Lip Piercing
Lip piercing is one traditional, unusual practice of body piercing that was first performed by the ancient people as part of their rituals. The early practitioners of this trend do it believing that the spirits of their ancestors will be happy seeing them with silver lips. Many also have considered it as a status symbol, while there are some who opt for it to enhance their beauty or their sense of femininity. Whatever the purpose may be, lip piercing is now adopted by the modern society, with many of today’s generation also wearing some forms of lip pierced jewelry.
Lip piercing can be done in different ways. The approach differs significantly according to the size and location of the piercing. If you’ll look at it closely, you’ll find two major ways of piercing the lips. The first has something to do with piercing the upper lip, while the other is for the lower lip.
Piercing of the lower lip can be done anywhere. Experts often start puncturing the center of the lower lip to its length. They often use spikes, studs, tusks or rings as the main jewelry. On the other hand, the upper lip piercing is performed to create the so-called “beauty” mark style. Those who are adept into this unusual trend often call it as the Madonna piercing, after the singer actress was seen with a pierced upper lip. Just like in lower lip, stuffs are used to create that beauty mark. Tiny barbells, however, are the most preferred simply for one main reason, that is, they look like the beauty mark placement’s namesake.
For both ways, the lip piercing jewelries vary in different designs and styles. As mentioned earlier, studs, rings, spikes, and tusks are so common. Well, there are also other people who practice this deemed art form with the use of non-ring jewelries. Two of the most common are the disk and fish tail backs. The fish tail backs are, on one hand, designed to feature a twisted wire. This wire sets perpendicular in position. The disks, on the other hand, have either metal a barbell or metal screws that cap or wrap their post.
The jewelries used for pierced lips also differ according to the materials they are made from. Typically, you will find these products made from niobium, 18 karat gold, titanium, and surgical steel. Regardless of what you may prefer, the materials once pierced in to the lips will take weeks and even months to allow the tissues of the lip to completely heal.
Speaking of healing, it will only be obtained with the best result possible when proper lip piercing aftercare is maintained. As what many experts have recommended, it is always best for every interested party to make sure that the pierced part of the lip is free from infection, whether bacterial or viral. One way to achieve this is rinsing the mouth with a mouthwash formulated to be antibacterial. Smoking and alcohol intake must also be avoided while on the healing process. And, if possible, vitamin C and zinc must be taken to help quicken the healing period.
Thinking of piercing your own lip? Well, before considering the task, note in mind that lip piercing is something that is serious. It should not be done by someone who is not familiar with the basics of this trend, and unlike the other body piercing crazes, this practice is not performed with the use of a piercing gun. Given that fact, it is then necessary for every interested party to consider only the technique if handled by a professional. It would be great if you’ll ask the piercer first about everything you need to do to keep your pierced lip in good shape.