What is a Lip Piercing?
A lip piercing is a type of body modification involving the insertion of jewelry into either the upper or lower lip. Known for its versatility, a lip piercing offers numerous style options and customization opportunities, making it a popular choice among individuals seeking unique expressions of personal style.
Lip Piercing Placement
There are several types of lip piercings, each with its own unique placement and aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of placements:
Angel Bites Piercing
Angel bites, also known as Angel kiss piercings, involve piercing both sides of the upper lip simultaneously, akin to Madonna and Monroe piercings. This process typically employs a hollow 14 or 16-gauge piercing needle.
Healing time: Approximately 3 months. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Ashley Piercing
The Ashley lip piercing punctures directly through the center of the bottom lip, offering a distinctive middle lip piercing. This procedure usually uses a standard 14-gauge piercing needle.
Healing time: Around 2-4 months. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Canine Bites Piercing
Canine bites require four lip piercings in total, with two on each side of both the upper and lower lips. The piercings are positioned near the corners of the mouth, combining angel bites and snake bites.
Healing time: Approximately 8-12 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Labret Piercing
A labret lip piercing refers to any piercing located on the bottom lip, typically centered above the chin. It resembles a stud piercing and can be performed with various gauge needles.
Healing time: About 3-6 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings, captive rings.
Dahlia Piercing
Dahlia piercings, also known as Dahlia bites, are located on both corners of the mouth. This piercing style requires piercings on both sides to achieve the desired look.
Healing time: Roughly 12-20 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Dolphin Bites Piercing
Dolphin bites involve two labret lip rings positioned directly under the center of the bottom lip. This piercing style resembles spider bite piercings but is centered on the lower lip.
Healing time: About 6-8 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings, captive rings.
Horizontal Lip Piercing
Horizontal lip piercings run along the surface of the bottom lip, creating a unique horizontal design.
Healing time: Approximately 8 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings, curved barbells.
Jestrum Piercing
Similar to the vertical labret lip piercing, the jestrum piercing consists of two holes, one through the philtrum and the other through the center of the top lip.
Healing time: Around 6-12 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Curved barbells, captive rings.
Vertical Labret Piercing
Vertical labret piercings consist of two punctures, one through the top of the bottom lip and the other below the bottom lip, creating a vertical lip piercing.
Healing time: Around 6-8 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings, captive rings.
Madonna Piercing
The Madonna piercing sits above the upper lip on the right side of the face, resembling Madonna’s iconic beauty mark.
Healing time: Approximately 6-12 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Medusa Piercing (Philtrum piercing)
The Medusa piercing, also known as the philtrum piercing, is a single piercing above the upper lip, directly under the septum of the nose. Multiple piercings can be added depending on the size of the philtrum groove.
Healing time: Around 6-12 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Monroe Piercing
Monroe lip piercings, placed above the upper lip on the left side of the face, mimic Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty mark.
Healing time: About 6-12 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Snake Bite Piercing
Snake bite piercings involve piercing both sides of the bottom lip, giving the appearance of being bitten by a snake.
Healing time: Around 6-8 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings, captive rings.
Shark Bites Piercing
Shark bites piercing requires two holes on both sides of the lower lip, offering a bold look.
Healing time: Approximately 8-12 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings.
Spider Bites Piercing
Similar to dolphin bites, spider bites involve piercing the side of the lip, either on the upper or lower lip.
Healing time: About 1-3 months. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings, captive rings.
Vertical Labret Piercing
Vertical labret piercings consist of two punctures, one through the top of the bottom lip and the other below the bottom lip, creating a vertical lip piercing.
Healing time: Around 6-8 weeks. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings, captive rings.
Risks and Aftercare of Lip Piercings
Lip piercings, like any other body modification, carry risks and require proper aftercare to minimize complications. It’s essential to consult with a trained professional for the piercing procedure. Potential risks include enamel erosion, gum erosion, and long-term oral damage.
Healing time varies from person to person, typically ranging from two to three months. However, individual circumstances and conditions may affect healing duration.
Aftercare involves avoiding touching or moving the piercing, as it can introduce bacteria and disrupt the healing process. Saline spray is recommended for cleaning, while harsh products like rubbing alcohol should be avoided. Eating and drinking are generally not restricted, but caution should be exercised to prevent discomfort or irritation.
In conclusion, lip piercings offer a versatile means of self-expression, with various placement options to suit individual preferences. Proper care and attention during the healing process are crucial to ensure a successful outcome.