Lip piercing is getting really popular these days. If you are amongst the huge numbers of people thinking about getting one of these cool piercings then you’ve come to the right place!
In today’s guide, we talk all things lip piercing. From inspirational ideas to types of lip piercings, to a walkthrough of the whole procedure, we’ve got all the information you need right here.
Why Get a Lip Piercing?
Getting pierced on the lips is an integral part of the rich culture and tradition of numerous people in the world.
Certain tribes in Africa have the tradition of letting young men who are becoming adults get this type of piercing to signify the change.
Moreover, this kind of piercing has been a religious symbol for a number of people worldwide. The tribes of Dogon in Mali and the Nuba in Ethiopia, for example, use such piercings to determine a person’s position in the religious hierarchy.
In this modern era, young men and women use these piercings to express their personal style and identity.
It’s becoming one of the more popular piercings as people are inspired by their heroes and heroines of popular culture. Famous singers and actors lead the way in inspiring a new generation.
Types of Lip Piercings
It might surprise some but piercings on the lips are available in a wide variety of styles. The styles depend on the area that is pierced and also the type of jewelry that is used.
Here’s a quick run-through of the most famous and common types of lip piercing available today:
- Monroe Piercing – As its name suggests, this piercing on the lips is named after the iconic Hollywood actress, Marilyn Monroe. The area that will be pierced here is the lip part where Monroe’s famous birthmark was located.
- Labret Piercing – This type of piercing on the lips is actually not done right there on the lip part itself. It is commonly done under the lower lip part, which is centimeters above the chin.
- Madonna Piercing – This one is the exact opposite of the Monroe piercing. If the Monroe is placed on the left side portion of the upper lip, the Madonna piercing is positioned right there on the right side.
- Vertical Labret Piercing – This piercing kind is closely related to the labret piercing. The only difference is that it has two heads. The first one is right there on the portion below the lower lip, while the other one is located on the center of the lower lip.
- Medusa Piercing – This piercing is done right there at the region below the nose and above the lips. This region is called philtrum. This is why it’s otherwise known as a philtrum piercing.
- Jestrum Piercing – It closely resembles to the vertical labret piercing, but it is done on the opposite position of the said piercing. The first head is placed on the philtrum area, and the other one is located at the center of the upper lip.
- Snake Bite Piercing – A kind of piercing that is located on the lip, particularly on the lower lip part.
- Spider Bite Piercing – A viper bite piercing or spider bite piercing is a pair of piercings that are close to each other and on the bottom lip.
- Angel Bite Piercing – It is more like the snakebite, but on the upper lip instead of the lower lip.
- Cyber Bite Piercing – It is a combination of the Medusa and Labret piercings – one piercing done in the center just above the top and just below the bottom lip.
- Dolphin Bite Piercing – are two piercings centered on the lower lip, similar to the snake bite piercing, but closer together.
- Dahlia Piercing – It is done at the corners of the mouth.
- Canine Bite Piercing – They are single piercings done on both sides of both the upper and lower lips.
- Shark Bite Piercing – It is a pair of spider/viper bites piercings. Two close together piercings done on both sides of the lower lip
Credit BodyCandy
An Important Procedure
Needless to say, the procedure of having a lip piercing requires the expert hands of a professional piercer.
This is why the most important step in the whole procedure is choosing a piercer. You must take your time to find a reliable and experienced piercer that has an excellent reputation.
In a normal piercing shop setting, the professional piercer will definitely try to break the tension first by way of talking to you and explaining everything that you need to know.
When you feel more relaxed, you will then be asked to sit in a certain position that will be both convenient for you and the piercer as well. The next thing expected to be done is that the professional piercer will clean the lip area for piercing with the use of gentian violet, which is a commonly used type of antiseptic.
Afterward, the lips will be stretched to make the piercing procedure easier with the aid of piercing forceps. Basically, the more tension there is in the lip then the quicker and easier the piercing will be made.
