Everything You Need to Know About Lip Piercings: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

 

Table of Content

• Lip Piercings Types and What To Expect
• Expert Aftercare Guide and Long-Term Success Tips Day-by-Day
• Recommended Cleaning Solutions and Products to Avoid
• How to Handle Common Complications
• Eating and Drinking Guidelines During Healing
• How to Reduce Scarring and Optimize Healing

The first documented lip piercing dates back over 5,000 years to Ancient Egyptian royalty!" As I've experienced lip piercings, and let me tell you - the transformation it can bring to your look is incredible. With innovative placement styles taking over social media. I'll walk you through everything you need to know about this stunning modification!

Lip Piercings Types and What To Expect

Bodymodification like the lip piercings is a popular procedure, and comes with a range of styles that are suitable for whatever aesthetic you like. Below is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know before getting one.

1.    Types of Lip Piercings

• Labret: Located in the centre, just below the bottom lip.

• Monroe: It mimicked Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark, on upper lip. • Medusa (Philtrum): Near the upper lip, just below that septum of the nose.

• Snake Bites: Two side of the bottom lip piercings which are symmetric between each other.

• Spider Bites: One on either side of the bottom lip pulled through.

• Angel Bites: Symmetrically placed piercings between the upper lip.

 • Vertical Labret: A barbell that extends through the center of the lower lip.

• Jestrum: Same as the Medusa, except the bar is coming out the top of the upper lip.

2.    Pain Scale Ratings

Pain tolerance varies, but here’s

an average pain scale (1-10):

• Labret: 4/10

• Monroe: 5/10

• Medusa: 6/10

• Snake Bites: 5/10

• Vertical Labret: 6/10

Factors influencing pain include your anatomy, piercer’s skill, and individual sensitivity.

3.    Healing Times

• Labret, Snake Bites, and Monroe: 6-8 weeks

• Medusa and Vertical Labret: 8-12 weeks

• Healing Stages:

Swelling (1-2 weeks), regeneration of the skin (4-6 weeks), healing of the tissue (up to 12 weeks). Complications need to be avoided by proper aftercare (e.g., saline rinses).

4. Jewelry Options

• Initial Choices:

o Surgical steel: Durable and affordable.

o Titanium: Hypoallergenic, lightweight.

o Gold: But make sure its 14k or higher.

• Don’t use nickel containing metals because they can be allergic.

• Medusa and Vertical Labret: 8-12 weeks

5.Pricing Guide

• Prices depend on location and studio reputation:

o North America: $40–$100 per piercing

o Europe: €30–€80

o Asia: $20–$70

It is not included with jewelry or after care kits.

6.    Anatomy Considerations

• Thick lips or uneven lip symmetry might require specific placements.

• Consult with your piercer to ensure the selected style complements your anatomy.

7.   Pick the Right Style

• Round Face: Use of Vertical Labret or Medusa to elongate the face. 

• Oval Face: Most styles work well.

• Heart Face: Key subtle piercings include Monroe

8.    Common Myths Debunked

• Myth: "If you get a lip piercing your tooth ruin."

o Fact: Jewelry and placement that are proper minimize enamel wear.

• Myth: "It doesn't matter what piercings they are; it hurts all the same."

o Fact: Placement and tolerance of the patient determine the level of pain.

9.    Finding a Qualified Piercer

• Look for certifications from organizations like the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).

• Check studio cleanliness, piercing portfolio, and client reviews.

10. The Piercing Process: Step-by-Step

1. Consultation: Talk about proper placement and jewelry.

2. Preparation: Mark and place area, then disinfect.

3. Piercing: It is precise using a hollow needle.

4. Jewelry Insertion: Minute treatment to avoid suffering discomfort.

5. Aftercare Guidance: The instructions for cleaning and how to manage swelling.

11. Swelling and Jewelry Sizing Management

• Normal initial swelling and piercers will use slightly larger jewelry initially to fill out the swelling.1

• Swelling typically subsides within 5-7 days, after which downsizing might be recommended.

Expert Aftercare Guide and Long-Term Success Tips Day-by-Day 

Aftercare Routine for the First Month

• Day 1-7: Rinse with a saline solution or non-alcoholic antiseptic mouthwash after meals and before bed. Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry.

• Day 8-14: Continue rinsing twice daily and monitor for swelling or redness. Start incorporating gentle cleaning of the external area with saline wipes.

• Day 15-30: Reduce saline rinses to once daily. Ensure the piercing is not irritated by external factors (like tight clothing or bedding).

Recommended Cleaning Solutions and Products to Avoid

• Use:

o Saline solution (sterile and preservative-free).

o Non-alcoholic, fragrance-free mouthwash. o Cotton swabs for external cleaning.

• Avoid:

o Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based products (cause dryness and irritation).

o Harsh antibacterial soaps or ointments.

How to Handle Common Complications

• Swelling: Use cold compresses and drink plenty of water. Avoid spicy or acidic foods.

• Migration or Rejection: If noticed early, consult your piercer immediately to assess if downsizing or removal is needed.

• Infection: Look for signs of pus, excessive redness, or heat. Use saline rinses and consult a professional for antibiotics if needed.

Eating and Drinking Guidelines During Healing

• Stick to soft, non-spicy foods for the first week. Alcohol, caffeine and smoking are all things that are best avoided to avoid irritation. Keep the area clean by drinking water frequently.

Normal Healing vs. Infection Indicators

• Normal Healing: Redness, tenderness and clear discharge.

• Infection Indicators: Excessive pain, swelling, yellow infected discharge, fever, foul odor.

How to Reduce Scarring and Optimize Healing

• Avoid touching the area unnecessarily.

• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C.

• Avoid removing jewelry prematurely.

When and How to Safely Change Jewelry

• Wait at least 6-8 weeks (or longer for some piercings) before changing jewelry.

• Use hypoallergenic materials like titanium or surgical steel.

Long-Term Maintenance and Jewelry Rotation Advice

• Clean jewelry regularly with a gentle antibacterial solution.

• Avoid rotating or changing jewelry too frequently to prevent irritation.

Impact on Dental Health and Preventive Measures

• Monitor for gum or tooth erosion caused by oral piercings.

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Professional Activities and Lifestyle Considerations

• Use a retainer or remove jewelry during high-contact sports or activities.

• Protect the piercing from makeup or hair products.

How to Coordinate with Dental Procedures

• Notify your dentist about the piercing before procedures.

• Remove jewelry temporarily if it interferes with X-rays or dental equipment.

Lip piercings are a great way to show the world who you are but only if preparation and post care is taken into account. Either going for a Monroe or snake bites, a professional piercer will make sure to bring your vision to life!