Labret Piercing: Jewelry, Healing & Aftercare
A labret piercing is typically placed below the center of the lower lip and can create anything from a subtle, minimal look to a more noticeable statement. Because the piercing involves both the outside of the lip and the inside of the mouth, proper placement, anatomy, and jewelry sizing are especially important. Our professional piercers will evaluate your anatomy, discuss placement, and help you choose jewelry that works for your individual features and style.
Labret Piercing Placement
Before piercing, your piercer will evaluate your anatomy and carefully mark the placement so you can review it together. Both the external appearance and the position of the jewelry inside the mouth are considered when determining the appropriate placement.
Proper positioning and jewelry fit are important for comfort and for minimizing unnecessary contact with the teeth and gums. Your piercer will determine the placement and initial jewelry size based on your individual anatomy.
Jewelry for a Labret Piercing
A fresh labret piercing is typically fitted with flat-back jewelry that allows additional room for initial swelling. At Red Baron Ink, we use high-quality implant-grade titanium and solid 14k or 18k gold jewelry.
Once the initial swelling has subsided, your piercer may recommend downsizing to a shorter post for a more appropriate fit. After the piercing is fully healed, additional jewelry and styling options may be available depending on your anatomy and placement.
Labret Piercing Healing & Downsizing
Some initial swelling, tenderness, mild bruising, or light bleeding can be normal after a labret piercing. Although the outside may begin to look healed relatively quickly, the tissue inside can still be fragile, so continue following your aftercare routine and avoid changing the jewelry prematurely.
Downsizing is an important part of healing many oral piercings. Once swelling has decreased, return to your piercer to determine whether the initial longer post should be replaced with properly fitted jewelry.
Labret Piercing Aftercare
Wash your hands before touching your piercing and otherwise avoid unnecessary contact with the jewelry. For the outside of the piercing, use sterile saline wound wash containing 0.9% sodium chloride and gently dry the area with a clean disposable product.
Because part of the jewelry sits inside the mouth, good oral hygiene is also important. Brush and floss regularly, keep your mouth clean, and rinse with clean water after eating or drinking. Avoid playing with the jewelry or intentionally clicking it against your teeth or gums.
Follow the personalized aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and return for recommended downsizing or jewelry adjustments during healing.
Considering a labret piercing? Book an appointment with one of our professional piercers to discuss anatomy, placement, jewelry, and aftercare.
