Philtrum Piercing: Jewelry, Healing & Aftercare
A philtrum piercing, often called a Medusa piercing, is placed in the center of the upper lip just below the nose. Its symmetrical placement makes it a distinctive facial piercing that can be styled with anything from a subtle piece of jewelry to a more decorative statement piece. Proper placement and jewelry sizing are especially important, so our piercers will evaluate your anatomy and help determine the best placement and jewelry for you.
Getting a Philtrum Piercing
Before your piercing, your piercer will evaluate your anatomy and carefully mark the placement so you can review the position together. Because a philtrum piercing passes through the upper lip and enters the mouth, both external appearance and internal placement are considered when determining the appropriate position.
Initial jewelry must allow enough room for swelling. Once the swelling has subsided, returning to your piercer for a properly fitted shorter post is an important part of the healing process and can help reduce unnecessary movement and contact with the teeth and gums.
Philtrum Piercing Jewelry
Philtrum piercings are typically fitted with a flat-back labret-style piece that sits comfortably inside the lip. At Red Baron Ink, we use high-quality implant-grade titanium and solid 14k or 18k gold jewelry.
Jewelry can range from simple, minimal designs to decorative gold and gemstone pieces. Your piercer will help you choose the appropriate material, length and style based on your anatomy, placement and healing needs. Additional styling options are available once the piercing has healed.
Healing & Downsizing
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Swelling, tenderness and some light bruising can be normal during the initial healing period. Although the piercing may begin to look and feel healed relatively quickly, the tissue inside can still be fragile, so avoid changing the jewelry prematurely.
As the initial swelling decreases, the longer jewelry used for a fresh piercing may need to be downsized. This should be performed by a professional piercer rather than changing the jewelry yourself during healing.
Philtrum Piercing Aftercare
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For the outside of the piercing, wash your hands before touching the area and clean with sterile saline wound wash containing 0.9% sodium chloride. Avoid twisting, rotating or unnecessarily playing with the jewelry.
Because part of the piercing is inside the mouth, good oral hygiene is also important. Brush and floss regularly, use an alcohol-free and hydrogen peroxide-free mouth rinse as appropriate, and rinse your mouth with clean water after eating or drinking. Avoid playing with the jewelry or allowing unnecessary contact with your teeth and gums.
Your piercer will provide aftercare instructions and let you know when to return for downsizing or other jewelry adjustments.
Considering a philtrum piercing? Book an appointment with one of our professional piercers to discuss placement, anatomy, jewelry and aftercare.
