Vertical labrets elevate lip piercings to another level. The piercing is made up of a curved barbell that is put through the center of your bottom lip, with both ends visible on top and below. This provides the vertical labret an eye-catching appearance unlike any other lip piercing. Vertical labret piercings pull the eye to your mouth and look terrific.
First, we need to define vertical labret
A vertical lip piercing fashion, also known as a vertical labret, involves placing jewelry through the center of your lower lip. Although it is a widespread technique, vertical lip piercing can have some negative consequences. Before getting a lip piercing, keep in mind that the tissue around your mouth is sensitive and thick with nerve endings, which might cause greater pain than other types of piercing. Never receive a piercing from someone who isn’t professionally qualified. If you enjoy making a dramatic beauty statement and don’t mind a little pain, there are numerous piercing alternatives available to you, including multiple types of lip piercings. Did we pique your interest yet?
If so, a vertical labret lip piercing could be for you. They are positioned directly in the center of your lips, making them ideal for people who were born to stand out and enjoy a little body alteration. Vertical labret piercings are not to be mistaken with a conventional labret, which runs from the outside to the inside and sits just below the bottom lip. Vertical labrets are distinguished by their placement fully outside of the mouth, with one entry extending from just below the bottom lip to the top of the lower lip. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the vertical labret piercing is that it never touches the interior of the mouth.
This means that your jewelry will not scrape against your teeth and gums like other lip piercings, and it will remain cleaner during the healing process because you will not have to worry about bacteria in your saliva. If you have oral concerns like a receding gum line or enamel wear, this lip piercing may be right for you. The vertical labret piercing is also ideal for people seeking a unique and striking look.
Procedure details for lip piercing
The vertical labret piercing has two puncture sites that pierce right through your bottom lip. The piercing needle is put vertically into your bottom lip and exited through the skin beneath it. This piercing can be more painful than other varieties. However, the level of pain may vary based on your tolerance. The piercing is done mostly through the lower lip and is entirely on the outside of the mouth. This makes it more noticeable than other types of mouth piercings. To minimize infections, your piercer should observe all hygienic regulations when doing the procedure.?
The inserted jewelry should be composed of surgical stainless steel, gold, titanium, or acrylic. Regardless of the type you choose, you must be able to remove it for cleaning on occasion. Your piercer will cleanse your lower lip with water and disinfecting solution. You’ll rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any potentially infectious microorganisms that could enter the piercing region. The piercer will use a marker to indicate the area inside and outside of the lip where the piercing will take place. They will use a special tool to lock your lower lip in place and gently pull it outward to see inside your mouth. To minimize pain, a needle will be The vertical labret piercing has two puncture sites that pierce right through your bottom lip.
The piercing needle is put vertically into your bottom lip and exited through the skin beneath it. This piercing can be more painful than other varieties. However, the level of pain may vary based on your tolerance. The piercing is done mostly through the lower lip and is entirely on the outside of the mouth. This makes it more noticeable than other types of mouth piercings. To minimize infections, your piercer should observe all hygienic regulations when doing the procedure.? The inserted jewelry should be composed of surgical stainless steel, gold, titanium, or acrylic. Regardless of the type you choose, you must be able to remove it for cleaning on occasion. Your piercer will cleanse your lower lip with water and disinfecting solution. You’ll rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any potentially infectious microorganisms that could enter the piercing region.
The piercer will use a marker to indicate the area inside and outside of the lip where the piercing will take place. They will use a special tool to lock your lower lip in place and gently pull it outward to see inside your mouth. To minimize pain, a needle will be inserted through the designated locations from top to bottom, firmly and quickly but gently. They will withdraw the needle carefully and softly. Your piercer will place jewelry, such as a bent barbell, in the newly opened piercing. They will also attach any beads to the end of the barbell to hold it in place.
Pain of getting lip pierced (vertical labret)
Because the vertical labret piercing has two puncture sites that penetrate the fragile lip skin, it is slightly more painful than other lip piercing varieties. When compared to other piercing kinds, it is normally on the low-to-middle pain scale. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, seek out an experienced piercer who can coach you through breathing techniques and make the piercing process more comfortable.
