Exploring lip piercings, the labret piercing is trendy, even leading to lip studs being commonly called labret studs. It’s placed right under the bottom lip with just one piercing using a needle. People love it because you can use many types of jewellery, like labret studs, hoops, or curved barbells. It’s versatile, so people often mix it with other lip piercings to create new styles like dolphin or snake bites.
But it’s important to know that because of where it’s located, some unique risks are involved. Here’s a simple guide to understanding labret piercings and how to stay safe.
Is Labret Piercing Hurt?
Labret piercings usually hurt less than lip piercings because they only involve one puncture. Your lips are sensitive, so any piercing there might be uncomfortable. After getting a labret piercing, you might feel swelling and throbbing for a few days as your body heals. Keep an eye on it; if you notice the swelling doesn’t go down, or you have a lot of bleeding or pain, it could mean an infection.
The healing process of Labret piercing?
The Labret piercing usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it could take longer, depending on your body. It’s important to follow your piercer’s advice and keep up with aftercare until they give you the green light to change your jewellery.
During healing, your piercer will give you a slightly larger labret stud to accommodate any swelling. Using a too-small stud can cause the jewellery to get stuck in your skin, which might require medical attention. Make sure your jewellery doesn’t push into your piercing while healing. Keep an eye on it even after the initial healing period to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Special Care for Labret Piercing Healing
1. Mind Your Facial Products
- Avoid makeup, sunscreen, moisturiser, and chapstick near the piercing to prevent infections.
- If you must use these products, ensure they don’t come into contact with the piercing and cleanse your face thoroughly before sleeping.
2. Be Cautious While Eating
The positioning of the Labret makes it prone to getting caught while eating, potentially damaging the front teeth.
- Take extra care with more oversized labret studs during the initial healing period.
- After healing, be mindful of larger jewellery like hoops or circular barbells while learning to eat around the piercing.
3. Prioritise Oral Hygiene
- Maintain impeccable oral hygiene, treating every day as if you were visiting the dentist.
- Brush after meals, floss regularly, and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean.
- Good oral hygiene is crucial during healing to prevent complications.
4. Minimise Contact with Foreign Objects
- Avoid touching the piercing with fingers, scarves, or other people’s lips.
- Refrain from kissing or engaging in oral activities during the healing process.
- Keep your bedding clean, changing pillowcases frequently or covering pillows with fresh t-shirts if you sleep on your stomach.
5. Choose Foods Wisely
- Spicy and acidic foods may be uncomfortable during healing.
- Alcohol and cigarettes can weaken the immune system and introduce harmful chemicals.
Labret Piercing? Here’s Why It Might Not Be Right for You
A labret piercing beneath your lower lip can create oral health concerns due to the constant contact between the jewellery and your gums and teeth. This contact may lead to problems like gum recession and enamel erosion. In rare instances, the jewellery backing might exert pressure on teeth, causing them to shift and become misaligned.
Getting a labret piercing might not be advisable if you’re already dealing with dental or gum issues. Should you notice persistent jewellery rubbing against your teeth and gums after getting the piercing, it’s essential to consult your piercer, or a dentist to determine if it’s safe to continue wearing the piercing. Prioritising oral health over aesthetic preferences is crucial in such scenarios.
The most popular variation of labret piercing
When it comes to labret piercings, the options are virtually endless. One popular variation is the side labret piercing, where the piercing is off-centre, either to the right or left beneath the lip. Many opt for this variation to transition to other piercing styles like dolphin bites or snake bites in the future.
Another variation is the labret piercing, which is positioned centrally beneath the lip but placed as low as the lip allows. This variation is favoured by those interested in extreme body modifications as it provides extra space for stretching the piercing. Despite its potential for further modifications, you can still wear a simple labret stud with this style. However, it’s important to note that the labret piercing may come into more contact with the gum line due to its location,requiring extra consideration for oral care.
Labret Jewellery
Labret studs
Labret studs are frequently chosen for labret piercings; flat-back studs are trendy. These studs feature a small, smooth disc backing, which helps prevent irritation or rubbing against your teeth and gums. When selecting a labret stud, opting for internally threaded or push-pin posts is advisable. These options lack harsh threads that could cause damage as they pass through your piercing.
For customisation, there’s a wide array of choices available. You can opt for larger beads or charms to make a bold statement or select daintier gemstones for a more subtle and refined look. The versatility in design allows you to express your style preferences through your Labret piercing.
Captive Rings
Captive rings come in diverse styles,from simple to elaborate. Crafted from various materials, they can be embellished with sparkling gemstones, intricate designs, and more. Despite lacking dangling elements, they are equally striking in appearance. The simpler variants are perfect for everyday wear, offering style and versatility.
Seamless Rings
Seamless rings offer a subtle and sleek hoop appearance, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a more understated look. Their seamless design ensures a hoop that sits smoothly against your skin, creating a slender line around your lip. This minimalist style allows for a fashionable statement without overpowering your facial features.
Circular Barbell
If you prefer bead-like embellishments, you can choose either a circular barbell or a curved barbell for your piercing. The circular barbell almost encircles the lip, bringing the end balls closer together. Conversely, the curved barbell sits wider around the lip, providing a look akin to a vertical labret piercing without requiring two separate puncture points.