Everything you need to know about Lip Piercings
Embracing your elder emo style, or exploring a new edgy look? Lip piercings are one way to really show everyone that IT’S NOT JUST A PHASE!!
Do you want snake bites or angel bites? How long do I need to let it heal before changing into a ring? We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of piercing your lip!
Types of lip piercings
There are so many colloquial terms for lip piercings- it’s hard to keep track! Luckily for you, we have an easy reference guide!
- Labret Piercing: Located directly below the centre of the lower lip, the term labret describes both a type of piercing and a type of jewellery.
- Vertical Labret Piercing: This one goes through the lower lip, entering at the bottom of the lip and exiting through the top of the same lip. Think like an eyebrow piercing- for your lip!.
- Philtrum Piercing aka Medusa: This piercing is located in the philtrum, the vertical groove in the middle area of the upper lip. Think a labret piercing, but on the top lip!
- Vertical Philtrum Piercing aka Jestrum Piercing: A variation of the vertical labret, the Jestrum is a top lip piercing positioned vertically through the philtrum.
- Ashley Piercing: this piercing is place in the centre of the bottom lip and goes directly through to the inside of the lip. It gives a ‘floating gem’ look.
- Upper Side Lip Piercing aka. Monroe and Madonna: Positioned on the upper lip on either the left or the right. The Monroe is placed on the left, and named after timeless beauty Marilyn Monroe’s beauty spot. The Madonna is placed on the right, mimicking Madonna’s iconic spot.
- Lower Lip Piercing: much like the upper lip, this piercing is placed on either the left or right side of the lower lip.
- Snake Bite Piercing: This piercing consists of two lip piercings on either side of the lower lip, giving the appearance of snake fangs.
- Spider Bite Piercing: Two lower lip piercings, paired together on one side of the lower lip.
- Dolphin Bites: A type of under-lip piercing, this consists of two closely placed piercings centred on the lower lip.
- Angel Bites Piercing: These are two piercings on either side of the upper lip.
- Shark Bite Piercing: This consists of four piercings, two on each side of the lower lip.
- Canine Bites Piercing: This is a combination of snake bites and angel bites, totalling four piercings around the mouth.
- Cheek Piercing: Located on the left and right cheeks, these are sometimes called ‘dimple piercings.’
- Dahlia Piercings: This piercing is located at the corners of the mouth next to the outer edge of the lip.
Check out our piercing menu to find out more.
Lip piercings 101
Okay, you know what placement you want.. but you still have so many questions! Read on bellow to get the lowdown on the lip.
Can anyone get a lip piercing?
As long as you meet the age criteria (see below), we’re happy to chat about your lip piercing options. Can’t decide between a Labret or Jestrum Piercing? Not sure whether a Snake Bite, Spider Bite or Angel Bite is the way to go? Head over to our online booking form and make a time to chat with one of our expert piercers.
What age can you get a lip piercing?
If you’re 16 years or older you can get a piercing without parental consent. From 13 years of age, you’ll need parental consent. Are you in WA? Then you must be 18 years or older to get a piercing without consent.
How much does a lip piercing cost?
At SkinKandy, our Lip Piercing options start at $45. We have a vast range of premium gem and shape tops to compliment your piercing. Gone are the days of basic jewellery! Visit our piercing menu to find out more.
How is a lip piercing performed?
It’s a simple process and doesn’t take much time at all. Lips are generally pierced with a 16-gauge flatback or curved bar, depending on the lip piercing variation. Depending on your anatomy, where your lip is being pierced and the look you’re going for, we might suggest using a 14-gauge. The lip is clamped and expertly pierced in a swift motion, before the jewellery is inserted smoothly.
Does it hurt to get a lip piercing?
Let’s face it, lips can get pretty sensitive, but the discomfort you feel will depend on your tolerance for pain. Most of our clients report that the discomfort was quick and totally worth it. Got any concerns? Our piercers can chat you through the process.
How long does it take for a lip piercing to heal?
The average healing time for a lip piercing is 4 months, but keep in mind- aftercare, lifestyle and intricacy of piercing will have an affect on this time frame.
