Lip piercings, like any body piercing, carry some inherent risks. However, when done properly by a qualified professional using sterile technique and high-quality jewelry, most lip piercings heal without major complications. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits. This article examines common concerns about potential harms associated with lip piercings and provides evidence-based information to help readers make an informed decision.
What are the risks of getting a lip piercing?
Some potential risks and complications to consider before getting a lip piercing include:
Infection
As with any piercing, infection is a risk. Oral bacteria can enter the puncture site and cause an infection. Signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness, heat, and green or yellow discharge. Infections require prompt treatment with antibiotics. Good piercing aftercare can help prevent infections.
Nerve damage
The lips and mouth area contain many tiny nerve endings that can potentially be damaged during the piercing process. This can cause numbness or altered sensation around the piercing site. Nerve damage may be temporary or permanent.
Gum and tooth damage
Jewelry can rub against and damage gum tissue or teeth over time, leading to recession and wear. rings or circular barbells tend to pose a higher risk than labret studs. Proper placement and fit, and using high-quality jewelry can help minimize this risk.
Scarring
Any piercing carries a risk of scarring, especially if the piercing becomes infected or is not cared for properly during healing. Scars may be minor or more noticeable depending on circumstances.
Reactivation of herpes simplex virus
Lip piercing involves trauma to the mouth region. This carries a risk of aggravating dormant herpes virus infections, potentially leading to cold sore breakouts.
Allergic reaction
In rare cases, allergies to certain metals or materials in piercings can develop, causing rashes, swelling, or reactions at the site. Reputable studios use high-quality hypoallergenic jewelry materials such as surgical steel.
Difficulty eating and drinking
Lip piercings, especially rings, may hinder eating, drinking, and other mouth functions. This can make eating uncomfortable, and adequate nutrition and hydration may require some adjustment.
Chipped or cracked teeth
The lip jewelry may hit against teeth causing chips or cracks. This risk may be greater with certain placements, lengths or styles of jewelry.
Aspiration risk
There is a small risk of aspiration if certain jewelry types become loose or unscrewed. This means accidentally inhaling or swallowing the jewelry.
What are the health risks of lip piercings?
In addition to piercing risks and complications, lip piercings carry some potential health effects to know.
Dental health problems
As mentioned, jewelry can gradually damage teeth and gums. This damage raises risks for various dental health issues:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth chipping or fractures
- Increased tartar and plaque buildup
Oral cancers
Lip and mouth piercings increase the risk of damage and infections in the mouth, which may slightly raise overall risk for oral cancers. However, quality research reviews have found lip and mouth piercings are “not associated with significantly increased risk of oral cancer.”
Gastrointestinal issues
In some cases, lip piercings may interfere with proper closure of the lips and mouth. This allows more saliva to escape, potentially causing mildly increased drooling. Swallowing excess saliva and oral bacteria may also irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate conditions like heartburn or nausea.
Speech problems
Certain piercings may temporarily affect speech and pronunciation of certain words and sounds during the initial healing phase. In some cases, a lisp develops. Speech typically returns to normal over time as swelling goes away and the individual adjusts.
Nerve damage
While rare, nerve damage to the face caused by piercings could potentially trigger problems like chronic facial muscle weakness or paralysis in severe cases if nerves are badly damaged.
Oral fungal infections
The mouth carries high levels of yeast and fungi. Lip piercings may encourage overgrowth of oral candidiasis or thrush. Antifungal medication can treat fungal infections.
Overall, while some risks and health considerations exist, most are avoidable or very low risk with proper piercing and aftercare procedures.
Do lip piercings damage teeth?
Lip piercings do carry a risk of tooth and gum damage over time. However, the likelihood and extent depends on several factors.
Jewelry style and fit
The style and fit of jewelry impacts risk. Tight-fitting rings or circular barbells that press firmly on teeth and gums tend to pose the highest risk. Well-fitting studs or labret studs minimize contact with teeth.
Jewelry length
Extra long jewelry has more leveraging force against teeth, raising damage risks. Choosing an appropriate length based on anatomy helps.
Jewelry material
High-quality medical implant grade materials such as titanium or niobium are safest. Plastic acrylic labrets may cause less wear than metal.
Placement
The exact piercing location impacts risk. For example, labret piercings through the center under the lip away from teeth and gums pose less risk than rings on the lip edges.
Biting behaviors
Habitual lip, mouth or teeth biting or chewing behaviors raise risk for cracked, chipped or broken teeth if jewelry is bitten down on forcefully.
Pre-existing dental issues
Those with pre-existing dental problems, cavities, misalignments or past damage may be more predisposed to further tooth damage.
Overall, while some degree of dental wear is common with lip piercings, the effects are usually minor during initial healing periods. Proper placement, high quality jewelry and attentive aftercare helps minimize tooth risks long-term.