Swelling, minor bleeding, and throbbing are common reactions after piercings. Everyone’s pain tolerance differs. The vertical lip piercing rarely causes significant pain for most people. Some have given it a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10. It may cause greater pain than ear, nose, or other piercings because the tissue around your mouth is delicate and thick with nerve endings. Vertical lip piercings can also be more painful than conventional lip piercings since they pierce into thin, fragile lip tissues rather than only skin and inner mouth tissue.
Side Effects of Lip Piercing
Vertical lip piercings can cause side effects. These include the following:
Rejection
This occurs when your body detects a foreign thing and attempts to force it out of your skin by breaking it open. This makes the region more prone to infection and may result in a scar after healing.
Swelling
You may experience minor swelling in the first few days, but if your lip remains swollen up and red after a week, something else may be amiss. If you see any prolonged swelling, contact your piercer or a doctor right once. It may not be an infection yet, but it might quickly become one.
Migration
Migration occurs when a piercing begins to travel away from its original location. Noticing shifting jewelry as soon as possible is critical, as you may be at risk of contracting an infection.
Infection
While an infection may sound frightening, it is extremely easy to get if you do not follow proper maintenance. If you notice persistent swelling or redness, discharge, discomfort, burning, itching, or severe pain, you most certainly have an infection.1 If you are unsure whether a symptom is typical, you can consult your piercer or a doctor. If something appears to be incorrect, get medical attention immediately. If you have any concerns during or after the healing period, always contact your piercer. They are there to aid you during the healing process and even after the piercing has healed. Never rely on Google or acquaintances to diagnose any potential problems; instead, consult a trustworthy professional piercer.
Nerve disruption
Facial piercings have been shown to disrupt nerves on the face. This might lead to back pain and misaligned eyes.
An allergic response
Piercing materials containing nickel or chromium can produce dermatitis through irritation or sensitization.
Poor quality of life
Scars from piercing procedures can be uncomfortable. You may also experience shame or emotional discomfort.
Scarring
If a piercing is refused or the space is not regularly filled with jewelry, thick scar tissue can form on the pierced area. Piercing bumps can occur as a result of poor maintenance, trauma, or discomfort. There are three sorts of piercing bumps: pustules (pimple-like bumps), hypertrophic scarring (bumps caused by collagen buildup), and irritation bumps (rash-like bumps). To avoid these negative effects, keep the piercing dry, follow correct aftercare instructions, maintain the jewelry as still as possible, and avoid snags and tears. If a piercing bump develops, consult your piercer regarding treatment. They normally go away with proper care.
A word about keloids
Keloids are frequently cited as common piercing lumps that may form. This is incorrect. Keloids are caused by a genetic condition that affects around 10% of the world’s population. They are enormous, black growths that occur after an injury and can only be eliminated surgically. If you or anybody in your family has never had a keloid before, the piercing bump you’re worried about is almost certainly not a keloid.
Healing of vertical labret
The vertical labret heals relatively quickly, approximately 6 to 8 weeks. As always, the healing process varies, so consult your piercer before discontinuing aftercare treatments. Because no component of the jewelry or piercing enters the mouth, vertical labret aftercare is typically easier than for other types of lip piercings. As a result, you don’t have to be as concerned about biting on the jewelry, avoiding it when brushing your teeth, or cleaning the inside of your mouth after meals. Because the vertical labret is located on your lip, you must pay special care to certain aspects of your piercing while it heals. Always remember to clean your piercings. To avoid illnesses, always keep your hands clean when handling it. To avoid harm, try not to touch the piercing with clothing, sheets, or blankets. The piercing also stays cleaner during healing because you don’t have to worry about bacteria in your saliva, and it heals slightly faster. Lips heal well in response to damage or trauma due to their vasculature.
