Vertical Labret Piercing Pain and Healing
A vertical labret piercing is a great choice if you want to add some flair to your face. But before you get the piercing, you need to know about the pain and healing time. In this article we will go over the pain you can expect during a vertical labret piercing, the factors that affect healing time and how to take care of your piercing to heal smoothly. Whether you are getting one or already have one, this will help you understand the process.
Vertical Labret Piercing Pain: What to Expect
When it comes to vertical labret piercing pain, most people experience some discomfort but the pain is manageable. The piercing process is the needle going through the lip which has a lot of tissue. For most people the pain is medium to mild and is described as a sharp pinch followed by a dull throb. The initial sting is quick and only lasts a few seconds so most people can handle it.
The pain also depends on your pain threshold, the piercer’s skill and the location of the piercing on the lip. If you are anxious about pain try to relax and take deep breaths during the procedure. Your piercer may also offer numbing options or pain reduction techniques to help with the discomfort.
Factors That Affect Pain During a Vertical Labret Piercing
Most people find the pain of a vertical labret piercing to be manageable but there are factors that can affect how much you feel. These are:
- Pain Tolerance: Everyone has a different pain threshold. Some people find piercings painless, others more sensitive.
- Piercing Location: The pain can vary depending on where the piercing is placed on the lip. A piercing closer to the center of the lip is less painful than one near the edges.
- Piercer’s Skill: A more experienced piercer can make the process faster and less painful and smoother.
- Size and Gauge of the Jewelry: The size of the jewelry you choose for your vertical labret piercing can also affect the pain. Larger gauge jewelry requires more pressure so more discomfort.
How long does a Vertical Labret Piercing Take to Heal?
Healing time for a vertical labret piercing is 6-12 weeks but this can vary. Healing time depends on:
- Placement of the Piercing: Piercings in areas with more blood flow heal faster than those in less vascular areas. Since the vertical labret is on the lip it usually gets good circulation so heals quicker.
- Aftercare: Proper aftercare is key to healing. Poor aftercare can lead to infection, delayed healing or complications. Follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions to the letter for best results.
- Body’s Healing Ability: Everyone heals at different rates. Some heal faster than others and some take longer.
- Jewelry and Piercing Size: Larger or more intricate jewelry may take longer to heal so make sure to choose the right size according to your piercer’s advice.
Vertical Labret Piercing Healing Stages
Healing times may vary but your vertical labret piercing will go through several stages as it heals. Here’s what to expect:
- Week 1-2: Initial Healing In the first couple of weeks you’ll experience swelling and possibly bruising. This is normal and the pain should be minimal after the initial piercing. Make sure to clean the piercing regularly to prevent infection.
- Week 3-6: Reduced Swelling and Discomfort By the third week the swelling should go down and the piercing will start to feel more comfortable. You may see some crusting or discharge which is part of the healing process. Continue with aftercare to prevent irritation.
- Week 6-12: Full Healing By the sixth week the piercing should be mostly healed but it may take up to 12 weeks to fully health. During this stage you may still need to clean the piercing and avoid touching it unnecessarily to ensure it heals properly.
How to Heal Faster
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: Clean your piercing with saline solution or a mild saline wound wash. Don’t use harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide as they can irritate the piercing.
- Don’t Touch the Piercing: Touching your piercing with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. Only touch it when cleaning and wash your hands first.
- Don’t Smoke and Drink: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase complications. Drinking can also irritate the piercing and delay recovery.
- Watch what you eat: During healing avoid eating spicy, salty or acidic foods that can irritate the area. Eat softer foods to reduce friction on the piercing.
When to Get Help
Most vertical labret piercings heal without issues, but there are some signs that mean you need to get help. If you’re experiencing excessive pain, swelling, pus discharge or redness around the piercing, get advice from your piercer or a doctor. Infections can happen but early intervention can prevent further problems.
Conclusion: Patience and Proper Care is Key to Healing
In conclusion, while the pain level is manageable, healing time requires patience and aftercare. Healing time is 6-12 weeks depending on various factors. Follow proper aftercare and be mindful of your piercing during the healing stages and it will heal smoothly and complication free. Remember everyone’s body is different so healing time may vary but with proper care your piercing will be a beautiful addition to your style.