Facial piercings refer to piercings performed on various parts of the face, excluding the ears. These can include:
- Nose: This includes both septum piercings (the central part dividing the nostrils) and nostril piercings (typically on the right or left side of the nose). You can find all the information and types of nose piercings here.
- Tongue: Although technically inside the mouth, tongue piercings are often considered part of facial piercings. You can find all the information and types of tongue piercings here.
- Cheeks: Piercings that mimic dimples or are positioned elsewhere on the cheeks.
- Chin: Piercings located below the lower lip, near the chin.
- Lips: There are various types of lip piercings, including the labret (below the lower lip), the Monroe (above the upper lip, similar to a beauty mark), and lip rings (through the upper or lower lip).
- Eyebrows: Piercings through the skin above the eye’s arch, along the eyebrow line.
Each type of facial piercing has specific procedures for insertion, care, and healing, and can differently affect a person’s expression and non-verbal communication.
Chin Piercings
A chin piercing is a body modification practice where decorative jewelry is inserted through the tissue of the chin, usually just below the lower lip.
The procedure for a chin piercing typically involves several stages. First, it is crucial to choose a professional and qualified piercer to perform the procedure. The piercer will begin by cleaning the chin area to minimize the risk of infection.
Next, the piercer will use a needle to puncture the chin tissue at the desired spot. Once the piercing is complete, the jewelry will be inserted through the newly created hole.
Eyebrow Piercings: Types
There are several types of eyebrow piercings, each with its own specificities in terms of placement and style. Here are some of the most common types:
- Horizontal Piercing: As the name suggests, this piercing goes horizontally through the eyebrow. It can be placed at various points along the eyebrow arch and should only be done on a well-defined brow ridge for better stability over time.
- Vertical Piercing: This surface piercing is the most common type of eyebrow piercing and extends vertically through the eyebrow’s edge.
Among other piercings in the facial area, we also mention the Bridge.
The Bridge is a surface piercing that goes through the skin on the upper part of the nose, between the eyes. Since it does not pass through cartilage or thick tissue, the risk of complications is relatively low, but it must be performed precisely. As with all piercings, it should only be done on correct anatomy; incorrect execution can lead to rejection issues.
Microdermals
- Cheekbone: Although technically not on the eyebrow itself, the anti-eyebrow piercing is located under the eye, along the cheekbone. This type of piercing is considered “anti” because it is positioned opposite the eyebrow.
- Third Eye: Placed between the eyebrows, near the bridge of the nose, this piercing can give the illusion of a third eye.
The choice of eyebrow piercing type depends on personal preferences, face shape, and other aesthetic considerations. It is always advisable to consult an experienced piercer to determine the most suitable type of piercing and ensure it is performed safely and hygienically.
Cheek Piercings
The “dimple piercing” or “cheek piercing” emulates the appearance of dimples on the cheeks. Generally, there are two main positions for this type of piercing:
- Dimple Piercings: These piercings (done externally at the corner of the mouth) are placed where natural dimples would form, on each cheek. The result mimics the appearance of dimples that appear when smiling. They are symmetrically positioned on both cheeks.
- Single Cheek Piercing: Although less common, some people choose to have a single piercing on one cheek instead of a symmetrical set.
It is essential to consider that cheek piercings can involve various complications due to their location and interaction with saliva and food. At TattooLab, for this reason, we discourage the execution of this piercing except in rare cases (or for people who already have prior experience with body modification and after a detailed consultation on the pros and cons).
Lip Piercings
There are several types of lip piercings, each with its unique position and style. Here are some of the most common types:
- Labret: Located directly below the lower lip, at the center.
- Monroe: Positioned on the upper lip’s side, simulating Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark.
- Medusa: Placed at the center, above the upper lip, directly under the septum.
- Madonna: Similar to the Monroe but located on the opposite side, emulating Madonna’s beauty mark.
- Snake Bites: Two symmetrical piercings, one on each side of the lower lip.
- Spider o Viper Bites: Similar to Snake Bites but closer together, positioned on one side of the lower lip.
- Dahlia Bites: Two piercings positioned at the corners of the mouth on the lower lip.
- Shark Bites: Four piercings in total, with two Snake Bites on each side of the lower lip.
- Vertical Labret: This refers to all piercings performed with a curved barbell that passes through the lip’s vermilion border to exit on the lip itself.
- Ashley or Inverse Vertical Labret: A piercing that exits on the lip and is positioned inside the mouth’s mucosa.
These are just some examples of the various types of lip piercings available. The choice of type depends on personal preferences, lip shape, and the desired look. It is essential to consult a professional piercer to discuss the options and ensure that the lip piercing is performed safely and hygienically.
Care and Healing of Facial Piercings
If you want to add a new piercing to your collection, following these tips will help ensure safe and quick healing.
- Clean Regularly: Clean the piercing with a saline solution or a specific piercing cleanser once or twice a day to prevent infections.
- Moderate Makeup Use: Try to apply little or no makeup or skincare products around the piercing area until it is completely healed.
- Avoid Touching: Refrain from touching the piercing with unwashed hands to prevent bacteria transmission.
- Avoid Irritations: Try not to sleep on the side of the face with the piercing and be careful not to snag it with clothing or towels.
- Jewelry Change: Do not change the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, unless strictly necessary and under the guidance of a professional.
- Monitor the Area: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, or unusual discharge.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet and stay well-hydrated to support the healing process.
- Avoid Pools and Saunas: Exposure to pools, saunas, and hot tubs can increase the risk of infections.
- Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure on the piercing area, as it can cause irritation and discoloration.
If you have any doubts or issues with the piercing, always consult your piercer or a doctor.
Where to do the Facial Piercing
At Tattoolab, our piercer Emil Witczak will be able to give you all the information you need.
