Monroe piercing - features of preparation and care of the puncture site

Lip piercing: what is it and cost

A similar lip piercing service can be obtained at any beauty salon for a fairly reasonable price.

Before making a final decision on the advisability of such manipulation with your face, it is worth understanding what piercing is, what types and places of punctures are considered as painless and safe as possible, and also how to choose the right jewelry for a “broken” lip so that it does not interfere with normal healing wounds after breaking the integrity of the skin.

Lip piercing means a piercing of the lower or upper lip, followed by attaching jewelry to the “pierced place.” Due to the absence of vital points, nerve endings, and large blood vessels in the areas of the body in question, such manipulation is considered as safe as possible.

Lip piercing, as statistics show, can be available to a person at any age and of any gender, as evidenced by various photos on the Internet depicting older people with tattoos and piercings. This procedure has no direct contraindications related to gender or age.

If necessary, for example, at the request of the employer, the earring can be easily and painlessly removed from the lip. Wearers of jewelry of this type also note that with a long “break” in wearing earrings, you can practically return your face to its original appearance, since the “punched” hole is 99% overgrown, leaving behind the smallest point at the place where the miniature metal structure is attached.

Where are lip piercings done?

The best place to get a piercing is a specialized tattoo parlor that employs a professional piercer. It is important to check the qualifications of the master and study supporting documents (licenses, certificates) in advance. The salon must be equipped with special equipment and disinfectants.

A less preferable option is a regular beauty salon or clinic. Although their staff may have the necessary equipment, they do not have knowledge of the exact anatomy of lip piercings.

Where you definitely shouldn’t go is to uncertified salons, to self-taught people working at home. In such places it is impossible to ensure the sterility of the instruments, and the quality of the piercing itself will be questionable.

It is important that the puncture is performed with a special disposable needle. A cosmetic gun is not suitable for this purpose - it cannot be completely sterilized. As a result, when performing a puncture with such an instrument, there is a risk of introducing an infection into the wound or contracting such dangerous diseases as HIV or hepatitis.

Types of piercing

Lip piercing, photos of examples of which can be found in the vast majority of beauty salons, is traditionally classified into subtypes. In distinguishing between “piercings”, craftsmen base their decisions on the place chosen for attaching the earring, as well as the jewelry itself.

The most popular are:

Snake bite. This procedure involves “creating” two symmetrical punctures located on both sides of the lip, most often the lower one. Such piercing is not chosen by every person who decides to decorate himself, due to the complexity and duration of the body decoration process under consideration.
Monroe. This type of earring fastening has a telling name, specially created to evoke associations with the actress of the last century - Marilyn Monroe. The essence of this “parallel” is that the Monroe piercing is done above the upper lip, and precisely on the left, exactly where Marilyn Monroe had her famous birthmark. Decoration in this place adds tenderness and femininity to its wearer.
Madonna. Lip piercing, for the most part similar in principle to the above-described “Monroe”, but differing solely in the placement of the decoration. So, if “Monroe” is decorated on the left side above the upper lip, then “Madonna” is placed on the right.
"Dahlia". This type of piercing involves simultaneous piercing of holes for further fastening of earrings on both sides above the upper lip. In other words, the owner of the “Dahlia” possesses both the “Monroe” and the “Madonna” described above.
"Jellyfish". This name for the procedure is traditionally used in the context of the localization of the “broken” area under the nasal septum, in the middle of the labial “philtrum”.
"Bridle". The telling name, in this case, indicates the piercing of the frenulum of the tongue itself. Due to its invisibility, which is considered unacceptable for young people who want to stand out, this type of piercing has recently been losing its once high popularity.

Traditionally, the decoration is an earring - labret, located vertically or horizontally. This decoration is an accessory in the form of a small barbell with a ball at the end. Labret is rightfully considered one of the types of piercings that delivers a minimum of pain to the owner when it is inserted into a specially designed hole in the lip.

