, under the lower lip and within the pigmented boundary known as the vermillion border. The flexibility that labret piercings provide is notable – they can be placed higher, lower, in pairs, or in multiple clusters, tailored to individual liking. The importance of maintaining a neutral angle for the piercing cannot be overstated, as it significantly affects the wearer’s comfort and the piercing’s safety. The connective tissue to the gums determines the maximum distance that a piercing can be placed below the lip. Every type of labret piercing, including the various alternatives, needs to keep this factor in mind. An inadvertent tilt causing pressure on the teeth or gums can lead to discomfort and potential damage. The thin interior lip tissue is sufficiently translucent, enabling easy avoidance of the plethora of blood vessels.
To ensure accuracy in placement, it is advisable to mark both the internal and external areas of the piercing. If you are planning to alternate between a ring and a stud-style piece of jewelry after the piercing heals, this is a vital point to discuss with your piercer. The choice of jewelry can influence the piercing’s angle and depth.
Differents Types of Lip Piercings
Dive into the world of lip piercings and explore the diverse range of styles that can accentuate your smile. With a variety of upper and lower lip piercing options, you can customize your look to express your unique personality. Discover the allure of lip piercings and see how they can add a touch of edge and individuality to your appearance.
Upper lip piercing
Upper lip piercings are facial piercings located on the upper lip area, typically above the lip or along the philtrum. They include popular styles such as the Monroe and Medusa piercings.
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Monroe Piercing
Inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark, this upper lip piercing is placed off-center on the left side of the lip. The Monroe piercing is typically adorned with a small, subtle stud for a classy and understated look.
- Pain level: 4/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $40-$70
Monroe piercing, similar to the labret and side labret piercings, has a mild to moderate pain level. The healing time is also similar, taking approximately 6-8 weeks.
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Madonna Piercing
The Madonna piercing is a single piercing located above the upper lip, off to one side, resembling a beauty mark. This upper lip piercing is named after Madonna, the famous pop singer, who has a natural beauty mark in a similar position. The Madonna piercing is usually adorned with a small labret stud.
- Pain level: 4/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $40-$70
The Madonna piercing has a pain level similar to the Monroe piercing, with most people rating it as mild to moderate. The healing time for this piercing is typically 6 to 8 weeks.
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Medusa Piercing
The Medusa piercing, also known as a philtrum piercing, is positioned in the center of the upper lip, directly above the cupid’s bow. This piercing is typically adorned with a small, flat-backed labret stud to prevent irritation to the gums and teeth.
- Pain level: 4/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $40-$70
This piercing, comparable to the Monroe and Madonna piercings, involves piercing sensitive upper lip tissue, resulting in moderate pain. Healing time is typically 6 to 8 weeks.
@mirrdo.piercings medusa looks so good on her 🥹💜#medusapiercing #lippiercing #piercing #mirrdopiercings #piercingrotterdam #piercingstudio #piercingvideos #piercingcheck ♬ U Are My High – DJ Snake
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Angel Bites Piercing
Angel bites piercings are essentially the upper lip counterpart to snake bites, featuring two evenly spaced piercings on either side of the upper lip. This symmetrical double lip piercing can be adorned with subtle studs or small hoops to create a balanced and stylish look.
- Pain level: 4/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $80-$140 (for both)
The angel bites piercing has a pain level similar to the Monroe and Madonna piercings, as it involves piercing sensitive upper lip tissue. The healing time for this piercing is generally between 6 to 8 weeks.
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Jestrum Piercing
A Jestrum piercing, also known as a vertical medusa, is a vertical piercing that passes through the upper lip’s philtrum, entering just above the lip line and exiting through the lip itself. A curved barbell is the preferred jewelry choice for this piercing, creating a distinctive appearance similar to the vertical labret.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 8-12 weeks
- Cost: $40-$80
The Jestrum piercing has a moderate pain level, similar to the Medusa and vertical labret piercings. The healing time for this piercing is between 8-12 weeks.
