If you have a penchant for distinctive styles, you’ve probably observed the surging trend of the Medusa piercing, also known as the philtrum piercing, or Medusa Lip Piercing.
This intriguing and one-of-a-kind piercing provides a contemporary twist on lip piercings, allowing you to adorn it with captivating charms and gemstones for a genuinely exceptional appearance.
Let’s explore more about Medusa Lip Piercing, Side Effect, Aftercare, Healing Time etc.
What Is The Medusa Piercing?
Located just beneath the septum and slightly above the upper lip, the Medusa piercing falls within the category of lip piercings. However, its placement is a tad higher than the actual lip.
Many individuals who choose this piercing often combine it with other styles, such as a vertical labret piercing, creating an attractive arrangement of lip jewellery.
Similar to any piercing, it’s crucial to adhere to proper aftercare procedures, comprehend the healing duration, and be knowledgeable about potential health risks linked with the piercing.
Whether contemplating a Medusa piercing or simply curious about the process, you’re in the right spot, Here’s a straightforward and concise guide to kickstart your journey into the world of Medusa piercings.
How Much Does The Medusa Piercing Hurt?
Because the lips and the area around them have many nerve endings, you might feel discomfort when getting a Medusa piercing. But it’s quick. The piercer will make a single hole smoothly. It will pinch for a moment, and then it might throb a bit, like with other piercings.
Medusa piercings can swell the area, which is typical for lip piercings. If your Medusa piercing swells, watch the jewellery. If it presses against your skin due to swelling, ask the piercer for a larger size.
After the swelling goes down (usually in a few days), you can change to a smaller jewellery size.
Medusa Lip Piercing Quick Facts
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Placement | The Philtrum, above upper lip |
| Pain Level | 5 out of 10 |
| Healing Time | 3 months |
| Pricing | $40 – $80 (piercing + jewelry) |
Medusa Piercing Healing And Aftercare
- Factors that Matter: When your body gets a special decoration called a Medusa piercing, it needs time to feel better. How long this takes depends on how your body reacts, how strong your immune system is, and how well you take care of it.
- Time Estimate: It usually takes 2 to 3 months for your Medusa piercing to heal completely. Healing means it stops hurting and becomes normal. Think of it like how a small cut takes time to feel better.
- Different Bodies, Different Times: But remember, each person is unique. Some might need more time for their piercing to heal completely, just like some people get better from a cold faster than others.
- Ask an Expert: Before you do anything with your piercing, like changing the decoration or stopping special care, talk to the person who did the piercing. This person is called a piercer. They know a lot about piercings and can give you the right advice.
- Why Ask?: It’s really important to ask the piercer first. If you do things on your own without asking, the piercing might not heal well. It could take longer to get better, cause problems, or even go away.
- Stay Safe and Informed: So, always talk to the piercer before doing anything with your Medusa piercing. This way, you make sure your piercing heals properly and stays awesome on your face.
Medusa Piercing Aftercare Rules
Caring for your healing Medusa piercing is straightforward, similar to looking after any other piercing. Here’s a guide to help you:
- Gentle Cleaning: To keep your Medusa piercing clean, use a saline solution recommended by your piercer 2 to 3 times daily. Opt for a solution that contains only salt and water, avoiding those with additional ingredients like tea tree oil.
- Monitor Swelling: Expect some swelling in the initial days after getting your Medusa piercing. Pay attention to how your jewelry fits. If it feels too tight due to swelling, consider switching to minor jewelry after the swelling subsides.
- Hands Off: Minimize touching the jewellery to prevent irritation of the surrounding skin. If crusts form around the piercing, don’t pick at them. Instead, gently clean the area using a clean paper towel dampened with the saline solution without moving the jewellery.
- Keep It Dry: Aim to keep the piercing dry. During showers, avoid direct water contact. Gently pat the area dry with a paper towel, or use a hair dryer in a cool setting.
- Avoid Makeup Near Piercing: Refrain from applying makeup to the piercing area. Makeup can enter the piercing and lead to complications like infections. Allow your piercing to heal without makeup interference.
- Cautious Tooth Care: Dental hygiene is crucial. Brush your teeth after meals, but take care around the piercing to prevent pulling on the jewellery. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash; instead, opt for a saltwater mixture.
- Mind Your Diet: Opt for soft foods initially, as spicy and acidic foods can cause discomfort and irritation to the piercing. This choice will be easier on your healing piercing as it gets accustomed to the jewellery.
Adhering to these steps can ensure a successful healing process for your Medusa piercing without any complications.
Possible Medusa Piercing Side Effects
Just like any piercing, there’s a chance of encountering problems. Although taking proper care of your piercing can help prevent most issues, there might still be times when things don’t go smoothly.
Piercing Rejection: This happens when your body doesn’t agree with the jewellery and tries to push it out. It can occur if the piercing isn’t done correctly or the jewellery isn’t suitable.
Look for signs like the hole getting larger, redness, and the jewellery shifting. If you notice these, consult your piercer to prevent any lasting marks.
Piercing Bumps: These small bumps can appear due to irritation. To avoid them, avoid products not meant for piercings, like makeup or oils.
Avoid touching or messing with the piercing, and be cautious not to catch it on things. Usually, these bumps disappear independently, but your piercer can assist if needed.
Infections: While infections are uncommon with proper cleaning, they can still occur. Watch for signs like unusual pus, warmth, swelling, or a fever. If any of these show up, contacting a doctor promptly is crucial.