Lip piercing aftercare
Your piercer will run you through all aftercare information prior and post piercing! Below are some important takeaways on how to care for your new lip piercing:
- Clean your new piercing using sterile saline only, ensure you rinse your mouth out with clean water post spray and spit it out into a sink.
- Purchase a new toothbrush to minimise exposure to bacteria.
- Do not introduce anything new to your dental hygiene routine - excess cleaning can increase the risk of developing oral thrush.
- If mouthwash is a part of your current routine, use only alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Ensure to downsize your initial piercing jewellery in accordance with your piercer’s recommendations, this will help avoid any undue dental damage.
Things to avoid:
- Alcohol- increases swelling and kills both bad and good bacteria. This can cause issues in the balance of bacteria in the mouth and cause oral thrush.
- Dairy- introduces more bacteria, and with newly introduced cleaning (aftercare) can throw off the healthy balance of bacteria.
- Tooth whitening products (such as toothpaste)- are very harsh on new piercings and will increase the risk of hypergranulation tissue.
Smoking (vaping, nicotine and cannabis)- it is best to minimise the use of these products while healing as they slow the healing process via exposure to harsh chemicals and irritation.
What happens if I get an infected lip piercing?
Don’t stress, it does happen. Infection can cause discharge, swelling, redness and even a fever. If you are concerned about your new piercing, or suspect an infection is developing contact the store or make an appointment with your doctor.
I’ve got braces. Can I still get a lip piercing?
A new lip piercing requires longer jewellery to accommodate swelling, which may snag on teeth and braces. While this doesn’t mean you can’t get a piercing, it is important to chat with your dentist about getting a lip piercing to see if it’s right for you.
I have lip filler, can I still get a lip piercing?
For lip piercings that are placed along the lip line (labret, philtrum), filler does not usually interact unless migration is present. For piercings that are placed on or through the lip (Ashley, vertical labret, vertical philtrum), more caution needs to be exercised.
It is recommended that the piercing is done prior to filler, as trauma such as a piercing can cause migration in filler.
However it is important to note that there is a risk of the piercing migrating or changing placement with the introduction of filler.
In relation to piercings that enter through the injected area (eg. Ashley, vertical labret or vertical philtrum), piercing post filler is recommended only at the end of the fillers life cycle. Most fillers, depending on brand, last between 6-12 months. Metabolism can also affect the life cycle of filler, with high metabolisms dissolving the filler faster.
It is beneficial you to consult your cosmetic nurse prior to piercing.
At bare minimum we recommend 6 months post filler for piercings such as Ashley, Vertical Labret and Vertical Philtrum.
Lip piercing jewellery
Okay, now the fun part. Choosing the bling to go into your new piercing. We’ve got loads of lip piercing jewellery to suit whatever look you’re going for in titanium, steel and 14kt gold. Got sensitive skin? Go for 14k gold or implant grade titanium. And have fun. Your lips deserve it.
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Flat Back Labrets
This style is what we use for all initial through the lip piercings (labret, philtrum, upper and lower side lip). Labrets have a straight post and a flat backing and are designed to be comfortable to wear. But that doesn’t make them boring, we have a range of gems and shapes to fit on your initial piercing jewellery.
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Curved barbells
This style is used for initial jeweller in vertical labret and vertical philtrum piercings.
These simple pieces feature a curved bar with interchangeable balls or gems on each end.
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Hinged Segment Rings
Featuring a hinge to make opening and closing a breeze, our hinged segment rings are a secure option when searching for a ring! This style is only recommended for healed piercings.
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Horseshoe Rings
Shaped like a horseshoe, these rings have a C curved bar and removable balls or gems at both ends. This style is only recommended for healed piercings that go through the lip (labret, philtrum, side lip).
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Steel Ball Closure Rings
A round ring, with a ball to close and secure the ring. This style prevents the ring from spinning into the piercing channel, and getting caught within. Different colours and gems in the ball add a bit of razzle dazzle.
Come get lippy with us!
Ready to put your money where your mouth is? Jump into our online booking form to get started.