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Frenulum Piercing
The frenulum piercing, also known as the “smiley piercing,” is placed through the upper lip’s frenulum, the small piece of tissue connecting the lip to the gum. This piercing is typically adorned with a small captive bead ring or a circular barbell.
- Pain level: 3/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $30-$50
Similar to the frenulum piercing, the frowny piercing has a low pain level because it involves a thin piece of tissue with fewer nerve endings. The healing time for this piercing is typically between 6 to 8 weeks.
Lower Lip Piercing
Lower lip piercings are positioned on or below the lower lip, with common examples being the Labret, Vertical Labret, Snake Bites, and Dolphin Bites piercings.
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Labret Piercing
A labret piercing is a single, centered piercing on the bottom lip, just below the lip line. This classic lower lip piercing can be adorned with a variety of jewelry, such as labret studs, hoops, or captive bead rings.
- Pain level: 4/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $30-$60
Labret piercings are moderately painful, similar to side labret piercings, due to sensitive tissue and nerve endings in the lip area. They typically take 6-8 weeks to heal because the mouth area has good blood flow, but movement of the lips can slow healing.
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Double Labret Piercing
The double labret piercing consists of two piercings symmetrically placed on either side of the lower lip. This unique double piercing creates the appearance of two “bites” on the lower lip. The most common jewelry for double labret piercings are labret studs, but hoops and captive bead rings can also be used.
- Pain level: 4/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $50-$100 (for both piercings)
The double labret piercing has a moderate pain level, slightly lower than the shark bites piercing, as it involves fewer piercings. The healing time for this piercing typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks.
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Side Labret Piercing
A side labret piercing is similar to the traditional labret piercing but is placed off-center on either the left or right side of the lower lip, rather than in the middle. This off-center lower lip piercing can be adorned with a variety of jewelry styles, including labret studs, hoops, or captive bead rings.
- Pain level: 4/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $30-$60
The side labret piercing is comparable in pain to the standard labret piercing because both involve piercing through sensitive lip tissue with many nerve endings. Healing time is usually 6-8 weeks, aided by the good blood flow in the mouth area. However, the constant movement of the lips and potential for irritation can make healing take longer.
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Vertical Labret Piercing
This variation of the labret piercing passes vertically through the lower lip, entering below the lip line and exiting through the lip itself. A curved barbell is the most common jewelry choice for a vertical labret piercing, creating a unique and striking appearance.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 8-10 weeks
- Cost: $40-$70
The vertical labret piercing has a slightly higher pain level than the standard labret piercing due to more tissue being pierced. Healing time is generally 8 to 10 weeks.
@mirrdo.piercings VERTICAL LABRET 🥹 what do you think about it? Lip piercings are coming back 🤠#piercing #piercings #piercinglovers #piercingstudio #piercingvideo #piercingvideos #piercingaddict @lÅ“pįs ♬ Just for me – PinkPantheress
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Snake Bites Piercing
Snake bites piercings consist of two separate piercings on the bottom lip, evenly spaced on either side of the center. This double lip piercing can be worn with matching studs, hoops, or a combination of the two, and creates a bold and edgy look.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 8-10 weeks
- Cost: $60-$120 (for both)
The snake bites piercing has a moderate pain level due to the fact that it involves two separate piercings. The healing time for this piercing is generally between 8 to 10 weeks, as the mouth’s rich blood supply promotes faster healing, while constant lip movement and potential irritation can prolong the healing process.
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Spider Bites Piercing
Similar to snake bites, spider bites piercings involve two piercings on the bottom lip. However, these piercings are positioned closer together, typically on one side of the lip. Studs or hoops can be used to create a unique and eye-catching appearance.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 8-10 weeks
- Cost: $60-$120 (for both)
The spider bites piercing shares a moderate pain level with the snake bites piercing, as it also consists of two separate piercings. The healing time for this piercing is typically between 8 to 10 weeks.