Given this fact, the use of various types of labret is most common among those for whom such a “puncture” will be the first. In the vast majority of cases, the metal “bar” is inserted in the direction from bottom to top.

Based on approximately the same complexity of the piercing process in all the cases described above, the price for them is also identical.

In top beauty salons or tattoo studios, a master will ask from 1000 to 2000 rubles for a lip piercing. The standard price already includes a preliminary consultation on caring for the piercing, possible complications, a “medical” earring and “punching” a hole in the lip area to place jewelry in it.

Monroe lip piercing: nuances and consequences

There is an artery above the upper lip, and with a puncture there is a risk of hitting it. Therefore, it is better to contact an experienced piercer for piercing. If you do everything correctly and then take care of the puncture, nothing bad will happen.

An important note about jewelry: avoid jewelry made of nickel or brass. These materials may cause an allergic reaction. Choose from gold, silver, titanium or surgical steel.

One more nuance: first place a larger piece of jewelry so as not to interfere with blood circulation. Then replace it with a smaller decoration.

Contraindications

Lip piercing, photos of which certainly impress people of all ages with their originality, have a number of serious contraindications, in particular:

deviations revealed by a blood test associated with differences from generally accepted indicators of blood clotting;
the presence of chronic diseases of any etymology, especially during relapses;
increased body temperature or “jumps” in blood pressure;
pregnancy;
lactation period.

If you have at least one of the above “illnesses,” it is advisable to postpone or completely abandon the idea of piercing. Otherwise, the consequences for human health and life may be unpredictable and even require significant medical intervention.

What is the difference between a Monroe piercing and a Madonna piercing?

Monroe and Madonna piercings are, in principle, the same thing, but there is one difference between them: Monroe piercing is done on the right side, and Madonna piercing is done on the left. There is no more difference between them. When thinking about piercings, keep in mind that:

Under no circumstances should you use old-fashioned wound healing methods. (For example, treating a wound with alcohol or herbal infusions);
If the puncture has not yet healed, then you should not change the jewelry (earring);
You cannot steam your piercing or swim in a river, lake, or sea;
After taking a bath, you need to wash the puncture with antiseptic agents or apply a compress;
The first decorations must be of high quality and certified;
If you come to the salon, be sure to ask the master how he sterilizes objects;
You can treat a wound with alcohol only if a specialist says so;
Before inserting jewelry into the skin, you need to make sure that it is made of biological metal - gold, platinum, etc. and so on.

After reading this article, you have learned a lot about piercing, but before you decide to get it, ask your piercer for advice.

Possible complications and consequences

Piercing is a process that grossly violates the integrity of the skin, which over time can lead to certain complications for its owner.

In addition to the obvious potential danger of infection when piercing a hole in the lip for an earring, common undesirable consequences also include:

significant damage to tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and, as a result, tooth destruction;
the occurrence of allergic reactions, the initiator of which may be the material used in the production of jewelry, a non-sterile needle or a solution for disinfecting the puncture site;
incorrect “fusion” of holes for earrings. Unfortunately, such a consequence is extremely common among “beginners” who pierce their lips and others. It is worth emphasizing that when faced with the described fact, only surgical intervention can correct the situation. Accordingly, it is necessary to carefully choose “your” master, who has extensive experience and a serious approach to business;
damage to secondary nerve endings, resulting in particular in the “death” of receptors responsible for recognizing the temperature of a dish or even its taste.

Care and possible consequences

It is not difficult to pierce Monroe's lip; it is more important to provide the wound with proper home care so that it heals and does not push the earring away.

During the first week, blood may ooze from the hole. On the third day, the mouth will be swollen and painful, the hole will turn red. This is a normal reaction to injury and will go away after 7 days. If symptoms persist for a longer period of time, you should consult a doctor.

To quickly heal the upper puncture, avoid eating cold, sour, hard, or hot foods. Do not drink carbonated drinks in the first days. Brush your teeth carefully and do not smoke until they are healed.

