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The Labret Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been thinking about getting a lip piercing, you’re in luck. With all trends heading the slightly 2000s retro way, labret piercings are back with a bang, and we couldn’t be happier. Read on to learn all you need to know about getting a labret piercing – from the different types to jewelry to how to choose the right piercing studio and aftercare. 

What is a labret piercing? A labret piercing is that sexy little piercing you see placed in the dip between the lips and chin. While most people club it together with lip piercings because of its close proximity to the lower lip, it actually doesn’t touch your lip at all – unless you opt for a vertical labret piercing, but more on that later.  Usually labret piercings are carried out with a labret stud. The stud consists of a bead on one side of a barbell and a flat disc on the other. 

Types of labret piercings The standard labret piercing is described above. However, there are a few variations that can help you define your own style. Side labret piercing: This piercing is located on the skin below the lip. But as the name suggests, it’s located on the side of your choosing. 

Lowbret piercing: This is a more extreme form of labret piercing where the piercing is placed as far below the lip as the lip allows. This piercing can rub against your gums, so it’s not really recommended if you’re new to piercings, however, wearing bio-plast can help with the discomfort and minimize gum erosion.

Vertical labret piercings: These labret piercings are pierced from the inside the bottom lip to the outside just below the bottom lip. In effect vertical labret piercings consist of two punctures through which a special curved barbell is passed with one bead resting on the top of your lip and the other one on the skin underneath. 

Horizontal labret piercings: These are a recipe for disaster due to the dangers of migration and scarring at the very least. No reputable studio or piercing artist would carry these out. We’re just listing them here so that you know they exist, and you should avoid them. Consider a snake bite piercing instead for a similarly cool, but safer look.

How much do labret piercings hurt?

Pain perceptions are highly individual. But most people rate the pain experienced during a labret piercing as 4/10 where 10 is the highest level of pain. So, it isn’t too bad. Although the vertical labret piercing consists of two puncture wounds, it doesn’t mean twice the pain. Most people state that they are still on the lower end of the pain scale. Your piercing artist will be able to talk you through some breathing exercises to help you calm your nerves. Always choose an experienced piercing artist to ensure the entire process is as painless as possible. 

What kind of jewelry is used during piercing?

At BodyMods,  all our piercing prices include 316LVM surgical steel jewelry. However, you can choose from our collection of upgraded jewelry made from implant grade titanium and niobium as well for a slightly fancier piercing experience. We don’t pierce with jewelry from elsewhere as we can’t guarantee that the jewelry is safe to pierce with, and we’d hate to start you off with a bad piece of metal. You can check out our entire collection of labret jewelry on our online store.

What kind of aftercare do labret piercings need?

The right kind of cleaning and aftercare can prevent swellings and infections. Your piercer will guide you on the ins and outs of labret piercing aftercare. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing until they heal completely in four to six months time. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating and apply a saline soak to the outside of your piercing twice a day. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking for a minimum of two weeks while your piercing heals. Avoid using lipsticks or makeup around the pierced area.  Your piercer will advise you when you can swap your jewelry once your piercing has healed. It’s a good idea get it swapped by a professional the first few times until you are comfortable with the process. You can read about piercing aftercare in depth here. Can’t wait to get a new look?

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