When you hear the term Medusa piercing, what comes to mind? The Greek mythological figure often depicted with snakes for hair? Well, this piercing isn’t linked to a mythical creature. Instead, it’s a lip piercing that sits pretty just below the septum and above the cupid’s bow.
This body modification adds an intriguing and bold touch to your look. It’s perfect for alte fashionistas who want to adorn their body with jewelry. In this guide, we explore Medusa piercings, detailing the expected pain, risks involved, and aftercare practices.
What is Medusa Piercing?
A Medusa piercing is located on the indented part of your upper lip, directly under the septum. While it’s popularly known as Medusa, its actual name is philtrum piercing, which is its anatomical placement—the philtrum or cupid’s bow.
Initially, your piercer would insert a long labret stud into this piercing, and once the piercing heals, you can swap the stud for a shorter piece to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
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How Painful is a Medusa Piercing?
If you’re thinking about piercing your philtrum, you most likely want to know how much it hurts. Unless you have an extremely high pain threshold, this piercing will definitely hurt for a few seconds, but the pain isn’t enough to make your eyes tear up. Of course, you’ll feel a slight pinch but nothing more. A Medusa piercing would be rated a four or five on a pain scale of one to ten.
However, don’t forget everybody has a different pain tolerance. So, while the philtrum piercing may not make you flinch, it might hurt another. As Johnny Pearce, Piercer at Nine Moons Piercing, highlights, “each person has an entirely different experience,” as such, the pain level of a philtrum piercing is subjective.
How Long Does it Take to Heal?
Because the philtrum moves anytime you talk or eat, it may take longer to heal than any part of your body that doesn’t undergo the same level of mechanical stress. Nevertheless, the average healing time for a philtrum piercing is three to five months.
ALSO READ: Septum Piercing: Everything You Need to Know About It
Suitable Jewelry for Medusa Piercing
A Medusa piercing is typically adorned with a labret stud made from implant-grade titanium with a 14-gauge or 16-gauge post during the initial healing process. Once your piercing heals, swap the labret with a hoop or other styles of jewelry.
However, consult your piercer before changing your jewelry. They’ll help you get one that properly fits your mouth and won’t cause any damage from rubbing against your teeth or gums.
Jewelry Material for this Piercing
Implant grade titanium
Also known as F-136 titanium, this jewelry material is biocompatible and hypoallergenic. These properties make it ideal for piercings as it is not harmful and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Solid gold
If you choose gold, ensure it’s high-quality—say 14-karat gold.
Medusa Piercing Cost
The price of a philtrum piercing varies, depending on the piercer’s expertise and jewelry quality. Generally, you’ll pay for the jewelry (ranging from $35 upward) and the piercing (ranging from $40 to $80). Most studios cap their final price depending on the jewelry you pick.
Aftercare Treatment for Philtrum Piercing
Follow these tips to avoid slowing the healing process and increasing the risk of infection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing.
- Clean the pierce area with a sterile saline solution.
- Gently brush your teeth with a new toothbrush or swish with alcohol-free mouthwash or saline solution to cleanse from inside your mouth.
- Don’t touch, twist, or turn your piercing.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
- Don’t drink alcohol, smoke, vape, or do anything that can agitate your piercing for the first three to five days.
- Eat soft foods and avoid spicy, salty, or very hot foods.
- Avoid chewing gum or biting on your fingernails.
- Don’t share utensils or cups with others.
- Eat fruits and vegetables, exercise, and get a healthy amount of sleep.
- Don’t kiss or engage in oral sex to avoid exchanging body fluids.
Potential Side Effects of Medusa Piercing
Every piercing has its risks. However, it’s crucial to know what’s normal and what’s a cause for concern. In the first week of your piercing, expect to see:
- Redness
- Discoloration
- Swelling
- Heat
- Slight bleeding
- Tenderness to touch
- Crusting which causes discharge
These reactions are normal and will heal in amatter of days. However, see a doctor if they linger or you notice pus, fever, infection gum erosion, tooth damage, or impaire oral function.
Elevate Your Upper Lip with a Medusa Piercing
Besides the ears, the lips are another versatile body part to pierce. From the middle to the corners, above, and below, no part of your mouth doesn’t deserve some jewelry. The philtrum is a delicate yet cool spot for body modification. It’s prominent; perhaps the first thing anyone would notice after your beautiful face.
If you’re going to commit to this piercing, be ready for it. This involves preparing for the pain, risks, and aftercare hygiene. Also, consider the possibility of taking out the piercing in the future. When that happens, expect to see a visible scar at the pierced spot.
That being said, philtrum piercings are fun and striking, and they look good on anyone who gets them, regardless of gender.
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