In the first week, you should take care of the piercing using Miramistin or Chlorhexidine treatment - 3-5 times a day. The antiseptic is applied to a cotton pad and the hole is carefully lubricated with it.

After eating, be sure to rinse with chlorhexidine or a weak saline solution.

How long rehabilitation lasts depends on the immune system and health of the body. On average, this process takes 15 days.

The consequences of an incorrect puncture can be expressed in inflammation of the gums and destruction of the enamel on the teeth.

Lip piercing site

Lip piercing, photos of which can be found in huge numbers on the Internet, can be localized not only directly in the specified area, but also in the nearby area of the face.

The most popular places for punctures among connoisseurs of the considered art of decorating the body are:

Above the lips. In most cases, girls choose to pierce the area above the upper lip. This fact is due to the maximum painlessness and speed of the process, as well as the creation of a femininity effect by simulating a mole with metal jewelry.
Upper lip. Upper lip piercing is considered the most optimal option for those who have not fully decided on the need to become its owner. Due to the good regenerative properties of the skin of the lips, a hole “punched” in this area heals without a trace if left for a long time without jewelry inserted into it.
Underlip. Lower lip piercing is considered relatively painful and often involves two symmetrical holes. Considering the long duration of the process, as well as the presence of nerve endings in the area in question, the choice of lower lip piercing is made by people with a high pain threshold or those who are ready to make “any sacrifice” for the sake of their own concept of beauty.
Labial frenulum (“Smile”). This type of piercing is losing its former popularity in the modern world. A labial frenulum piercing is considered “intimate”, since it can only be seen by the person to whom the owner of the piercing decides to demonstrate it. Despite the latest trends that require the maximum shocking appearance of young people, loyal “fans” of the “smiley” remain people whose official position does not allow them to wear earrings in remarkable places, in particular on the face.

Piercing technology

Before setting a date and time for the procedure, check the reputation and experience of the specialist you plan to contact. Look at his portfolio with photos of Monroe's piercing, read reviews, ask all your questions. Reviews about the salon itself are also important - all manipulations must be carried out under sterile conditions to avoid possible blood poisoning and other complications.

Procedure steps:

Selecting the puncture site and applying the appropriate mark to the skin.
Treating the skin with an antiseptic.
Pain relief (optional). A piercing above the upper lip is not particularly painful. But, if you have increased sensitivity, the specialist will numb the desired area with lidocaine or another suitable drug.
Direct puncture - a catheter needle, lubricated with Vaseline, is pressed into the skin removed from the gum.
Installing the earring - following the needle, the jewelry rod is threaded and fixed with tweezers.

As a rule, the entire procedure takes no more than 10-15 minutes.

Earrings and piercing jewelry

Having decided on the desired location for the lip piercing, the next important issue to be resolved is related to the choice of jewelry intended to be placed in the “punched” hole. Most types of piercings involve choosing a specific type of earring, but there are also situations where you have to base your decision solely on your own preferences.

In such cases, the “favorites” among decorations often become:

labrets (the design implies the presence of a flat surface, traditionally located on the mucous side of the lip; a barbell; a decorative “cap”, which can be either an ordinary metal ball or rhinestones or diamonds);
rods (they have an almost identical design with labrets, differing only in the presence of balls as “caps” on both sides, and not on one, as in the first case);
spiral (outwardly it is a small fragment of a coil of a spring, often decorated with stones at both ends, due to their simultaneous fastening “in plain sight”);
rings, including segment ones (used exclusively to decorate the internal cavity of the mouth, in particular the frenulum, due to the impossibility of attaching them, for example, above the upper lip. Using segment rings, the owner of the piercing has the opportunity to divide them into components (segments) to give even greater extraordinary appearance);
“flies” or “microbananas” (represent a curved labret used by craftsmen when creating piercings in the “Monroe” or “Madonna” style);
circulars (have an appearance similar to traditional rings, differing in the presence of threaded connections along the edges).

As can be seen from the types of piercing jewelry listed above, the use of a specific earring shape or mount must be carefully thought out and must be agreed upon with a competent piercer who has extensive experience in this field.

