Let's explore the world of lip piercings and what you can generally expect when getting one from Danni at Willow Leaf Piercing.
Types of Lip Piercings:
Lip piercings are diverse, with various placements and styles. Here are some common type
- Labret: A single piercing located centrally below the bottom lip, above the chin.
- Vertical Labret: A single piercing that passes vertically through the bottom lip, with one entry point above the lip line and the other below.
- Monroe/Madonna: A single piercing located off-center above the upper lip, reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe's beauty mark (Monroe is typically on the left, Madonna on the right).
- Medusa/Philtrum: A single piercing located centrally in the philtrum, the groove between the nose and the upper lip.
- Jestrum/Vertical Medusa: A single piercing that passes vertically through the upper lip, with one entry point in the philtrum and the other through the lower lip. Note: While it appears to have two visible points, it's a single piercing
The Piercing Process at Willow Leaf Piercing by Danni:
When you choose Willow Leaf Piercing for your lip piercing with Danni, you can generally expect a professional, safe, and informative experience, adhering to UK standards:
1. Consultation and Planning:
- Friendly Welcome and Discussion: Danni will greet you and discuss the specific lip piercing you're interested in. She'll want to understand your desired look and placement.
- Anatomy Assessment: Danni will carefully examine your lip and surrounding tissue to ensure your anatomy is suitable for the chosen piercing and that there are no potential complications (e.g., proximity to veins, natural lip shape).
- Jewellery Selection: Danni will show you sterile, implant-grade jewellery options appropriate for the initial piercing. This will typically be a labret stud made of implant-grade titanium or surgical steel, with a longer post to accommodate swelling.
- Placement Marking: Once you've agreed on the placement, Danni will use a sterile, single-use skin marker to precisely mark the entry and exit points. You'll have the opportunity to review and approve the markings in a mirror.
- Explanation of the Procedure: Danni will explain the piercing process step-by-step, ensuring you know what to expect.
- Aftercare Instructions: She will provide you with initial aftercare advice.
- ID and Consent: You'll need to present valid photo ID (as per UK law) and complete a consent form, acknowledging the risks and confirming you understand the procedure.
2. The Piercing Procedure:
- Sterile Environment: Danni will work in a meticulously clean and sterile environment, wearing fresh disposable gloves. All equipment will be sterile and single-use where applicable.
- Preparation: The area around your lips will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a suitable antiseptic solution.
- Tissue Stabilisation: Danni may use sterile clamps or forceps to gently hold and stabilize the lip tissue during the piercing.
- The Piercing:
- Danni will use a brand new, sterile, single-use piercing needle of the appropriate gauge. Reputable piercers always use needles for lip piercings to ensure precision and minimize trauma. Piercing guns are never appropriate for lip piercings.
- The needle will be passed smoothly and swiftly through the marked points. You'll likely feel a sharp pinch and some pressure, which is usually brief.
- Jewelry Insertion: Immediately after the needle is removed, Danni will carefully insert the sterile initial jewelry into the new piercing.
3. Aftercare and Guidance:
- Detailed Aftercare Instructions: Danni will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions specific to lip piercings. This will likely include:
- Cleaning: How and how often to clean the outside of the piercing with sterile saline solution or a recommended antiseptic mouthwash (alcohol-free).
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth carefully and using an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating.
- Swelling Management: Advice on how to reduce swelling (e.g., ice packs).
- Foods to Avoid: Recommendations on avoiding spicy, acidic, or very hot foods during initial healing.
- What to Avoid: Touching the piercing with unwashed hands, playing with the jewelry, using harsh chemicals or makeup directly on the piercing, and engaging in oral activities that could irritate the piercing.
- Signs of Infection: What to look for and when to seek professional help.
- Downsizing: Information about when you might need to return for a shorter jewelry post to prevent snagging and promote healing.
- Opportunity for Questions: Danni will ensure you have a chance to ask any remaining questions.
- Follow-Up Advice: She may recommend a follow-up appointment to check on healing and discuss jewelry downsizing.
What to Expect from Danni and Willow Leaf Piercing:
- Professionalism: Danni will be knowledgeable and experienced in performing various lip piercings.
- Safety First: Strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols will be paramount.
- Quality Materials: Only implant-grade jewellery will be used for initial piercings.
- Clear Communication: You can expect clear and thorough explanations throughout the process.
- Supportive Environment: Danni at Willow Leaf Piercing aims to create a comfortable and reassuring atmosphere.
Important Considerations for Lip Piercings:
- Healing Time: Lip piercings typically take 6-8 weeks to heal externally, but full internal healing can take longer. Patience and diligent aftercare are essential.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Jewellery Downsizing: Downsizing the initial, longer jewellery is important once swelling subsides to prevent irritation and potential damage to teeth and gums.