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Dolphin Bites Piercing
Dolphin bites piercings consist of two closely spaced piercings placed in the center of the bottom lip. This lower lip piercing style is similar to snake bites but positioned closer together. Both studs and hoops can be used as jewelry for this piercing.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 8-10 weeks
- Cost: $60-$120 (for both)
The dolphin bites piercing has a moderate pain level due to the fact that it involves two separate piercings. The healing time for this piercing is typically between 8 to 10 weeks, with factors such as the mouth’s rich blood supply and constant lip movement affecting the healing process.
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Canine Bites Piercing
Canine bites piercings (or K9 piercing) combine both angel bites and snake bites, resulting in a total of four piercings – two on the upper lip and two on the bottom lip. This striking style can be customized with a mix of studs and hoops to create a truly unique look.
- Pain level: 4/10 (each)
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $120-$240 (for all four)
The canine bites piercings have a mild to moderate pain level, similar to the labret, Monroe, and snake bites piercings. Each piercing has a healing time of 6-8 weeks.
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Cyber Bites Piercing
Cyber bites piercings combine a medusa piercing on the upper lip and a labret piercing on the lower lip, both centered for a symmetrical look. This pairing can be personalized with matching or complementary jewelry, such as studs or hoops.
- Pain level: 4/10 (labret), 5/10 (Medusa)
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks (labret), 8-12 weeks (Medusa)
- Cost: $70-$160 (for both)
The cyber bites piercings have varying pain levels, with the labret rated as mild to moderate and the Medusa as moderate. The healing time for the labret piercing is 6-8 weeks, while the Medusa takes 8-12 weeks.
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Shark Bites Piercing
Shark bites piercing consists of two pairs of piercings, with each pair placed symmetrically on both sides of the lower lip. This unique double lip piercing creates the appearance of four “bites” on the lower lip, hence the name “shark bites.” The most common jewelry for shark bites piercings are labret studs, but hoops and captive bead rings can also be used.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 6-10 weeks
- Cost: $60-$120 (for all four piercings)
The shark bites piercing has a moderate pain level, slightly higher than a single labret piercing, as it involves four separate piercings. The healing time for this piercing typically ranges from 6 to 10 weeks. The cost of shark bites piercings, which includes all four piercings, usually ranges from $60 to $120, depending on the studio and location.
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Horizontal Labret Piercing
The horizontal labret piercing is a unique variation of the labret piercing, where the jewelry is placed horizontally through the lower lip. This piercing is usually adorned with a straight barbell or a curved barbell.
- Pain level: 6/10
- Healing time: 8-12 weeks
- Cost: $40-$70
The frenulum piercing has a low pain level because it goes through a thin piece of tissue with fewer nerve endings. The healing time for this piercing is generally between 6 to 8 weeks due to the mouth’s rich blood supply.
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Ashley Piercing
The Ashley piercing is a single, centered piercing that goes through the middle of the bottom lip and exits through the oral mucosa on the inside of the mouth. This unique lip piercing can be adorned with a labret stud, with the decorative end sitting on the outer lip and the flat disc resting against the inner lip.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 8-10 weeks
- Cost: $40-$70
The Ashley piercing has a moderate pain level, similar to the vertical labret piercing, as it passes through more tissue than other lip piercings. The healing time for this piercing is between 8-10 weeks. The cost of an Ashley piercing typically ranges from $40 to $70, depending on the studio and location.
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Dahlia Piercing
The dahlia piercing, consists of two piercings located at the corners of the mouth, resembling the facial scars of the Black Dahlia murder victim, Elizabeth Short. This double lip piercing is usually adorned with labret studs, which can be replaced with shorter studs once the initial swelling subsides.
