The Ultimate Guide to Lip Piercings: Styles, Pain, Healing Process, and Aftercare
If you are considering a lip piercing, this guide might be useful. From the ubiquitous Labret, the Jestrum or even Shark Bites, there are different types and placements of lip piercings out there such that every taste can be met. From the single stud to cover the bottom lip, to four pegs that rise off the top and bottom of the lip, lip piercings can improve your features, beautify your look and artistic display or self-expression.
However, before engaging, it is important to understand what you will be coming into which ranges from pain to time for healing as well as the best practices for aftercare. There is a wide range of factors and characteristics to each type of lip piercing. This guide will be comprehensive about such questions as, “How long does it take for a lip piercing to or a new belly button piercing? Is it appropriate to engage in a kiss within three weeks of a new lip piercing? And “What is the most painful piercing?”
Proceed with this website to find information about lip piercings, their infliction method and the surrounding risks, as well as how to take care of them properly so the piercing heals quickly and looks beautiful. Let’s begin.
Other names: Horizontal piercings / Suicide piercings / Columella piercings These piercings are highly customizable and come in three primary categories: Single Lip Piercings, Bite Piercings (Double Piercings), and Quadruple Piercings.
In each category, two opposing pieces of jewellery are employed, curving around the lip’s surface circularly: starting from the ends of the piercings and traversing along the top and bottom of the lip’s shape where they will meet again at the other side. Each is suitable for a different level of commitment. Below,
We’ll cover the most common types of lip piercing and their features.
Single Lip Piercings
Single lip piercings are achieved through just one piercing which is usually placed below or above the lip. They are good for people who do not want multiple piercings or someone who just wants to start in the field and make a statement here and there.
- Labret Piercing
A Labret Piercing is a piercing that is performed in the midsection just below the lower lip, moving towards the chin so that the piercing appears to be in the chin area. Rather famous for its location, it can also be worn with other piercings, or simply left by itself.
Healing Time: Range from 6 to 8 weeks.
Pain Level: Moderate.
Jewellery Options: Types of jewellery that may be worn include labret studs or small rings with a flat back.
Special Note: There are different kinds of labret piercing such as vertical labret which helps to sit the jewellery piece vertically on the lower lip.
- Monroe Piercing
The Monroe piercing is located above the upper lip on the left and has been inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark illustrating a glamourous epitome on the person’s features.
Healing Time: The time range is 6 weeks to 10 weeks.
Pain Level: Very mild to mild and moderate.
Jewellery Options: Some of the common types of jewellery that may be worn include small flat-back studs or even flat-back gems.
Special Note: For someone who would want a style which looks simple yet has a hint of glamour, the Monroe would work very well for them.
- Medusa Piercing
This is the piercing done in the philtrum area which is the area immediately above the upper lip. The Medusa Piercing results in visually symmetrical aesthetics that improve the visible contour of the upper lips.
Healing Time: The time range is usually between 8 to 12 weeks.
Pain Level: Moderate.
Jewellery Options: There are several types of jewellery for the Philipuses, including flat-back labret studs or BC jewellery.
Special Note: Often paired with a labret piercing to create a balanced effect referred to as “Cyber Bite.”
- Vertical Labret Piercing
Although the lower lip is pierced only once, it runs vertically thanks to the Vertical Labret Piercing. The top and bottom parts of the piercing are placed on the lips and thus, this piercing type stands out with a decorative punch located on the lower face.
Healing Time: 8-10 weeks.
Pain Level: Moderate to high.
Jewelry Options: Curved barbells.
Special Note: Best suited for those who want to pronounce the form of their lips, using a piercing procedure.
- Jestrum Piercing
Jestrum Piercing is a vertical open cut on the Elastryph, which connects the Jefferson with the Medusa. The cut is relatively comfortable and straight, ensuring that both ends of the jewel are visible all the time.
Healing Time: 10-12 weeks.
Pain Level: Moderate to high.
Jewelry Options: Curved barbells.
Special Note: It is worth getting this cut for those who are looking for elegance.
- Bite Piercings (Double Lip Piercings)
Bite piercings consist of two symmetrical cuts, one on each of the lips, which creates a ‘bite’ look around the lips. Though every kind of bite piercing that may be performed has its look; some kinds may be quite visible, while others depend on the ring and placement adding to subtlety.
- Snake Bites Piercing
Located perpendicular to the corners of the mouth, Snake Bites look exactly like snake fangs, making them a very appealing look which is edgy and stylish at the same time.
Having Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
Pain Rating: 5 and above on a scale of 10.
Jewellery Options: Rings or studs for the Necklace pieces of this type.
