All About Facial Piercings: Everything you Need to Remember

Facial piercings are among the most popular type of piercings. There are several different types to choose from and today, we will talk about each one.

If you are interested about facial piercings and you are planning on getting one (or two, or three, or more), then go ahead and read the following piece!

What are the Different Types of Facial Piercings?

Just like what we have stated above, there are different types of facial piercings. Listed below are all the different types, so go ahead and read on.

Jestrum Piercing

The Jestrum piercing is done on the upper lip. The piercer pierces through the upper lip then makes the jewelry exit through the middle of the upper lip itself. The jewelry used for this type of piercing is usually a curved barbell, as this is the most aesthetically pleasing. You can expect the piercing to heal within eight to ten weeks.

Ashley Piercing

This piercing is similar to the labret, except that this one is more of an inverse vertical one. The jewelry enters through the middle part of the lower lip then exits through the left or right side of the bottom of your lower lip. Curved barbells are also usually used for this type of piercing to give that illusion of having two piercings, when you only actually have one. The healing time is usually three to twelve months.

Nassalang Piercing

The nassalang piercing usually includes the use of a barbell, as this is meant to join three piercings together: the septum, one nostril, and the second nostril. This can look like a double nostril piercing when in fact, it actually is a three-piercing procedure. The industrial barbell is usually the jewelry that is used for this piercing, and it heals within four to six months.

Nick Piercing

This piercing is one of the most unique ones, and is actually named after the Seattle piercer Nick Anzalone. It starts at the highest point of the inside of your mouth and ends underneath the eye’s orbital. The usual choice of jewelry for this one is the custom-made L-shaped bar.

Chin or Labret Piercing

The chin or labret piercing is located under the lower lip, directly on the highest point of the chin. It enters under the lower part of your lip and then exits right above the chin. The jewelry used for this is the labret stud, and it heals within one to three months.

Austin Bar Piercing

The Austin bar piercing is similar to the nassalang piecing, except it does not go through the septum. It just goes through the tip of the nose tissue, and usually uses a barbell for the procedure. It heals in two to three months.

Bridge Piercing

The bridge piercing, also known as the Erl or Earl piercing, is done on the bridge of the nose and in between the eyes. The bridge piercing is a surface type of piercing, which means that if you are prone to scarring and rejection, then you have a higher chance of getting one. Straight barbells are usually used for this type of piercing, which heals in two to three months.

Nose Piercing

The nose piercing is also one of the most common facial piercings; however, it is one of those piercings that take a little bit longer to heal. The piercing goes through the cartilage of the nose and not the flesh. It uses different types of jewelry such as the loop, a stud with an L-bar closure, a stud with a ball closure, or a stud with a flat backing. This takes about four to six months to heal.

Septum Piercing

The septum is that small bit of flesh on your nose that divides your nostrils. It is a cartilage, though the cartilage itself is not pierced, but only the small gap between the cartilage and the bottom of your nose. The ring is the perfect type of jewelry for this piercing, and it heals within six to eight months.

Eyebrow Piercing

Also one of the most popular facial piercings, the eyebrow piercing is usually done at the end of the eyebrow. The jewelry enters below the eyebrow and exits above it. The jewelry to be used are usually the captive bead ring and the curved barbell. This usually takes six to eight weeks to heal.

Eyelid Piercing

The eyelid piercing is done on the outside corner of your eye. This one’s rare though, as it has a higher risk of harbouring an infection and swelling. The captive bead ring is usually used for the eyelid piercing.

Horizontal Labret

The horizontal labret is similar to the labret, but this one’s actually a double piercing. It is done on the lower lip, which looks like it only has one single horizontal bar on the inside when in fact, there are actually two studs positioned in a horizontal line. Labret studs are usually used for this piercing, and it heals within two to three months.