- Pain level: 5/10
- Healing time: 8-12 weeks
- Cost: $70-$140 (for both)
The Dahlia piercing has a moderate pain level, with most people rating it slightly higher than the Monroe or labret piercings. The healing time for this piercing is usually between 8-12 weeks. The cost of Dahlia piercings, which includes both piercings, typically ranges from $70 to $140, depending on the studio and location.
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Frowny Piercing
The frowny piercing is the opposite of the smiley piercing, as it goes through the lower lip’s frenulum. It is usually adorned with a small captive bead ring or a circular barbell.
- Pain level: 3/10
- Healing time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $30-$50
The horizontal labret piercing has a higher pain level than a standard labret piercing because it passes through more tissue and involves more sensitive areas in the lip. The healing time for this piercing is generally between 8 to 12 weeks.
Lip piercings types comparison chart
Now that we’ve covered various lip piercing types in detail, it’s time to compare them side by side. We’ve created a Lip Piercings Comparison Chart to provide you with an easy-to-read overview of each piercing’s placement, pricing, pain level, and healing time. This chart will help you make an informed decision about which lip piercing is the best fit for you, considering your preferences and budget. Let’s take a look at the comparison chart below!
| Piercing Name | Location | Pain Level | Healing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe Piercing | Upper lip off-center | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $40-$70 |
| Madonna Piercing | Upper lip off-center | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $40-$70 |
| Medusa Piercing | Center of upper lip | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $40-$70 |
| Angel Bites Piercing | Two evenly spaced piercings on either side of the upper lip | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $80-$140 (for both) |
| Jestrum Piercing | Vertical through upper lip’s philtrum | 5/10 | 8-12 weeks | $40-$80 |
| Frenulum Piercing | Upper lip’s frenulum | 3/10 | 6-8 weeks | $30-$50 |
| Labret Piercing | Center of bottom lip | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $30-$60 |
| Side Labret Piercing | Off-center on left or right side of bottom lip | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $30-$60 |
| Double Labret Piercing | Both sides of the lower lip | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $50-$100 |
| Side Labret Piercing | Off-center on left or right side of bottom lip | 4/10 | 6-8 weeks | $30-$60 |
| Double Labret Piercing | Vertically through bottom lip | 5/10 | 8-10 weeks | $40-$70 |
| Snake Bites Piercing | Two piercings on either side of bottom lip | 5/10 | 8-10 weeks | $60-$120 (for both) |
| Spider Bites Piercing | Two piercings closer together on one side of bottom lip | 5/10 | 8-10 weeks | $60-$120 (for both) |
| Dolphin Bites Piercing | Two closely spaced piercings in center of bottom lip | 5/10 | 8-10 weeks | $60-$120 (for both) |
| Canine Bites Piercing | Two on upper lip and two on bottom lip | 4/10 (each) | 6-8 weeks | $120-$240 (for all four) |
| Cyber Bites Piercing | Medusa piercing on upper lip and labret piercing on lower lip | 4/10 (labret), 5/10 (Medusa) | 6-8 weeks (labret), 8-12 weeks (Medusa) | $70-$160 (for both) |
| Shark Bites Piercing | Two pairs of piercings symmetrically on both sides of bottom lip | 5/10 | 6-10 weeks | $60-$120 (for all four) |
| Horizontal Labret Piercing | Horizontally through lower lip | 6/10 | 8-12 weeks | $40-$70 |
| Ashley Piercing | Centered piercing through middle of bottom lip and exits through oral mucosa | 5/10 | 8-10 weeks | $40-$70 |
| Dahlia Piercing (Cheek Piercing) | Two piercings at corners of mouth | 5/10 | 8-12 weeks | $70-$140 (for both) |
| Frowny Piercing | Lower lip’s frenulum | 3/10 | 6-8 weeks | $30-$50 |
How much cost a Lip Piercings?
The cost of getting a lip piercing can vary significantly based on various factors, including the location of the piercing studio, the experience level of the piercing professional, and the geographical area in which you live. On average, a single lip piercing can range anywhere from $30 to $80. However, it’s important to note that this price range typically does not include the cost of the jewelry itself, which can add to the overall cost.