A competent specialist should be able to give practical advice on choosing the most suitable jewelry option , which subsequently will not cause pain to its owner while wearing it directly in the lip.

25 Monroe Piercing Ideas in Photos

"Monroe" is a piercing located above the upper lip slightly to the left of its center. It got its name in honor of Marilyn Monroe's famous birthmark, which drove men crazy.

For this type of piercing, labrets 14, 16 or 18 mm long are used. Once the healing process is complete, the jewelry is usually replaced with a shorter one. Many people with a Monroe piercing wear jewelry with a stone or metal ball on the outside of the piercing.

The Monroe piercing combined with the Madonna piercing is part of the angel bite piercing, also called the anti-bite piercing, which is an inverted version of the snake bite piercing. Another name for this piercing is “crawfish”, since with long barbells in the piercings it resembles a crab’s mustache.

After you get the piercing, your lip will swell slightly. During the healing process, special attention should be paid to facial and oral care. In this case, it is necessary that the decoration is clean on both sides, since proper proper care reduces the risk of infection and related problems.

One of the benefits of the Monroe piercing is that it heals relatively quickly. It is believed that such a puncture will heal completely within 2-3 months, but after a month it will not cause any discomfort. However, the piercing process itself can be painful, since there are many nerve endings located above the upper lip. There is also a slight risk of damaging the superior labial artery, which is located close to the puncture area.

The pain you experience during a piercing depends mainly on your natural pain threshold and the specific location chosen by the piercer. People with fuller lips or more developed facial muscles may experience more discomfort than others. Men are usually more sensitive to piercing pain than women, as regular shaving can cause their facial skin to become rough. People who play wind instruments have more developed orbicularis oris muscles, so they may also experience more pain when pierced.

Being located near the mouth, Monroe piercings can damage teeth and gums. In some cases, the inside of the metal piercing jewelry may rub against the gums or teeth, which can cause gum damage that won't heal or wear away tooth enamel. In this case, it is worth wearing labrets made of plastic or other similar material to minimize the problem.

The most famous owner of the Monroe piercing is Amy Winehouse. Here are some photo examples of this type of piercing for inspiration:

Jewelry material

Lip piercings, photos of which are used as examples of the piercing artist’s own work, do not convey the existing qualitative difference between the materials used in the production of jewelry.

The safest and most affordable products are made from:

gold;
silver;
become;
black steel;
titanium;
black titanium
bioplastic;
PTFE;
organic materials, in particular wood;
bioflex.

Who is this type of piercing suitable for?

Monroe is a piercing that is not for everyone. Firstly, this type of piercing is completely unsuitable for people with freckles. Secondly, if you have oblong eyes, then this piercing is not for you. Monroe (Madonna) piercing suits people with black and red hair very well.

As you can see, this puncture is very specific. Monroe piercing (the photos of the girls won't let you lie) only suits certain types of people.

Which decoration is better to put first?

As the first jewelry inserted into the “freshly pierced” hole, experienced piercers recommend using a labret with an extended barbell made of a medical alloy. The medical alloy minimizes the risk of infection and further development of infection at the site where the integrity of the skin is broken, and will also reduce pain after the procedure itself.

The elongated rod of the “primary labret,” in turn, will ensure comfortable wearing of the jewelry in case of existing swelling , under favorable conditions for wound healing, which persists for several days after the immediate “breaking through” of the lip.

Using other types of earrings for a “fresh” piercing can provoke painful sensations during skin regeneration, and also create a risk of damage to the “hole” itself, due to the possibility of touching, pulling, or catching on an earring with a “complex” design.

The nuances of this type of piercing

Just like tongue piercing, lip piercing (Monroe) must be done by a professional who knows what he is doing. If the piercing was done by a professional piercer, it will heal much faster - not in 12, but in 8 weeks.