When the lips are finally set, the piercing is then done with the help of a little force. And for the final touch, the bead is screwed in on the post. That is all, and you’re good to go.
The Pain Felt During the Procedure
It is, of course, normal to experience some pain when you undergo a procedure like a piercing on your lip.
It really depends on your own pain tolerance as to how much pain you experience.
Many people describe the pain as pinch-like or ant bite-like. Even so, there are also some individuals who find the pain very intense to the extent that they experience breathing difficulty while the piercing procedure is still going on.
If you’ve had piercings before then I expect you’ll be just fine. For first-timers, however, expect a bit of a shock. This piercing is more painful than a general ear piercing for example.
How Long is the Healing Process?
Now let’s talk about the healing process of a piercing on the lips. The entire process can actually take a minimum time duration of 4 weeks and a maximum of 10 weeks, depending on how you facilitate the healing process itself.
Take this process seriously and I’m sure you’ll have no problems. Listen to your piercer and follow their instructions carefully. Things like drinking alcohol and smoking can lengthen the healing time so think about this carefully before making a decision about getting a piercing.
Saliva present in your mouth actually contains bacteria-fighting properties.
This is the main reason why piercings on lips are deemed to be among the body piercings that have the shortest healing times.
However, be prepared for some awkwardness when eating and drinking!
What Can You Do for a Faster Recovery?
There are various things you can do to aid the healing process. Here’s some of the advice likely to be given to you by a professional piercer:
- Clean your mouth after mealtimes. Keep in mind to only use an alcohol-free mouthwash or an antimicrobial one. Remember that alcohol may make the condition of the pierced area worse. You can also consider using a homemade mouthwash solution that is made from sea salt (non-iodized) and some amounts of water.
- Don’t touch the piercing when it is not necessary. Remember, touching it from time to time may put some strain on the wound and on the pierced area, which increases the likelihood of infection. Also, when you touch it like during the cleaning session, make sure to wash your hands first.
- Clean the jewelry as well as the pierced area during bathing sessions. It should be done only once or twice. More than that can irritate the area. A mild soap should be used in cleaning, but make sure not to leave it covered with soap for longer than 30 seconds.
- Pat drying should be applied. Keep in mind that the pierced area is very prone to irritation while it is healing, so you need to be gentle with your movevements. Use a pat drying technique in wiping the remaining moisture from the area when cleaning.
The Expected Cost for a Piercing on the Lip
The price of a piercing on the lips ranges between $20 and $120 in most piercing studios.
This exact cost is based on several factors. Obviously, the more skilled and experienced the piercer the more you are likely to pay.
The specific location where the piercing should be done is also a factor. The more difficult lip piercings command higher fees.
Another factor is the kind of jewelry you choose. Obviously, the more expensive the jewelry that you use the more you are going to pay for your procedure.
A final factor is the number of piercings that you’re going to have. A more complicated lip area piercing like a spider bite piercing (involving 2 piercings) will cost more.
Do piercings on lips scar?
YES, lip piercings leave a tiny scar. Make sure you take the time to make the right decision for you.
A tiny hole will remain where the piercing was made but over time this will shrink. However, it may always be slightly visible.
The size of the hole made determines the size of the scar. The needle gauge determines this.
You can reduce the likelihood of prominent scarring by following the healing instructions carefully.
Scar Removal
There are several lip piercing scar removal methods such as Punch Excision Surgery but we can’t comment on the effectiveness of them. To find out more about lip piercing scarring check this useful guide out.
Popular Ideas
Here are some inspirational piercings of the lips to get you started!
Most Popular Jewellery Options
These are some common types of jewellery used in lip piercings.
Final Words
Without a doubt, a lip piercing can look really attractive when done well. However, it’s a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly.
We hope that this guide has helped answer some questions you had but ultimately it’s down to you to take your time and make the right decision.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
Do you have an awesome lip piercing that you’d like to share with the community?
Let us know down in the comments section or over on the contact page!