Particular Warning/Note: For a more aggressive appearance, Snake Bites can be used in conjunction with chin piercings or a lower lip piercing.
- Angel Bites Piercing
Symmetrically placed on the lower part of the upper lip, Angel Bites piercings give a balanced double pierce effect which nicely shapes the lips.
Having Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
Pain Rating: 5 and above on a scale of 10.
Jewellery Options: Flat back style, stud earrings and Decorative Gems for Jewelry.
Particular Warning/Note: This type of piercing focuses on the upper lip area and is recommended for users who want to achieve a more sophisticated style.
- Spider Bites Piercing
Spider Bites are two piercings on the same side of the mouth located close to each other and located on one side of the upper lip.
Having Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
Pain Rating: 5 and above on a scale of 10.
Jewellery Options: Small quantity of rings or necklace pieces with a stud at the tip.
Particular Warning/Note: A detail that is enticing in appearance, spider bites look good on people who freak around about having a piercing on the side of one Tang, making them an extremely distinct feature of the user.
- Cyber Bites Piercing
Medusas piercing is made on top of the upper lip and labrets piercing is in the bottom of the lower lip. Cyber Bites makes a vertical appearance which is stunning and flexible.
Healing Time: 6-8 weeks for one piercing.
Pain Level: Moderate.
Jewellery Options: Flat-back studs.
Special Note: These accessories are suitable for people looking to ‘enhance’ their upper and lower lip piercing locations.
- Quadruple piercings
Serious about looking different completely would either go for Shark Bites or Cat Bites quad piercings where there are four piercings and this makes a dramatic feel with such a hip-looking setup. However, this type of quad setup also has its fair share of attention required due to the number of piercing sites involved and thus, the great care required.
- Shark Bites Piercing
These all are mostly two piercings of the lower lip filled on both sides, hence why it looks best to have surrounding piercings positioned from the lower lip and have a strong look which would look incredibly fierce.
Healing Time: 8-12 weeks.
Pain Level: From moderate it can go as high depending upon placement.
Jewellery Options: Rings or studs.
Special Note: It should be noted that all other bites done here have to be observed as they should not mess with other piercings because shark bites take more time than healing due to the amount of the piercing done to enhance the looks.
- Canine Bites Piercing
This time the snakes are not embracing their dented but instead unclothed, around the mouth area with this butt ending with Angel Bites covering the rest of ingredients and thus, a forward smile look since the combination sets would sling around the mounds of lips creating a fuller photograph.
Healing Time: 8-12 weeks.
Pain Level: High.
Jewellery Options: Studs or rings.
Special Note: This type of piercing was designed with the purpose to be directly centralized and surrounded on the whole mouth lips which is expected to give such power but balanced with beauty yet an amazing feel in the end.
Common Questions About Lip Piercings
Do Lip piercings hurt?
The intensity of sensations often varies with the type of piercing, the individual’s level of pain tolerance, and even the site of the piercing. Generally, lip piercings fall in the mild to moderate range of painful sensations while Jestrum and Vertical Labret piercings may slightly surpass this due to the location of the piercing.
Are lip piercings Haram?
This is a politically charged issue that depends solely on the individual’s religion or culture. Some Extremists of Islam would discourage any body modification or alteration including piercings but other extremists are not against some piercings such as the lip.
Can you kiss after a lip piercing?
Usage of mouth should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks when a lip is pierced as a form of mouth movement might introduce bacteria to the sore mouth. Kissing is also feared due to the risk of possible irritation but generally, activities like kissing which do not hamper movement of the area can be done after full recovery.
Aftercare and healing approach tips
Aftercare is also important for proper and optimal healing of the area in which a piercing was made. Some of the very basic guidelines are:
- Clean Twice Daily: Clean the puncture with saline solution two times a day.
- Do Not Touch: Do Not Twist or touch the jewellery including rings and chandeliers.
- Avoid Spices: Stay away from spices, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking till the wound heals.
Risks and Complications of Lip Piercings
As with any piercing, there are risks associated with lip piercings. Some common problems include:
- Infections: The most common issue is related to saliva, food, and hands transmitted bacteria.
- Swelling: A little swelling is typical in any healing area but long-lasting swelling points towards an infection.
- Gum Recession: In the long term, the abrasion of the gums is more likely following certain piercings like the labret types.
Conclusion
Lip piercings complement the character in unique ways and, in addition to aftercare requirements, the healing process should be fully understood beforehand. Whether you admire the more demure Monroe Piercing or would rather go with the trendier Shark Bite Piercing, this guide has everything you need to make the right decision and have fun with your piercing without risking your health.