Cheek Piercing

The cheek piercing looks like a dermal piercing, but it is actually not. The jewelry enters through your cheek and exits on the inside of your mouth. They are usually done on both sides of the cheeks, although it is the individual’s choice if they want it done on both cheeks or just on one cheek. This is usually done to imitate the look of dimples. Labret studs are usually used for this piercing, and the healing time is about six to twelve months.

Lower Lip Piercing

The lower lip piercing is usually done on the right or left side of the lower lip. Captive bead rings are usually used for this piercing, although you can also choose to use a stud. The healing time is between one to three months.

Monroe or Madonna Piercings

The Monroe or Madonna piercing is done on either the left or right side of the upper lip. It usually imitates the mole and/or beauty mark of Marilyn Monroe and Madonna, hence the name of the piercing. The jewelry used for this piercing is usually a labret stud with a ball or a gem on the outer end. The healing time is about eight to twelve weeks.

Snake Bite Piercing

The snake bite piercing is a piercing that is located near the lip. It enters the skin just below the lower lip and exits through the inside of your mouth. Two piercings are usually done for this: one on the left side of your lower lip, and one on the right. Labret studs are usually used for this, and it heals between one to three months.

Angel Bite Piercing

The angel bite piercing is located on the upper right side and upper left side of your top lip. The angel bite is usually located further from the upper lip, while the snake bite is located just below the lower lip. Labret studs are also usually used for this type of piercing, and it heals in one to three months as well.

Spider Bite Piercing

The spider bite piercing is a type of double piercing that is done on the corner of the lower lip. This can either be done on the left or right side of the lower lip, as long as they are pierced beside each other. If the jewelry is placed a bit further apart, then that piercing should be called a vampire bite piercing. Labret rings are used for this type of piercing, and it heals within one to three months.

Medusa Piercing

The medusa piercing is usually more popular on women. It is located at the centre of your upper lip, exactly on your cupid’s bow. Labret studs are usually used for this type of piercing, and it heals in about six months.

What to Expect When Getting your Facial Piercing

The first thing that the piercer will do before having you sit down on the chair is to give you all the paperwork needed and have it signed by you. The paperwork will most likely be consent forms that will clear the piercer from any type of blame if you ever develop an infection or whatnot. Make sure to hire a reputable piercer to do the job for you to avoid these types of problems.

Once all of that has been settled, it’s time for the piercer to wear a sterile pair of gloves. They will also grab a sterile and hollow needle to pierce your desired area. Next, they will make a mark on your preferred area on your face. This is where the needle will be pushed through and where the jewelry will be inserted later on. If you feel like you want to adjust the location of the piercing, then go ahead and tell your piercer right away.

Once you and your piercer are both good with the placement, it is finally time to pierce the area. For most facial piercings, your piercer should use a hollow needle and not a piercing gun, as piercing guns can give you a high chance of contracting an infection. It can also cause a huge amount of tissue damage, which can affect the healing time of your piercing.

You are almost done – all the piercer has to do is grab a piece of tissue or cotton and clean the blood that dripped off of the pierced area.

Make sure to listen to the piercer’s aftercare instructions. Take a mental note of everything or better yet, list it down to avoid forgetting it. Grab your phone or a pen and paper and save your piercer’s contact number as well, so you’d know where to call them if ever you are having problems with your piercing.

Preparing for the Facial Piercing

There are certain things that you would have to do before going ahead and having your piercing done. Make sure to follow these tips to avoid any type of problem or infection in the future.

Look for a Reputable Piercer

The first thing that you would have to do is find a reputable piercer that can do the job for you. Look for one that has a clean and hygienic shop to help you avoid contracting an infection. If you cannot find someone who you think you can completely trust, then go ahead and ask your friends for recommendations.

Think Before Getting the Piercing

Think about the implications that involve your facial piercing. Is it allowed at work? Do your parents approve of it? Will the piercing be a hindrance to your day-to-day activities?

If the answer to all of the questions above is no, then reconsider your decision and think about it a thousand times more. If you think you have a solution to each one of these things, then go ahead and do it.

