If you’re wanting a unique look that’s less popular than other lip piercings, then you should consider the vertical labret Ashley piercing. Here is everything you need to know about vertical lip piercing.
A vertical lip piercing, or vertical labret piercing, is done by inserting jewelry through the middle of your bottom lip. It’s popular among people into body modification, as it’s a more noticeable piercing.
Although the name might sound as though this piercing is only a variation of the labret piercing, it’s actually a different piercing altogether.
We’ll go over how the piercing is carried out, what to anticipate both during and immediately following the piercing, and what to do if any side effects occur.
What is Vertical Labret Ashley Piercing?
The vertical labret Ashley piercing is made of two punctures that enter through the lip itself and exit below the lip where a labret piercing would be placed. The labret piercing is made of a single puncture through the skin directly below the lip.
The vertical labret piercing’s non-contact with the oral cavity is arguably its most distinctive feature. Because you don’t have to worry about salivary bacteria, your jewelry won’t rub against your teeth and gums like it would with other lip piercings, and it will stay cleaner while it heals.
This lip piercing might be right for you if you suffer from oral problems like a receding gum line or enamel wear. The vertical labret piercing is also perfect for those who want a stunning style that stands out.
Vertical Labret Piercing Procedure
Make sure you visit a licensed professional piercer in a business that is frequently inspected by the neighborhood health department. To confirm that the store is reliable, check online reviews.
Quick work is put into this piercing. Here are the general steps:
- Your lower lip will be washed by the piercer in a disinfectant solution and water.
- To ensure that there are no potentially contagious bacteria in your mouth that could get into the pierced area, rinse it out with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- The area inside and outside of the lip where the piercing will be done will be marked by the piercer with a marker.
- The lower lip will be gently pulled outward so they can see inside your mouth more clearly. They will clamp your lower lip with a special tool to keep it in place.
- From top to bottom, a needle will be firmly, swiftly, but gently inserted through the marked areas to reduce discomfort.
- They will carefully and gradually remove the needle.
- Your piercer will put jewelry, like a bent barbell, into the newly opened piercing. To keep the barbell in place, they will also add any beads to the end.
Pain and Healing Time
Since the vertical labret piercing has two puncture points that go directly through the sensitive lip skin, this piercing is slightly more painful than other lip piercing types. It typically has a low-middle pain level compared to other piercing types. Find a skilled piercer who can walk you through breathing exercises and help make the piercing process less painful if you have a tendency to be more sensitive to pain.
Swelling, minor bleeding, and throbbing are typical after most piercings. However, if you notice these symptoms frequently, it may be a sign that something isn’t right, and you should see a doctor.
The vertical labret has a relatively quick healing time of 6 – 8 weeks. As always, the healing process differs, so you should consult your piercer before discontinuing aftercare procedures.
Because no part of the jewelry or piercing goes inside the mouth, vertical labret aftercare procedures are typically simpler than those for other types of lip piercings. Consequently, you won’t have to stress as much about chomping on the jewelry, avoiding it while brushing your teeth, or cleaning your mouth after meals.
There are specific things you need to be aware of as your piercing heals because the vertical labret is situated directly on your lip.
Read More: How Long Does An Ashley Piercing Take to Heal?
Aftercare
Just like every other piercing, you should clean your vertical labret piercing 2 – 3 times daily with a piercing aftercare saline solution. This solution should contain no other ingredients besides salt and water. Some piercing aftercare contain additives like tea tree oil. These additives, in particular tea tree oil, irritate freshly pierced skin and may even slow healing.
If you tend to bite or play with your lips, then the vertical labret piercing might feel a little invasive during the first few weeks. You must take extra care not to lick your lips or unconsciously play with your jewelry because it’s crucial to avoid touching or twisting any new jewelry after a piercing until the piercing has fully healed.
To help quicken your healing time, here are some tips:
For shorter healing times and to avoid infection, here are some tips:
- Make wise food selections. You will still need to use caution when eating particular foods even though the piercing doesn’t go into your mouth. For instance, it’s simple for the oils from chilies and other spicy foods to find their way into a lip piercing and irritate it. You must check the area around the new piercing after eating to make sure that there is no food debris there.