For more complex or multiple lip piercings, the price may increase due to the added complexity and time required to complete the piercings. Ultimately, it’s best to consult with your chosen piercing studio directly for the most accurate pricing information.
Lip Piercings Healing Time
The healing time for lip piercings can vary depending on the specific type and location of the piercing. In general, one can expect a healing time frame of approximately 6 to 10 weeks. However, each individual’s body heals at its own pace, and certain factors such as your overall health, your adherence to aftercare instructions, and the quality of aftercare products used can impact this timeline.
Lip Piercing Aftercare: Your Guide to Successful Healing
Once you’ve got your lip piercing, proper aftercare is vital to ensure a smooth and uncomplicated healing process. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Cleanliness is key: Clean the piercing site with a saline solution or a specialized piercing aftercare spray 2-3 times daily. This helps to keep the area free of harmful bacteria and promotes healing.
- Mind Your Mouth Movements: When you’re wearing a new labret stud, be mindful of opening your mouth too wide, as the disc on the inside can accidentally catch on your teeth. It might take some time to adjust to this new addition, but being cautious can help avoid any unnecessary discomfort.
- Shaving Considerations: For those who shave, continue your routine as usual, taking care not to jostle the jewelry. Avoid applying aftershave, particularly those containing alcohol, near the healing piercing, as this can cause irritation.
- Makeup and Lip Care: Using lipstick or lip balm is permissible, but ensure the containers are kept clean and not shared. It’s better to use stick-based applications rather than those you apply with your fingers to minimize bacterial transfer.
- Dental Hygiene: Plaque can accumulate on the part of labret jewelry inside your mouth, especially at the junction of the disc and the post. Although it’s challenging to clean this area with a toothbrush, dental floss can effectively maintain cleanliness.
- Avoid Playing with the Piercing: A new lip piercing might feel like a fascinating novelty, tempting you to play with it. However, such actions can delay the healing process and potentially cause harm. Once completely healed, interacting with the jewelry shouldn’t cause irritation, but if it involves your teeth or gums, it can lead to damage.
- Use Dental Wax for Comfort: If the jewelry leads to discomfort inside your mouth, consider applying dental or orthodontic wax to soften its impact. This inexpensive, harmless wax can be found at most drugstores.
- Monitor Your Healing Process: If discomfort persists despite changing the jewelry size or style, it might indicate that the piercing needs to be abandoned. Persistent issues should be addressed with your piercer to ensure the health and safety of your piercing.
Lip Piercing Jewelry
When selecting the ideal jewelry for your lip piercing, it’s important to choose styles that best complement the specific type of piercing. For horizontal side lip piercings on the lower lip, labret studs, captive bead rings, circular barbells, and twisters are the top choices. These styles not only provide a comfortable fit but also enhance the visual appeal of the piercing.
On the other hand, if you have a horizontal lip piercing above the upper lip, labret studs are the preferred option. These studs are better suited for such placements due to their simple design and secure fit, ensuring that the jewelry stays in place and minimizes irritation. By choosing the appropriate jewelry style for your lip piercing, you can enjoy a comfortable and stylish look that perfectly suits your desired aesthetic.
- Labret Studs: A popular choice for various lip piercings, labret studs consist of a straight post with a flat disc on one end and a decorative piece on the other.
- Hoops: Circular jewelry, such as seamless rings or segment rings, can be used in select lip piercings, adding a distinctive look.
- Captive Bead Rings: These rings feature a small bead held in place by tension from the ring, offering a versatile option for different lip piercings.
- Curved Barbells: With a slight curve and decorative ends, curved barbells are suitable for some lip piercings, like the vertical labret or jestrum.
Manipulating Your Lip Piercing: How to Change, Remove, Conceal, or Stretch It
Lip piercings offer a unique opportunity for self-expression, but they also require ongoing care and attention, especially when it comes to changing, removing, concealing, or stretching your piercing.
