A beginners guide to lip piercings (Body Piercing)

Member Name: karalouk

Product:	Body Piercing
Date:	20/03/09 (412 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can look good, builds confidence for some

Disadvantages: Possible infection, slight pain

There are many different types of lip piercing, the most common being the labret which is situated below the lower lip, in the center. Here are some other common lip piercings:

Snake bites - 2 piercings either side of the lower lip.

Spider bites - 2 piercings either side of the lower lip and 1 piercing in the center (snakebites, plus labret).

Venom bites - 2 piercings below the lower lip that are side by side.

Medusa - Between the nose and the lips.

Madonna/Monroe - Above the lips and to the side. Much like a beauty spot.

Horizontal labret - Below the lower lip, in the center, across the skin as appose to through the skin into the mouth.

Vertical labret - Goes through the lower lip and comes out of the skin below the lower lip.

I would not advise piercing your lip yourself or letting somebody pierce your lip who is not a professional. Do not go to a piercer who uses a gun for lip piercing. A gun crushes the cartilage, where as a needle pushes the cartilage out. Piercing guns are not sterile and are absolutely not suitable for piercing anything other than earlobes. Always go to a professional piercing studio that you trust and that has a good reputation.

A standard single lip piercing usually costs around £25 - £35.

Here is the general procedure for getting a lip piercing:

- You will need to sign a consent form. If you are under 16 (18 in some places) you will need a parent to sign on your behalf

- The piercer will sit you down, put on a pair of gloves on and prepare the sterilised equipment

- Your lip area will be wiped clean with an antiseptic wipe and a spot will be marked with a felt tip pen. Some piercing studios rub a numbing cream onto the area, some prefer to do it naturally

- Your lip will then be clamped and a needle will be pushed through. The jewellery will then be inserted (sometime you can choose the jewellery, other times the jewellery comes as standard). It will be over within a few seconds

- The new piercing will be cleaned up and you'll be given an aftercare sheet.

If you look after your piercing properly it will heal up within 2 - 3 months. When you get pierced you will be fitted with bigger jewellery than you'll usually wear - this is to make way for any swelling. After the healing period is over you can change your jewellery for something a little more tactful.

Jewellery depends on what kind of lip piercing you get. Jewellery suitable for lip piercings include flat backed studs (or labret studs), ball closure rings, barbells and circular barbells. You can wear titanium, stainless steel, gold, gold-plated, blackline and bioplast.

Follow these simple rules for a speedy and successful healing process:

- Clean the piercing twice a day.

- Make up a salt solution (one teaspoon of sea salt into a cup of warm water) and use a cotton bud to clean off any crust and pus from your piercing. Use the other end to dab it dry.

- Do not touch your piercing, other than when cleaning it.

- Do not remove the jewellery during healing.

- Do not switch the jewellery during healing.

- Do not sleep on your piercing and make sure your pillows are clean.

Do not drink or take any form of pain killers before a piercing as this will thin your blood and could make you bleed excessively. Pain killers after the piercing are fine.

Like all piercings there are always risks associated which can include infection, nerve damage, excessive bleeding and cross-contamination. Though if you choose a trusted, professional piercer and look after your piercing correctly these can all be avoided. If you are allergic to certain types of jewellery make sure you tell the piercer beforehand and also be aware that you cannot give blood for up to a year after getting pierced.

If you follow this guide you should be in for a pleasant experience and a piercing to be proud of.

Summary: A beginners guide to lip piercings by yours truly!