Be Wary of your Allergies

One thing that you would have to do before getting a piercing done is to check with your doctor if you are allergic to any type of metal. If your family has a long-running history of metal allergies, then chances are you have it, too.

Go see a doctor or dermatologist and have an allergy testing done on you. If the test comes back positive for a certain type of metal, then it would be best to steer clear of that type of metal when it comes to your jewelry. Ask your piercer for a metal that you are not allergic to so you won’t have to go back and have it replaced again.

Good Health is Key

Piercings can take a lot longer to heal when you are unhealthy. Make sure that you are completely healthy and flu-free before going on for a facial piercing.

If you find yourself sick on the day of the appointment, go ahead and reschedule it for another day. Your piercer will understand, so there is no need to worry.

Things you Should do After Getting the Piercing

There are certain things that you should do after getting pierced to make sure that you would not contract an infection.

For Lip/Mouth Piercings:

Avoid Swimming for the Meantime

It should be obvious that swimming in a public or private pool just exposes the open wound to chemicals that can trigger irritation. Also, don’t even think about going for a swim in untreated water because that’s just worse. With all the bacteria that could live in that body of water, you’re just inviting potential complications.

Keep yourself from Smoking

Smoking is bad enough as it is, but if you can’t quit, you should at least try to take a break after you get a new facial piercing. All the chemicals found in the smoke can seriously damage your exposed tissue. This could lead to either infection or at the very least slow down the regenerative process.

Say Bye to Alcohol

Pouring alcohol into your mouth while you have an exposed wound just invites a whole host of irritation, dryness, and tissue damage so it would be best to steer clear from it for the meantime.

Be Careful when Eating

Don’t worry. You don’t have to go on a diet just because you got a lip piercing. However, you will have to choose how much food you put in your mouth at a time and how you chew it. The more usage you get out of your lips, the more chances for the exposed wound becoming irritated.

Steer Clear of Kissing

You’re probably getting your lip piercing to look even more appealing to your partner. If that’s the case, you’ll still have to wait a while before you can fool around. The transfer of saliva, no matter how clean the other person is, is just not something that any medical professional would recommend for an open oral wound in its early stages of healing.

For the rest of the Facial Piercings:

Look for Saline Sprays and Solutions

As tempted as you are to clean your piercing with soap or shower gel, it’s best if you just use water and the recommended solutions that a medical professional or your piercer advises you to.

Don’t Get Addicted to Ice Packs

It’s a natural instinct to put frozen bags of veggies or cold compress on a part of your body that hurts. But you should try to refrain from doing this after getting a facial piercing to avoid bringing bacteria into contact with the open wounds.

Don’t sleep on your Stomach

This should be obvious, but a lot of people still underestimate the harm of sleeping on a new piercing. No matter how soft your pillow is, just try and get used to sleeping on your back for the meantime.

How to Clean your Facial Piercing

The best way to clean your facial piercing is by soaking it in with a sea salt solution. This is gentle enough and won’t irritate your facial piercing. Avoid washing it with antibacterial soap, facial wash, and water, as this can be too harsh for your brand new piercing.

Instead, clean it with a piece of cotton ball and sea salt solution. Soak the cotton ball in the sea salt solution and hold it on your facial piercing for a couple of seconds. Do not pull or tug on it, as this can further irritate the piercing.

You should also avoid putting creams, oils, and other types of ointments on your piercing while it is still healing. Stick to the sea salt solution and you’ll be good!

How Much Money will the Piercing Cost?

There are different types of facial piercings, which means that prices will greatly vary. It should also depend on a few things such as your piercer’s location and how long they have been doing this. However, you can expect to pay within the $30 – $100 range for a facial piercing, so make sure that you have that amount prepared before you go into the piercer’s shop.

How Painful will it be?

Everyone experiences pain on different levels. There are some who can handle pain better than others, so if you are someone who can handle a lot of pain, then you will breeze through the facial piercing.

