The little space under your nose and above your lips is pretty exciting for piercings. It is trendy among people, and the look is just over the top.
They call it the philtrum piercing or the “Medusa” piercing. It’s like a regular minimalist lip piercing, but above your lips instead of below. It is usually done with a 16-gauge labret, around 8mm or longer, to handle the swelling. Using a labret is cool because of the flat back. You don’t want your jewellery messing with your teeth and gums.
Now, here’s the deal with healing: it can be a bit tricky. The swelling can be more noticeable than with a regular lip piercing. Sometimes, when you think things are settling down, the swelling and irritation might reoccur. It’s like a rollercoaster of healing.
There’s also a twist called the vertical philtrum piercing or “Jestrum.” This one starts at the philtrum but pops out through the top lip, so no worries about messing with your mouth. If you’re all about dental health, this could be your go-to. Plus, it rocks a curved barbell piercing jewellery instead of a labret.
How to Style the Philtrum Piercing?
You’ve got that fresh philtrum piercing, and now you’re ready to show it off in style. Here’s the scoop on how to rock your new look:
Choose the Right Jewellery: Go for a cool labret stud or a trendy curved barbell in colours and materials that match your vibe. Experiment with unique charms or gemstones for that personal touch.
Simple or Bold: Keep it low-key with a minimalist stud, or go big with a statement hoop or decorative design. Your call,
Coordinate with Other Piercings: If you’ve got other facial piercings, think about how they can complement each other. Match jewellery styles for a cohesive look.
Mix and Match: Don’t shy away from mixing metals or styles. Try stacking multiple piercings or experimenting with different pieces.
Consider Your Style: Let your overall style guide your jewellery choice. Whether you’re into boho, punk, or classic looks, your philtrum piercing can fit right in.
Be Mindful of Occasions: Keep it subtle in professional settings and go all out for casual or festive occasions. Workplace guidelines may apply.
Embrace Change: Switch up your jewellery to match your mood or outfit. It’s a fun way to express yourself and keep things interesting.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Since your philtrum piercing is close to your mouth, keep up with regular cleaning and avoid fiddling with it to prevent irritation.
Your philtrum piercing is a unique part of your style journey, so go ahead and have a blast experimenting. Let your personality shine through.
Philtrum Piercing Care Tips
Taking care of your cool new philtrum piercing is super important to make sure it heals up nicely and looks awesome. Here’s a friendly guide on how to do it:
- After munching, rinse your mouth with a saline solution or non-alcoholic mouthwash. It keeps the inside of your piercing clean without any irritation.
- Use a mix of warm water and a tiny bit of sea salt for the outside part of your piercing. A cotton swab is your friend for this gentle cleaning routine.
- Before touching your cool piercing, make sure your hands are squeaky clean. And try not to mess with the jewellery too much – it’s best to leave it be.
- Keep up with your regular teeth-cleaning routine. Brush gently and floss regularly, especially around your piercing. Go for a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Be careful with hot and spicy foods and drinks like coffee and alcohol. They might bother your piercing, so take it easy on them.
- Resist the temptation to play or twist the jewellery. It might seem fun, but it could irritate your piercing and slow healing.
- While your awesome piercing is healing up, skip the swimming in pools or hot tubs. You don’t want any bacteria causing trouble.
- Be mindful when using makeup and skincare products around your piercing. You don’t want any gunk building up and causing irritation.
- Watch for signs like extra redness, swelling, or weird discharge. Chat with your piercer or a friendly healthcare pro if anything seems off.
- Healing times differ for everyone, but your philtrum piercing might take a few months on average. Be patient and let your body do its thing.
Whether horizontal or vertical, philtrum piercings are an excellent choice to jazz up your look. The jewellery options are endless, and it heals faster than most cartilage piercings. If you’re up for a bold or minimalist addition to your face, a philtrum piercing is a rad pick.