Labret Piercing Tips and Guides

Labret piercings have become a hot trend in recent years, and they're perfect for making a bold statement. However, before you take the plunge, it's essential to know what you're signing up for.

What are Labret Piercings?
A labret piercing, also called a lip piercing, goes through the bottom lip but isn't attached to it. Some folks think it's on the lip's outer rim, but that's not the case.

Different Labret Piercing Options

Vertical Labret Piercing: This one's unique because the barbell doesn't pass through the lip tissue but goes straight through the lip and is secured by a small ball.
Horizontal Labret Piercing: Here, a curved barbell with two beads passes through the lower lip horizontally, with the beads sitting close together.
Side Labret Piercing: Similar to a standard labret, but it's placed to the left or right of the mouth, not the center.
Double Labret/Dolphin Bite Piercing: Two standard labrets are placed very close to each other under the lower lip, sometimes even vertically on top of each other.
Snake Bites: Involves placing two labret studs, one on each side of the lower lip.
Viper Bites/Spider Bites: These piercings are on only one side of the mouth, essentially half of a snake bite piercing.
Lowbret: Extends below the lower lip, often combined with other piercings like Medusa, Monroe, and Smiley piercings.

What Happens During a Labret Piercing?

Here's what goes down during the procedure:

• Cleaning and disinfecting the lower lip area.
• Swigging some mouthwash to kill germs in your mouth.
• Marking entry and exit points inside and outside your mouth.
• Clamping your lower lip to make it stable.
• Passing a hollow needle through the skin.
• Inserting jewelry/stud and securing it with a bead - and you're all set!

Pain and Aftercare
The pain isn't too bad during the piercing, but horizontal or vertical labrets might be a bit sensitive due to the lip tissue involvement. It's a quick pinch that's over in seconds.

Afterward, you might experience some pain, tenderness, and even slight bleeding. Bruising and swelling are typical reactions, so don't be alarmed. Just keep in mind that taking aspirin or other blood-thinning meds before or after the piercing can prolong bleeding.

How Much Does a Labret Piercing Cost?
Getting a labret piercing can set you back anywhere from $40 to $65. But remember, the price can vary depending on where you go, who does it, and the type of jewelry you choose.

Prepping for Your Labret Piercing
Before you head to your appointment, keep your oral hygiene in check:

• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue at least twice a day and after munching on sugary stuff. This keeps the mouth bacteria in check, which helps healing.
• Floss to get rid of food bits between your teeth, a favorite snack for bacteria.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to take out any lingering germs in hard-to-reach spots.

Cleaning and Aftercare Tips
Taking care of your new piercing is crucial:

• Hands off! Try not to touch your piercing to avoid introducing any unwanted bacteria.
• No fiddling or moving it around with your fingers or tongue either; that can mess with the healing process.
• Clean the outer lip area with a lukewarm saline solution or salt mix using a cotton ball or Q-tip. If it's swollen, go for a cooler solution.
• Keep that area clean twice a day and after potential germ contact.
• Pat it dry with a fresh paper towel – don't reuse an old one.
• Skip makeup, lotion, or creams around the area during healing, as they can irritate it.
• Consider using a specialized aftercare product to speed up healing.

Oral Care and What to Eat

• Keep brushing your teeth gently, even if the area behind your labret piercing is a bit puffy.
• Rinse your mouth with a warm sea salt solution a couple of times a day and after meals.
• Chew your food slowly to avoid accidentally biting your piercing.
• Lay off the smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods while it's healing.

Jewelry Rules

• Stick with the original jewelry for now; don't change it too soon to prevent irritation and potential infections.
• Pay attention to the size and placement of the jewelry to avoid tooth wear, shifting teeth, and gum trouble.

Possible Risks

• Watch out for tooth wear if the disk behind the piercing rubs against your lower front teeth.
• Long-term wear might shift your bottom front teeth a bit (tooth drift).
• Position the piercing low on the lip to avoid gum irritation.
• Inexperienced piercers or small jewelry can lead to embedding in the lip, requiring a jewelry change.
• Swelling is normal initially, but if it gets extreme, keep an eye out for potential issues.
• Keep it clean to avoid infection. Look out for redness, swelling, severe pain, pus, or excessive bleeding.

Healing Time
A labret piercing takes about six to ten weeks to heal, but the tissue within the piercing keeps repairing for up to nine months.

So, labret piercings are a cool way to express yourself, but they come with some potential risks. Take good care of it, and you'll rock that facial art for years to come