Medusa Piercing Jewelry And Jewelry Materials
After discussing some of the less exciting aspects of this adorable piercing, let’s dive into the enjoyable part: selecting your jewellery.
While a wide array of body jewellery materials is available, not all are appropriate, according to the Association of Piercing Professionals. (You can find their full list here.) For initial jewellery, we recommend opting for titanium.
It’s budget-friendly and contains minimal alloys, reducing the risk of skin irritation. However, remember that this starter jewellery should only be worn for about a week as it’s designed slightly larger to accommodate any potential swelling.
Once the swelling subsides, you can transition to an elegant 14k gold or platinum piece. These materials look stunning and are durable enough to last a lifetime.
The most commonly preferred jewellery for a Medusa piercing is a lip stud. This type typically features a flat disc on the back, a bar in the middle, and a charming bead or ornament on the front.
Choosing jewellery with internally threaded components is wise to prevent discomfort or tearing.
Most Medusa piercings generally require a 14G or 16G lip stud. When choosing the bar length of the lip stud, make sure it’s neither too long nor too tight against your skin.
Jewellery that’s too small might become embedded in the skin, while larger pieces could irritate your gums and contribute to gum recession.
How To Change Medusa Piercing Jewelry
Changing the jewellery in your Medusa piercing is not too hard because of how it’s placed on your skin. Here’s what you do:
- Remove the old jewellery by unscrewing the back and gently pulling the stud from the front.
- Unscrew the back of the new jewellery carefully.
- Put the unique jewellery’s prong into the hole of your piercing. Don’t move it around too much to avoid hurting your piercing.
- Screw the back onto the prong, making it tight but not too much to damage.
Why Shouldn’t I Get A Medusa Piercing?
The Medusa piercing is put in a place that shows off your lip shape and the lower part of your face. It uses small jewellery, so it looks good on many face shapes.
But it’s noticeable, so be sure you want it before getting it.
If you have problems with your gums or mouth, think again about this piercing. It takes time to heal, and the jewellery might bother your gums.
Also, if there’s little space between your lips and the middle of your nose, you might want a different lip piercing, like the Labret, Monroe, or Madonna.
Medusa Piercing Cost
The cost of this piercing can differ, typically ranging from $40 to $80.
Given its placement near numerous nerve endings and its location inside the mouth, which can make it more vulnerable to bacterial infection, it’s advisable not to compromise on the expertise of the piercer.
Investing more to ensure a skilled and safe piercing procedure can increase your satisfaction with the final result.
Medusa Piercing Variations
We enjoy using body jewellery to express our unique styles, and it’s even more exciting when we can try out creative twists on common piercings.
The double Medusa piercing involves getting two vertical piercings below the septum. This look is cute when you wear two small lip studs stacked on each other.
Since you need two piercings for this style, many piercers suggest getting them done separately to make healing more accessible and less painful.
The Medusa piercing also goes nicely with a septum and vertical labret piercings because they’re close to each other.
More Body Piercings
Double Nose Piercing: A Complete Guide
Nose Piercing 101: Everything You Need to Know
Getting Your Ears Pierced at Target (Through Rowan)
Ashley Piercing: Everything You Need to Know About Eye-Catching Lip Piercing
Ashley Piercing Scar: Every Thing you Need to know About Ashley Piercing Scarring
The Labret Piercing: Everything You Need To Know
Everything You Need to Know About Vertical Labret Piercing
Do You Want a Bottom Lip Piercing?: A Complete Guide
What Is Snake Bites Piercing: How to Care For It
Horizontal Lip Piercing – Ultimate Experience Guide
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Medusa piercing, also known as the philtrum piercing, is a captivating and unique trend in lip piercing. Placed just below the septum and above the upper lip, it offers an edgy yet stylish look.
Healing usually takes around three months, and initial jewellery should be titanium for minimal irritation. Care involves saline solution, avoiding touching, and maintaining oral hygiene.
Be cautious of potential side effects like piercing bumps and infections. Consider oral health and comfort before getting the piercing despite the stylish appeal. With costs ranging from $40 to $80, investing in a skilled piercer is vital for a safe and satisfying experience.
FAQs
Q1: How painful is a Medusa piercing?
A1: The pain level of a medusa piercing varies from person to person. The lip area contains more nerve endings than the earlobe, but the pain is usually brief due to the sharp piercing needle used by professionals.
Q2: Can you chew gum with a Medusa piercing?
A2: It’s best to avoid chewing gum or anything that might introduce bacteria or cause trauma to the piercing. Refrain from touching or spinning the jewellery, and avoid engaging in oral activities like kissing or oral sex.
Q3: Why do people get the Medusa piercing?
A3: The Medusa piercing enhances lip shape and draws attention to the lower face, making it appealing for various face shapes.
Its more minor jewellery accommodates versatility in styling, making it a popular choice among those seeking a distinct look.
Q4: Does Medusa piercing make lips bigger?
A4: A vertical medusa piercing can create the illusion of fuller lips, particularly for the top lip.
Q5: How do you prevent a Medusa piercing from affecting your teeth?
A5: To minimize the impact of an oral piercing on your teeth, ensure proper cleaning by rinsing after meals and using antimicrobial mouthwash daily. Avoid playing with the piercing to prevent potential damage to your teeth.