Since the skin in this area of the face is quite thin and has few nerve endings, the piercing process is not the most painful. But each person is individual; people with large or plump lips will, of course, experience more pain. For a woman, this procedure is more comfortable, since men need to shave, etc.

Main stages of the procedure

The lip piercing procedure is relatively short and does not require special preparation, with the exception of the basic rules prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on the eve and on the day of the “creation” of the piercing.

Photo of making a lip piercing.

The basic stages of the lip decoration process are:

Reducing salivation by “plugging” large salivary glands located under the tongue with a cotton pad or a special “suction” device.
Treatment of the future piercing site. Hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine is traditionally used as a disinfectant.
Preparation of lips. Depending on the area being pierced, the upper lip is strongly pulled upward to pierce the frenulum, or with the help of special forceps it is “fixed” in a position convenient for the master.
Puncture. Using a sterile catheter or a thin long needle from a traditional syringe, a straight line is inserted into the lip, piercing it through and resulting in a hole for future attachment of jewelry.
“Installation” of the earrings. Having made sure that the puncture process was performed correctly, and also that the resulting hole is through, the master inserts a pre-disinfected rod into the lip, securing it on both sides.
Final treatment of the oral cavity. At the final stage of “creating” the piercing, experienced craftsmen “rinse” the patient’s mouth with “Miramistin” and also generously “moisten” the place where the jewelry is attached with hydrogen peroxide.

Why get a lip piercing?

The answer to this question is ambiguous. Many people, when they first see a person, pay attention to the eyes, and only then the gaze drops a little lower - to the level of the lips. Plump and attractive, they attract you with their attractiveness. To make them even more alluring, you should get a lip piercing - a small detail that will certainly attract the attention of everyone around you.

Piercings in the mouth area are far from new.

History knows facts that representatives of some tribes wore earrings in their lips. This could be a designation of tribal or clan affiliation, or simply a way to demonstrate one's individuality. By the way, even today some peoples of Africa and Australia still pierce their lips and tissue in the mouth area.

In the modern and civilized world, piercing is more of a tribute to fashion, life position, or simply an opportunity to demonstrate to everyone around you your uniqueness. For example, the Monroe piercing looks very impressive on a round female face , emphasizing seductive lips and soft features.

Caring for your lip piercing site

Upon completion of the above process, the client is traditionally given recommendations for further care of the piercing, which are necessary to follow without fail over the next few weeks.

During the first two weeks, the owner of a lip decoration should not forget about:

Rinsing the mouth with saline or another substance recommended by the specialist to “cleanse” a fresh wound. During this action, it is important to carefully remove “mucous crusts” and particles of “dead” skin from the primary labret, which interfere with the rapid healing of the “broken” area.
Treat the puncture on the outside of the lip with Miramistin or hydrogen peroxide 2-3 times a day.

After 2 weeks from the date of lip piercing, it is advisable to:

Continue “internal” washing of the piercing 1-2 times a day, replacing the saline solution with soapy water.
After the physiological swelling of the lip disappears, visit a piercer to replace the primary jewelry with the desired one, which has standard design sizes.

Even after the completion of the initial “healing” stage of the “pierced” piercing site, frequent replacement of earrings or their constant touching is highly discouraged.

If the jewelry placed in the recently restored skin is too mobile, its owner risks damaging the internal integrity of the mucous membrane, thereby provoking a repeat of the process of “healing” of the wound.

Features of caring for Monroe piercing

During the first week after the puncture, the wound may bleed, and on the 2-3rd day swelling and redness appear. If you follow the rules of care, by the beginning of the second week all these unpleasant consequences disappear. If they continue, you should definitely consult a doctor. Complete healing should be expected no earlier than 5-8 weeks.

