Aftercare: Lip Piercing

Lip Piercing

What is a lip piercing?

A lip piercing is a type of body piercing where a hole is made through the lip, and a piece of jewelry is inserted. It can be done in various locations around the lips, including the center of the lower lip, the center of the upper lip, or at the corners of the mouth.

For lip piercings that are done with a curved barbell (such as vertical labret, vertical philtrum, etc.)*
Average Heal Time: 3 to 4 months
Recommended Downsize Timeframe: 4 to 6 weeks

Rinse the piercing either at the sink or in the shower by running clean water over the piercing for a few minutes.
Spritz saline directly on the piercing top and bottom. Let the saline spray sit for a few minutes.
Dry wipe with clean paper towel directly where your jewelry enters and exits your new piercing!

**Swelling is normal with lip piercings- swelling may also be accompanied by bruising, bleeding, etc.

**We do not suggest using lipstick, lip gloss, or lip balms during the healing process. For moisture – we recommend our clients use something like organic coconut oil at max 2x/day on the surrounding skin but not directly on the piercing. Using oil – based substances directly on your piercing can result in moisture retention and drainage issues.

For lip piercings that have an entrance on the inside of the mouth and an exit on the outside
Average Heal Time: 3 to 4 months
Recommended Downsize Timeframe: 4 to 6 weeks

Clean the outside 1x/day with the following steps: rinse with water for a couple of minutes (either at the sink or in the shower), spray saline directly, and then dry wipe with paper towel.
Brush your teeth 2x a day- we recommend getting a new toothbrush and using bland, non-whitening (this includes baking soda) toothpaste. (We recommend gently brushing the portion of your lip on the inside where jewelry rests 2-3 weeks post pierce 1 time a day or every other day).
Do not use antiseptic mouthwash, if you would like to use mouthwash (since it is not necessary) we would recommend an alcohol-free gentle mouthwash.
Rinse with water any time you eat or drink anything that is not water.
Eat bland, soft food for the first 1.5-2 weeks. This is because spicy foods contain capsaicin which can sting and irritate the piercing. Soft foods are ideal as crunchy or hard to eat foods require more aggressive chewing and since the initial jewelry is long to accommodate for swelling this makes it more likely you will bite your jewelry which can not only irritate your piercing, but it can also affect your dental health. Slowly begin to reintroduce your normal foods 1.5-2 weeks post piercing, per your comfort level.

** Swelling is normal with lip piercings- swelling may also be accompanied by bruising, bleeding, etc.
** Avoid alcohol- the recommended time frame for this is at least 3-4 weeks.
** Avoid smoking- if you do smoke we recommend rinsing with water afterwards. Smoking can prolong swelling; clients who smoke typically are not able to downsize until at least 5 weeks.