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Changing and Removing Your Lip Piercing
Healing is an essential part of the process before attempting to alter your lip piercing. Depending on your healing journey and the length of your initial post, downsizing the post may be necessary, and this might need to happen more than once. However, it’s crucial to wait until the healing process is entirely over before inserting tight-fitting jewelry.
Changing the jewelry in oral piercings can be a bit tricky due to the slick nature of saliva. Be prepared with a clean paper towel or two, as these will likely come in handy. Labret studs with disc-backs can be particularly challenging to screw on without help due to their flat shape and small size. A practical approach may be to insert the labret post from the inside and screw on the front. Small hemostats can assist in holding the post during this process. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to visit your piercer for assistance—many individuals do.
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Stretching Your Lip Piercing
Historically, lip piercings are among the most frequently stretched, and many modern piercees continue this tradition with impressive sizes. But caution is advised when stretching lip piercings beyond a 10-gauge size. While the lip tissue is relatively elastic, the risks can increase with the size of the jewelry. Larger and heavier adornments may pose additional oral health risks due to their impact on teeth and gums.
Consider the permanency of the stretch. If you stretch your piercing significantly, the hole may not shrink back enough to prevent saliva leakage should you decide to retire the piercing. Some individuals with large-gauge lip piercings experience saliva leakage even while their jewelry is in place.
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Retiring Your Lip Piercing
If you decide to remove your jewelry permanently, the piercing site will likely leave a small mark, resembling an enlarged pore, provided the healing was uneventful and the piercing wasn’t stretched significantly. If the piercing was placed under the curl of your lip, the natural crease might help to conceal this mark.
However, if the tissue was stretched to a large gauge or expanded too quickly, a permanent void might remain, potentially detracting from your appearance. In such cases, surgery may be the only option to restore a normal look. Be aware that permanent damage to the lower front teeth or nearby gums can occur with extreme lip enlargement. Always consult with a professional before making significant changes to your piercing.
What is lip piercing Embedding and Nesting?
As your body adapts to the presence of a new lip piercing, some changes to the pierced site are expected. One such occurrence is the phenomenon known as nesting, which is when the jewelry slightly sinks or indents into the lip tissue. This is considered a normal part of the healing process, as the body adjusts to the foreign object.
It’s important to note that while nesting is normal, excessive sinking of the jewelry could indicate potential issues. Too tight or heavy jewelry can exert undue pressure on the healing tissue, leading to complications. Therefore, careful monitoring of the healing process and maintaining open communication with your piercer is crucial to ensuring a healthy and safe healing period.
Additionally, the facial surface of labret piercings may undergo some discoloration during healing, typically manifesting as a pinkish or reddish hue. Crusting around the piercing site is also a common occurrence throughout this period. Regular gentle saline soaks can help alleviate these symptoms and promote healing.
While nesting is a normal aspect of the healing process, it’s also possible for the jewelry to become embedded in the lip if the tissue begins to grow over it, either inside or out. Embedding is when the jewelry is gradually enveloped by the skin or the mucous membrane of the lip. This typically happens when the jewelry worn is too small or tight for the swelling that occurs post-piercing, resulting in the jewelry being “swallowed” by the swelling tissue. If such a situation arises, it’s imperative to consult your piercer immediately to prevent the need for medical intervention.
Lip Piercing Risks & Complications: What You Need to Know
While lip piercings can be an appealing form of self-expression, they also come with potential risks and complications that you should be aware of before deciding to get one.
- Infection: As with any piercing, there is a risk of infection. This can occur if the piercing is not cleaned properly during the healing process, or if the piercing is exposed to bacteria. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge from the piercing site. It’s important to follow aftercare instructions closely to minimize this risk.
