The classic Labret pierces the tissue under the lower lip through and through - from the outside of the skin to the inside of the mouth (mucous membrane). It is worth remembering that a whole lot of iconic patterns were created on the basis of this one piercing (so-called bites):

• Side Labret: The piercing is made asymmetrically, on the side of the lower lip.
• Snake Bites: Two symmetrical Side Labrets on either side of the lip, resembling a snake bite.
• Spider Bites / Viper Bites: Two piercings placed close to each other on one side of the lip.
• (Tip: If the piercing goes vertically through the red lip itself, without entering the mouth, it is a Vertical Labret - it is a completely different piercing!)

The tissue around the mouth is soft, but densely supplied with blood and innervation. Piercing it with a sterile needle is usually described as a quick, sharp pinch.

Pain is moderate and most often rated at 3 to 4 on a 10-point scale. The biggest challenge with this piercing, however, is not the procedure itself, but what happens a few hours later:

• Massive swelling: The lip reacts very violently to interference. Be prepared for the fact that during the first few days your lower lip may be enlarged two or even three times! For this reason, the piercer will initially put on an unnaturally long earring.

A labret is a specific piercing because it heals in two extremely different environments: from the outside on the dry facial skin, and from the inside in the constantly moist oral mucosa.

• The initial stage of healing (swelling goes down): from 2 to 4 weeks.
• Complete healing of the canal: from 2 to 4 months.

1. Don't touch: Avoid touching the earring with dirty hands and refrain from "spinning" it.
2. Cleanse regularly: Wash the piercing site 2-3 times a day with sterile saline solution.
3. Avoid chemicals: Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or antibiotic ointment. They may irritate the wound and delay healing.
4. Be careful with your hair and clothes: Make sure that shampoo or conditioner does not remain on the ear after bathing. Be careful when putting on sweaters!

Choosing the right material and size is a priority when it comes to oral piercings. A poorly selected earring may permanently damage the enamel and gums. We care about educating our clients, which is why we do not compromise.

During healing:

Piercer uses Labret with a flat disc on the back.

• Safe Titanium: The moist oral environment is a test for jewelry. We use and recommend exclusively Surgical Titanium (G23). It does not cause allergies, does not rust and does not release nickel into the body, which is crucial for quick healing of the mucosa.
• Rod Thickness: Most often 1.2 mm.
• Starting Length: Even 10 mm or 12 mm, depending on the size of the natural swelling (the disc at the back cannot penetrate the enlarged lip!).

Downsize (Shortening the bar) – YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!
When the swelling subsides after about 3-4 weeks, a long rod will begin to fly in the mouth. It will hit your teeth when you talk and bump against your gums. Ignoring downsize is the shortest path to slipping gums (recession) and chipping of teeth. You absolutely need to go to a piercer to replace the rod with a short one that perfectly fits your lip (usually 6 mm or 8 mm).