During the first 7-10 days, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

If possible, give up solid food and replace it with liquid options. The chewing process can lead to the earring opening and falling out, and also constantly disturbs the fresh wound.
Due to the presence of an open wound in the mouth, you should avoid hot and cold foods, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, overly sweet, salty and spicy foods, foods with dyes and chemicals.
It is important to treat the puncture site 3-5 times a day with products recommended by the specialist to remove blood and lymph secretions.
Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth regularly.
Avoid oral sex, smoking, as well as visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths and solariums for a while.
Avoid touching the wound and jewelry with dirty hands.
While sleeping, try not to rest against the pillow with the side of your face on which the piercing was made, so as not to injure the piercing site.

After complete healing, the piercing looks quite natural. It can be worn not only to informal events, but also to business meetings, work or college. Monroe (Madonna) piercing is a guaranteed way to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Add some attractiveness and flirtatiousness to yourself!

Does it hurt to get your lip pierced?

In the vast majority of cases, a lip piercing is comparable in pain to drawing blood from a finger , and “piercing” the frenulum is considered painless.

However, for the most part, the sensations during the described process depend on the pain threshold and sensitivity of the “daredevil” skin. People who are afraid of pain when “creating” a piercing should remember that the artist can numb the site of a potential hole with special anesthetic drugs.

How to make punctures step by step

To make a lip piercing, two types of tools are used today: a gun and a needle. In terms of pain, both methods are almost the same, it all depends on the individual pain threshold.

But professional masters in salons prefer to use a disposable needle, since this eliminates the risk of contracting diseases to the client. The fact is that particles of biomaterial from the previous person can become clogged under the plates of the gun.

In the salon, the master works in the following steps:

Salivation is reduced; for this purpose, the glands under the tongue are filled with tampons.
Anesthesia is given at the site of the future puncture (at the client’s request).
Then the skin surface is disinfected with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine.
The lip is pulled back with a clamp to fix and maintain the symmetry of the pattern.
A puncture is made with a needle and an earring is inserted.
This area is treated with peroxide and Miramistin.

As a rule, the amount of blood may vary in different parts of the perioral space. But soon she must stop.

Watch the video of how the master pierces Monroe:

How long does it take for a pierced lip to heal?

Complete healing of the wound occurs approximately 3 - 4 weeks after the procedure. This time is enough to relieve swelling of the “broken” area, “tighten” the damaged mucosa, and also “accept” the foreign object (in this case, the primary labret) by the body.

There are cases when, due to certain circumstances, healing was delayed until the infection that got inside the hole was eliminated, for example, with street dust or due to non-compliance with the recommendations for the initial treatment of the lip puncture site.

However, in any of the listed cases, skin regeneration after the “creation” of the piercing did not take more than 1.5 months and did not require special energy expenditure on the part of its owner.

Considering the above information, lip piercing cannot be considered a hazardous procedure. By following basic safety rules, as well as recommendations for caring for the piercing site, the owner of the jewelry will be able to join the ranks of happy owners of piercings depicted in numerous photos on the Internet and thematic glossy magazines.

Post-procedure care

Complete healing of the wound takes a couple of months, so during this time it is necessary to constantly treat it. If the care after the procedure is of poor quality, inflammation and suppuration may begin, as a result the piercing will have to be removed, and an ugly scar will remain in its place. It is important to treat the puncture inside and out. In order for the piercing to heal quickly and without bad consequences, you must follow the following rules:

The area around the earring should be wiped or sprayed with Miramistin several times a day.
Rinse the mouth with antiseptics.
Wipe the outside under and around the earring with a cotton swab soaked in Chlorhexidine.
During the first 24 hours, the puncture should not be wetted or treated with a thick layer of antiseptic ointment, such as Levomekol, before a shower.
Until healing occurs, decorative cosmetics should not be used near the piercing site.
After the puncture, you should not eat, drink or smoke for 4 - 5 hours.
At first, you need to avoid salty, spicy, sour, spicy and hot foods.
You need to treat the oral cavity and the puncture site every time after eating.
To avoid infection, you should take anti-inflammatory throat lozenges.
Chew carefully so as not to damage the teeth and puncture site.
You cannot kiss or move the jewelry.
If you take the earring out of the piercing, it will be difficult to put it back in.