Body piercing is an age-old practice which has been around since times immemorial. It involves puncturing any part of the body for the purposes of donning a piece of jewelry. While piercing a body part has now become a fashion trend, people from ancient tribes believed that getting body piercings will keep evil spirits away. In certain tribes, body piercings were indicators of one's status. For the Makolo tribe of Malawi, this was a symbol of beauty. Nose, ear, lips, tongue and navel piercings are some of the common types of body piercings. Barbells, rings and studs refer to the types of piercing jewelry. In this article, we would be finding out more upper lip piercing.
Lip Piercing
Lip piercing is a type of body piercing that penetrates the lip or the area around the lip. Lip piercing could involve upper or lower lip piercing. You could wear lip piercing jewelry in the middle, right or left area of the upper lip. Labret, Lowbret, Monroe and Medusa are different types of lip piercing styles. Out of these, Monroe, Madonna and Medusa are piercings that are above the upper lip. Usually small barbell or studs are used as piercing jewelry for piercings that are located above the upper lip.
Monroe Piercing
This piercing is placed above the upper lip. When the piercing is made on the left side of the face, it is called Monroe. It's named after Marilyn Monroe, the beautiful actress who had a beauty spot on the left side. Those who don't have such a beauty spot, could flaunt Monroe piercing and emulate the beauty spot.
Madonna Piercing
Just as Marilyn Monroe had a beauty spot or mole, the famous singer, Madonna is also known for her beauty spot on the right side above the upper lip. If you get your lip piercing on the right side, it will be referred to as a Madonna piercing.
Medusa Piercing
A Medusa piercing is located in the direct center of the upper lip. The other names of this lip piercing are 'upbret' or 'cleft' piercing.
Caring for an Upper Lip Piercing
A lip piercing can take about six to ten weeks to heal. Once you get a lip piercing, it is extremely important to maintain proper hygiene. Problems could arise if your lip piercing jewelry is rubbing against your gums. Don't smoke, eat or drink for a few hours after getting your upper lip pierced. You could take zinc and vitamin B supplements to speed up the healing process. You must avoid alcohol, strong soaps and peroxide during the healing process. These might give rise to irritation and swelling. Keep the area clean in order to protect yourself from infections. You must resist the temptation of touching the barbell or the stud. You must keep your jewelry clean. Use an antibacterial soap to clean the area around your upper lip. If you experience a burning sensation, itchiness, redness, pain or swelling, consult a doctor.
If you are keen on getting your upper lip pierced, make sure that you get it done from a professional. It is advisable to use jewelry made out of titanium, niobium, surgical steel or 18 carat gold. Follow the aftercare measures so that the lip piercing doesn't get infected.
