Body Art Info: Piercings

Lip & Labret

FYI:

The Labret piercing is usually made centrally approximately 3/8" below the edge of the lower lip, through or just above the cleft of the chin. Lip piercings can be made anywhere along the outside of the lips. Because of the nature of the tissue, the colored area of the lips should not be pierced. If a ring is chosen the piercing should be placed so that there is no pressure against the teeth; Tight initial jewelry will cause the piercing to migrate or not heal. Because of the nature of the mucous membrane tissue on the inside of the lip the piercing may close if it is left empty, even after the piercing has healed. Labret studs may cause deterioration of the inside of the lip; often a niche forms under the disc. Labret jewelry can cause gum erosion where the disc rubs the gums. Labret jewelry can also cause damage to tooth enamel if the jewelry rubs against the teeth. “Fishtail” labret jewelry might be a good alternative. Labret jewelry will collect plaque. Plaque traps bacteria and can cause the jewelry to have a bad odor.

Initial Jewelry:

Captive bead ring in 16 to 12 gauge and 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter; ring should be large enough to allow for swelling and should not hug the lip; a smaller ring may be worn when healed. Labret stud in 16 to 12 gauge; at least 1/8" longer than the depth of the piercing, to allow for swelling, cleaning.

Average Healing Time:

2 - 3 mo