- During the healing process, avoid kissing and oral contact. Even though it’s a general tip for all oral piercings, the vertical labret’s proximity to the lip makes it particularly crucial. Kissing not only spreads dangerous bacteria to the piercing but can also traumatize the piercing site by agitating the skin nearby. Kissing won’t be a problem once the piercing has fully healed.
- Stay away from chapstick or lipstick during healing. You should stay away from any foreign substance around the piercing, except saline solution or other aftercare products. Makeup and chapstick can clog the piercing and infect it.
- Make sure the jewelry you wear during healing is large enough. Although it can happen at any time during the healing process, swelling typically happens in the first few days. In order to avoid becoming encrusted in the skin, your jewelry must be able to accommodate this swelling.
Side Effects and Precautions
Pick a doctor who only uses disposable, sterile needles and gloves. Check the laws and license requirements in your state.
Possible side effects or complications you might experience with a vertical lip piercing include:
Rejection
Rejection happens when your body identifies the piercing as a foreign object and tries to push it out of the skin.
The body will eventually tear the skin open to remove the piercing, which may result in scarring. Additionally, it may increase the risk of infection in the area.
Tooth Or Gum Damage
Jewelry rubbing against the surface of your gums or the enamel on your teeth causes this.
This is a typical side effect that, if left untreated, can result in gum disease, tooth decay, or both. As soon as you start to notice this, visit your piercer.
Infection
Infections are more likely to occur with lip and mouth piercings than with other types of piercings because oral bacteria can easily enter the pierced area after you eat, drink, or touch your mouth.
Scarring
Thick scar tissue can form in a piercing that has been rejected or that isn’t regularly filled with jewelry.
Swelling
For the first few days after the piercing, symptoms like pain and swelling are typical. See a doctor right away if they persist for weeks or if you notice other symptoms like bleeding, intense pain, or abnormal discharge.
Nerve Disruption
Facial piercings have been linked to disruption of nerves in your face. Your eyes may become misaligned, and it may give you back pain.
Vertical Labret Piercing Cost
The cost of a vertical labret piercing varies greatly; piercers give quotes ranging from $30 to $100.
Always spend money on a piercer with experience. Not only will they be able to conduct the piercing in the most pain-free way possible, they will also have a developed eye that will ensure proper alignment of the piercing. Additionally, they will place the piercing correctly so you can prevent piercing rejection.
Make certain that your piercer uses a needle rather than a piercing gun, at the very least. When compared to a piercing gun, a needle is more precise, hygienic, and gentler on the skin.
How to Change a Vertical Labret Piercing
On paper, changing a vertical labret piercing is simple. Simply unscrew the ball end of your curved barbell, carefully insert the jewelry into the piercing hole, and then tighten the ball end. (To avoid stripping the threading, be careful not to screw the ball end too tightly.)
However, many people find it challenging to change the vertical labret piercing on their own due to the lengthy piercing tunnel. Visit your piercer and have them change your jewelry for you if you’re having trouble. They can demonstrate techniques that will make the job simpler for you and prevent damage to the piercing site by not fiddling with the jewelry excessively.
Vertical Labret Jewelry
Jewelry options for the vertical labret piercing include:
- fully enclosed ring or hoops. This wraps around the entire pierced area, similarly to an earring in your earlobe.
- Curved barbell. This thick rod-shaped jewelry typically has a gauge range of 14 to 16 and bends around the lips with beads facing forward on each end.
- Vertical labret bars. These go through the piercing vertically and have a bead on each end. If you get double vertical labret piercings, you can even place these next to each other.
Final Thoughts on Vertical Labret Ashley Piercing
A vertical lip piercing is a common and distinct type of piercing. It can be a fun addition to other facial piercings, or a somewhat subtle piercing to enjoy all on its own.
Be sure to follow your aftercare instructions carefully. Particularly susceptible to bacteria coming from the mouth are lip piercings.
Read More:
FAQs
Does a Vertical Labret Make Your Lips Bigger?
The bottom lip is penetrated vertically by a vertical labret, just like the labret. This will accentuate your lip shape, making your lower lip look even fuller.
Does Labret Or Vertical Labret Hurt More?
Since the vertical labret piercing has two puncture points that go directly through the sensitive lip skin, this piercing is slightly more painful than other lip piercing types.