Lip Piercings are usually more painful than any other facial piercing, as the skin surrounding the area is very sensitive. However, it will still depend on your pain tolerance, as well as how well the piercer handles the needle.

The pain during the healing period is a whole different story. You will most likely feel a little bit of throbbing and tenderness during the first few days, but you can expect it to go away soon. If it doesn’t, then make sure to visit your doctor and see if you have any infection present in the area.

Risks and Symptoms of Getting a Facial Piercing

All body and facial piercings carry some type of risks. Today, we will discuss the risks associated with facial piercings.

Facial Piercing Risks

For the lip piercings:

Your Teeth can Wear Out

Since the jewelry will most likely rub on some of your teeth, the risk of your teeth wearing can be a bit high. This is one of the reasons why it is important to get a professional and licensed piercer, so you can make sure that they would perfectly place the jewelry to avoid any type of tooth wear.

Gums can Recede

Same with tooth wear, your gums can recede if it always collides with your lip piercing jewelry. This usually happens when you have been sporting the piercing for a long time. Always ask your piercer to properly check and mark the area first to make sure that the placement is perfect and that it would not cause teeth and gum erosion.

Embedding can also Happen

This usually happens when the jewelry or barbell that is used for the piercing is too short. Short barbells can cause lots of pressure to the area, which can eventually lead to swelling. Ask your piercer about the jewelry and make sure that they are using a jewelry or barbell that has the perfect length for your piercing to be able to breathe.

For the Rest of the Facial Piercing:

An Unwanted Infection

Just like what we have mentioned earlier, the number one risk of getting a piercing is contracting an infection. You have a high chance of getting an infection if you do not follow the aftercare instructions given by your piercer, so make sure to follow each tip to a T to make sure you stay away from any type of piercing infection.

Migration

Piercing migration happens when your body rejects the jewelry, just like it would with a splinter. Our body treats the jewelry as a foreign object, which means that it will sometimes fight off the possibility of the jewelry being accustomed to your body.

The possibility of piercing migration is especially high if you are allergic to the metal used in the jewelry. Always have your doctor perform an allergic reaction test before getting pierced so you would know which metals you are allergic to.

Scarring, Bumps, and Keloids

If you are more susceptible to getting a keloid or a bump, then there is a high chance that you will be getting one on your facial piercing as well.

Make sure to be gentle enough when cleaning your piercing so you can minimize your chances of getting a keloid or a bump.

Signs and Symptoms that you Have a Facial Piercing Infection

An open wound is always susceptible to infection. As we have mentioned above, there are a couple of things that can contribute to your piercing getting infected such as if you get exposed to harmful microorganisms, if you haven’t been taking care of it properly, or if the piercer gets the piercing wrong.

If you have the following symptoms that we will mention below, then go ahead and visit your doctor right away.

Swelling of the Area

Extreme swelling on the area that’s been pierced is one sign that it is, in fact, infected. If your the area is swelling severely, then there is a high chance that your jewelry will cut into your skin. This can eventually lead to infection so if this happens, make sure to visit your doctor and ask them how to remove the pressure right away.

Bloody Discharge

If a thick, bloody, or yellow discharge is coming out of your piercing, then there is a huge chance that it is infected. The discharge is most especially pus, and having this come out of your facial piercing is not normal. Make sure to check with your doctor if this happens.

Uncomfortability and Extreme Pain

Uncomfortability, pain and tenderness are all normal during the first few weeks of the healing process. However, if it persists over the course of a few months and it does not go away, even the slightest bit, then chances are you have an infection.

It would be best to just remove the jewelry to avoid infecting it any further, but you can go and ask a doctor for alternative advice.

A High-Grade Fever

Now, this one is usually a bad sign. A fever might mean that your infection has spread all throughout your body and that you might need to go to an emergency room ASAP. Your nurse or doctor might give you antibiotics to keep the fever and infection down.