If you’re looking for a unique and stylish way to decorate your face, a horizontal labret piercing might be just what you need. This type of piercing involves inserting a piece of jewelry through the lower lip, parallel to the gum line.
A horizontal labret piercing is a continuous perforation of the lip with two visible jewelry ends. It is usually adorned with a straight or curved barbell and can be considered a form of surface piercing. It consists of two punctures on the lip, placing the balls of the curved barbell side-by-side.
This type of piercing should not be confused with other lip piercings, such as labret piercings, philtrum piercings, Monroe piercings, or upper lip piercings, which involve constant movement on a horizontal plane.
A horizontal labret piercing is an unusual piercing that has become more common in the past few years. It offers a subtle and elegant look that can complement any outfit and add a touch of edginess to your style.
However, before getting a horizontal labret piercing, it’s important to understand what it entails and what you need to do to care for it properly.
This article will cover everything you need to know about horizontal labret piercings, including the process, aftercare, and tips for choosing the right jewelry.
The Piercing Process
The process of getting a horizontal labret piercing is relatively quick and straightforward. A professional piercer will numb the area around your lip using a local anesthetic and then use a sterilized needle to make the piercing. The jewelry is then inserted through the hole and fastened in place.
It’s important to make sure that you choose a reputable and experienced piercer who follows strict sterilization procedures to minimize the risk of infection. The piercer should also give you detailed instructions on how to care for your piercing and answer any questions you may have.
Aftercare for Horizontal Labret Piercings
Horizontal labret piercings need special care after they are done to make sure they heal well and don’t get infected.
Aftercare for a labret piercing includes:
- Washing the hands with clean water and unscented soap before touching the piercing area.
- Rinsing the mouth with antiseptic, nonalcohol mouthwash regularly.
- Soaking the piercing in sterile saline solution for five minutes twice per day.
It is important to clean both the inside and outside of the piercing 1-2 times daily during healing, which typically takes 4-6 months.
Here are some of the things you need to do:
- Clean the piercing twice a day with saline solution or an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
- Avoid eating crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that can irritate the piercing.
- Avoid playing with the jewelry or twisting it, as this can cause damage to the piercing and prolong healing.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can reduce blood flow to the piercing and slow down healing.
Labret Piercing Risks
Risks associated with labret piercings include nerve damage, an allergic reaction, infection, scarring, bloodborne disease, tearing, rejection, tooth or gum damage, swelling, and nerve disruption.
Horizontal Labret Piercing Healing Time
Usually, it takes between 6 and 8 weeks for a horizontal labret piercing to heal, but it can take up to 2 months. Follow the aftercare instructions your piercer gives you and keep taking care of the piercing for 4-6 months or longer to make sure it heals properly.
Jewelry Options for Horizontal Labret Piercings
Horizontal labret piercings typically require a curved barbell and can be adorned with a variety of jewelry styles, including labret jewelry.
The jewelry should be chosen carefully to ensure it is comfortable and won’t scrape against the teeth or gums.
It’s important to do what your piercer tells you to do after getting pierced so that you can heal properly.
When it comes to jewelry for horizontal labret piercings, you have many options to choose from. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Labret studs: These are simple, straight studs that can be made from a variety of materials, including titanium, stainless steel, or gold.
- Bars: Bars come in different lengths and thicknesses, and they can be made from a variety of materials, including titanium, stainless steel, or gold.
- Rings: Rings are circular pieces of jewelry that can be made from a variety of materials, including titanium, stainless steel, or gold.
When choosing jewelry for your horizontal labret piercing, it’s important to make sure that it’s made from a high-quality, biocompatible material that won’t irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.
Final Thoughts
A horizontal labret piercing is a unique and stylish way to add a touch of edginess to your look.
However, it’s important to make sure that you understand what it entails and what you need to do to care for it properly.
Choose a piercer with a good reputation and a lot of experience, and make sure to follow the right aftercare steps to make sure you heal well and don’t get an infection.
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to make an informed decision about getting a horizontal labret piercing. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to speak to your piercer or a healthcare professional.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/vertical-labret
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-a-vertical-lip-piercing