Aftercare for lip piercing/vertical labret
Aftercare for a vertical labret is very standard for piercings: rinse the region with a sterile saline solution two to three times a day during the healing process. Unfortunately, while the actual direct care is straightforward, there is a lot of protocol that must be followed throughout aftercare to guarantee that nothing occurs to your new piercing. The first major precaution is to avoid touching the jewelry as much as possible (touching it while cleaning is acceptable).
If you use skincare or cosmetics, make sure to keep it away from the healing piercing. Furthermore, Tierney believes that rotating your jewelry is a frequent fallacy perpetuated by outdated aftercare procedures. Finally, avoid smoking and consuming alcohol for at least two weeks following the piercing, as these can cause irritation. If you bite or play with your lips, the vertical labret piercing may seem invasive for the first few weeks. It’s crucial to avoid touching or twisting the new jewelry until the piercing has fully healed, so you’ll need to be especially careful not to lick your lips or subconsciously play with it.
Here are some ideas to help you heal faster
Choose your foods intelligently
Even though the piercing does not enter your mouth, you should use caution when eating certain foods. For example, the oils from chilis and other spicy foods can easily penetrate the lip piercing and create discomfort. After eating, make sure that no food residue has become lodged in or around the new piercing.
No kissing or oral play while healing
Although this is a general recommendation for all oral piercings, it is especially vital for the vertical labret, which is positioned immediately on the lip. Kissing not only introduces hazardous bacteria into the piercing, but it can also irritate the skin surrounding the piercing, causing pain to the piercing site. Kissing will be fine once the piercing has healed completely.
Avoid using chapstick or lipstick while you’re recuperating
Except for saline solution or other aftercare products, you should avoid using any foreign substances around the piercing. Chapstick and cosmetics might get lodged in the piercing, causing an infection.
Jewelry choices for vertical labret piercings
Completely enclosed ring or hoop.
This wraps around the entire pierced area, much like an earring in your earlobe.
Curved barbell.
This broad rod-shaped piece of jewelry often measures 14 to 16 gauge and bends over the lips, with beads on each end pointing front.
Vertical labret bars.
These pass through the piercing vertically, with a bead on each end. If you have two vertical labret piercings, you can even wear them together. Once the swelling has subsided and you’re ready to transition to a more permanent item, we recommend nickel-free 14k gold. This sort of gold contains enough alloys to be durable, but not enough alloys to irritate your skin. It also has a luster that even the untrained eye may notice. Despite the limited jewelry options available with a vertical labret, you can still be creative with your curved barbell type. Many people prefer a smaller ball for more comfortable wear, although a larger ball might contribute to a more dramatic look.
If you want a hoop, a traditional labret is a better fit. Curves still allow for a variety of unique jewelry options, ranging from small delicate endings, classic beads and discs, to larger more decorative items. However, keep in mind that everything you wear will come into contact with everything you eat and drink. The finer and more ornate an end, the more cleanup required after meals and snacks. Some people don’t mind the extra effort, while others stick to plain jewelry for convenience. Do not be frightened to experiment! Fancy parts can be entertaining for travels and festivities, while basic endings may be suitable for everyday wear.
What jewelry material is used for a vertical labret?
Stainless steel
Implant-grade stainless steel jewelry is the most popular choice for vertical labret piercings due to its ease of customization and good quality.
Titanium
For the metal, properly fitting medical-grade titanium is your best option. Titanium is an excellent alternative to surgical steel since it contains no nickel, so you receive all the benefits without the drawbacks.
Gold
Regardless of whether you choose yellow, rose, or white gold for your jewelry, it must be at least 14 carat and no more than 18 karat to ensure that it is solid enough to not house bacteria.
Conclusion
Vertical labret jewelry offers a unique and captivating way to express one’s style and personality. Its distinct placement and the variety of jewelry options available make it a versatile and appealing choice for those looking to make a statement with their body art. Whether you prefer a subtle, elegant piece or a bold, eye-catching design, vertical labret jewelry provides an avenue for creative and personal expression.