- Dental Complications: Lip piercings, particularly those located near or against the teeth, can cause dental issues. The jewelry can chip or crack teeth, damage fillings, and cause gum recession due to constant rubbing against these areas. It’s crucial to monitor any changes in your oral health and consult with a dentist if you notice any issues.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the metal used in piercing jewelry. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, and rashes around the piercing site. It’s advisable to use hypoallergenic materials such as titanium or surgical steel, particularly for the initial piercing.
- Nerve Damage: Depending on the location of the piercing, there’s a risk of nerve damage. This is particularly true for piercings that penetrate deeper tissue. Damage can result in temporary or permanent numbness or loss of sensation.
- Difficulty with Oral Functions: Lip piercings can sometimes interfere with normal oral functions such as eating, drinking, and speaking. You might need some time to adjust to the presence of the jewelry.
- Keloid Formation: Some people are prone to developing keloids or hypertrophic scarring, which are raised scars at the site of the piercing. If you have a history of keloids, it’s best to discuss this with your piercer before getting a lip piercing.
- Jewelry Swallowing or Choking: There’s a small risk of accidentally swallowing or choking on piercing jewelry if it becomes loose, particularly during sleep.
Getting Familiar with Lip Anatomy
To better understand lip piercings, it’s essential to learn about the anatomy of the lips. The lips are a prominent facial feature that serves various functions, including speech, facial expressions, and eating. Knowing the structure and parts of the lips can help you decide on the best lip piercing for you and be aware of the potential risks associated with each type.
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Vermilion Border
The vermilion border is the distinct line that separates the colored part of the lips from the surrounding skin. It plays a crucial role in defining the shape of the lips and is an area where some lip piercings, such as the Monroe and Madonna, are placed.
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Upper Lip (Labium Superius)
The upper lip is the part of the lip that extends from the vermilion border to the base of the nose. It consists of the following regions:
Philtrum: The vertical groove that runs from the base of the nose to the upper lip, just below the septum. The Medusa and Jestrum piercings are placed in this area.
Cupid’s Bow: The double-curved, V-shaped structure at the center of the upper lip, resembling a bow. It is often an area of focus for lip makeup and is occasionally pierced with a vertical labret piercing.
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Lower Lip (Labium Inferius)
The lower lip is the part of the lip that extends from the vermilion border to the chin. It is generally larger and more prominent than the upper lip. Some regions of the lower lip include:
Central lower lip: The central part of the lower lip, where most bottom lip piercings, such as the labret and vertical labret, are placed.
Lateral lower lip: The sides of the lower lip, where piercings like snake bites, spider bites, and dolphin bites are typically located.
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Oral Mucosa
The oral mucosa is the moist, pink tissue lining the inside of the mouth, including the inner surfaces of the lips. This tissue is highly vascular and sensitive, playing a vital role in protecting the mouth from pathogens and injury. Many lip piercings pass through the oral mucosa, making it crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid infection and other complications.
FAQs
Can I get a lip piercing if I have braces?
It’s generally best to wait until after your braces are removed to get a lip piercing, as the jewelry may interfere with the braces and cause complications.
How can I minimize swelling after getting a lip piercing?
You can reduce swelling by applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Additionally, avoid salty and spicy foods, as they can exacerbate swelling.
Can I exercise after getting a lip piercing?
It’s usually safe to resume exercise a day or two after getting a lip piercing, but be cautious not to bump or irritate the area while working out. Make sure to clean the piercing thoroughly after exercising to avoid potential infections from sweat and bacteria.
When can I change the jewelry in my lip piercing?
It’s essential to wait until the piercing has fully healed before changing the jewelry, which can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks, depending on the piercing type and individual healing. Consult with your piercer to ensure the piercing is ready for a jewelry change.
How do I know if my lip piercing is infected?
Signs of infection may include excessive redness, swelling, heat, discharge, or a foul smell coming from the piercing site. If you suspect your lip piercing is infected, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional for advice on proper care and treatment.
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