Lip Piercing Care

Today's youth is obsessed with making a style statement. While some people do so by getting a tattoo, others just get a body piercing or a facial piercing done. One of the most popular facial piercings is on the lip.

It is a type of body piercing that is done on the lips or the areas surrounding the lips. Originally, these piercings were done by African tribes, but today, they have become a fashion statement.

There are many ways of doing them. No matter what style of piercing you choose, it is extremely crucial to get all the necessary information on what all types of piercings you can get on your lips and how to take proper care of them so that they heal completely.

Subtypes

Madonna/Monroe Piercing: Monroe piercing is done on the upper lip. It is named so because this piercing is normally done in the place of the famous actress Marilyn Monroe's beauty spot. As compared to other piercings, this is less risky and takes less time to heal.

Medusa Piercing: Medusa Piercing is done just above the upper lip, in the philtrum, directly below the nose. It takes about six to seven weeks for a Medusa piercing to heal.

Vertical Labret Piercing: Labret Piercing is done below the lower lip. Usually, it is done in the center, though it can be done, off-center as well. In this piercing, the piercing enters the lower lip, exits the mouth and comes to the starting point. Mostly a ring is worn, as it looks the best.

Horizontal Labret Piercing: This piercing is done in a straight line across the lip. It enters one part and exits the other part of the lip. It is done in the center of the lip. A similar piercing can be done on the chin as well, which looks like a venom bite piercing.

Snakebite Piercing: A snakebite piercing looks much like a spider bite piercing, as twin piercings are done on each side of the lower lip, at the lower corner, so that it looks like bites done by a snake.

Spider Bites Piercing: Looks like a spider bite, this is a set of two piercings where the studs are placed on the corners of the lower lip. Sometimes these piercings are also done side by side, and rings are worn, which enter and exit the lower lip, to give a dramatic effect. Even the tongue is pierced in this manner sometimes.

Dahlia Piercing: It is a piercing done on the two ends of the lips which lift when one smiles. These two ends have a piercing each, and mostly studs are worn to enhance the look.

Aftercare

Although most of these piercings heal quickly, it is important to be cautious. On an average, they take about six to ten weeks to heal. It is extremely rare to develop any infection due to them, as our mouth and lips have the natural ability to fight off bacteria. But it is crucial to take some basic piercing care.

If you do get a piercing infection, then you may show symptoms like swelling, redness, scabbing, tenderness and sometimes bleeding. In order to avoid an infection, it is imperative to follow its recommended aftercare.

❖ During the first three hours after getting a piercing, do not eat, smoke, or drink anything.
❖ Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your piercing. This will significantly reduce your chances of getting any body piercing infection.

❖ Do not play with the jewelry, or you may damage your gums or teeth.
❖ Avoid having chewing gum or anything that requires you to chew excessively.
❖ Avoid going swimming, as chlorine, and other chemicals present in the water can result in infections.

❖ Do a saline soak everyday on your piercing with a solution prepared by mixing together one-eighth teaspoon of sea salt with one glass of warm water.
❖ Avoid sharing plates, cups and utensils as germs get passed on quite easily.

❖ Do not remove or change jewelry during the time of healing, as the hole closes quickly. If that happens, it is very painful to re-insert the jewelry.

❖ As it is a puncture wound, neosporin should never be applied on the piercing. This is because neosporin contains petroleum and is not water-soluble, so if it is applied on the puncture wound, it will stay there and not wash out and thus, will not let any air pass through, which will ultimately result in an infection.

❖ Maintain good oral hygiene and take good dental care by brushing and flossing twice a day. Rinse with a mouthwash after brushing.
❖ To help with the healing process, use lavender oil as it lubricates the wound and reduces the tenderness.
❖ Another very important after care tip is using antibacterial soap to clean your lip and the area around it.

❖ Since you cannot remove your jewelry during the healing process, you will have to clean the jewelry while it is on your lip. Use soap and warm water, lather up the jewelry with your fingertip and rinse it.

❖ A common symptom of piercing is swelling, so, to mitigate the swelling, the piercer inserts a larger ring or stud into the piercing area. Only after the swelling disappears, should you change the jewelry.

❖ The good news is that you are advised to eat frozen yogurt, ice creams or suck on chipped or crushed ice. Cold things help the healing by reducing the pain and swelling.
❖ Make sure to turn the piercing ring slowly every time you clean your wound as it helps the ring to move freely and aids in healing.

❖ Wipe your face carefully as you can imagine how painful it would be if the stud/ring gets pulled by a string from your towel.
❖ And lastly, in case you experience pain, and it does not pass after a couple of days, go back to the parlor and find the cause of the pain.

In order to avoid any infection, it is imperative for you to follow these instructions because as the famous saying goes, "no pain, no gain". So in order to look stylish and fashionable, we have to take some pain, that is, follow a proper piercing care regime. It is not an easy process and though rare, can be accompanied by an infection.

Therefore, it is very important to take precautions during the healing process. It is essential to get your piercings done from a professional, who will take appropriate precautions before doing the piercing. By following these simple tips, you will be able to flaunt your piercing, without worrying about any consequences.