Can a lip piercing cause permanent damage?
Permanent damage is possible but not common with lip piercings. Proper piercing technique reduces the likelihood of lasting problems.
Potential types of permanent lip piercing damage include:
Nerve damage
If facial nerves are badly injured, numbness or muscle paralysis can potentially persist.
Tooth fractures
Deep cracks in tooth enamel that reach inner dentin may require extraction or crowns.
Gum recession
Severe gum recession that exposes tooth roots may be permanent, requiring grafting.
Oral scar tissue
While not typically severe, scar tissue can form, especially if piercing site infection occurs.
Dental fixtures, fillings or crowns
If prolonged jewelry wearing loosens or damages dental repairs, replacement may be needed.
Speech impediment
A persistent lisp or impairment usually means nerves or tissues were notably damaged.
To minimize any lasting effects, have an experienced professional pierce with sterile technique, allow proper healing time, avoid trauma, use quality jewelry, and practice excellent hygiene and aftercare. The majority of lip piercings heal without permanent adverse effects. Discuss risks and concerns with your piercer.
What are the odds of lip piercing rejection?
Lip piercing rejections are relatively uncommon compared to other body sites. When rejections do occur, it is typically within the first 6-12 months during the initial healing.
According to medical literature, rejection rates for lip piercings range between 10-35%. However, members of the professional body piercing community place the risk of lip piercing rejection much lower, around 5-15% on average.
Factors that raise risks for possible rejection include:
- Smoking – chemicals and heat prolong healing
- Alcohol use – slows immune response
- Oral trauma from biting or injury
- Poor fitting jewelry – excessive movement
- Low-quality jewelry metal – more reactive
- Poor placement – high tension area
- Lack of aftercare – higher infection risk
- Chronic conditions – diabetes, immunosuppression
With high-quality jewelry, attentive aftercare, and avoiding trauma, most lip piercings successfully heal long-term without issue. If signs of rejection appear like persistent swelling, pain, or migration, promptly remove jewelry and allow the piercing to close.
What problems can happen if a lip piercing gets infected?
Although relatively rare with proper aftercare, lip piercing infections must be treated quickly to avoid potential complications or permanent damage. Signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness, heat, discharge, and fever.
Potential problems with infected lip piercings include:
Abscesses
Abscesses are pus-filled lumps that form from bacterial infection. Drainage and antibiotics are needed to treat abscesses.
Scarring
Infection and trauma to the wound can result in visible scarring around the piercing. Proper wound care helps minimize scarring.
Cellulitis
This bacterial skin infection causes swelling, oozing, and ulceration which could spread. Antibiotics, drainage, and wound care treats cellulitis.
Oral thrush
A fungal overgrowth of candida is possible with piercings. Rinses, antifungals, and hygiene helps clear up thrush.
Blood poisoning
If bacteria enter the bloodstream, sepsis is possible. Urgent medical treatment is vital for life-threatening blood poisoning.
Nerve damage
Infection and inflammation places pressure on delicate mouth nerves, risking temporary or permanent numbness in rare cases.
Organ damage
Though very rare, severe facial infections may spread to the brain or other vital organs and tissues like the eyes if neglected.
Death
In a worst case scenario, an aggressively invasive and untreated infection could become deadly. However, this is an exceptionally rare outcome.
Do not remove jewelry from an infected piercing yourself. See a doctor or reputable piercer for evaluation and proper care. With prompt treatment, serious problems are avoidable.
How long does it take for a lip piercing to heal?
On average, lip piercings take about 6-8 weeks to heal fully. However, healing speed varies by individual. Factors impacting lip piercing healing duration include:
Piercing location
The specific lip area pierced affects healing. Center lip piercings tend to heal fastest in 4-6 weeks. Lip edge or corner piercings take longer around 8-12 weeks.
Jewelry style
Labret studs usually heal quicker than rings which may prolong healing to 10-12 weeks.
Aftercare diligence
Good hygiene and proper aftercare makes a significant difference in speeding healing.
Oral habits
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and habits like biting or chewing the piercing slow healing.
General health
Chronic health conditions or weaker immune response can delay wound healing. A nutritious diet supports faster healing.
Medications
Certain medications also inhibit healing, such as steroids, anti-inflammatories, or chemotherapy drugs.
Past healing
Individuals who tend to heal slowly from wounds and injuries may require longer piercing healing times.
It takes on average 6-8 weeks for a lip piercing to fully heal. Have patience, allow sufficient healing time, and avoid irritating the piercing to prevent problems. Consult your piercer if healing seems delayed.
What are the risks of getting pierced while pregnant?
Getting pierced during pregnancy does carry some additional risks and considerations. According to guidelines from the Association of Professional Piercers (APP):
Infection risk
Pregnancy lowers immunity, raising risks of infections which could potentially affect the pregnancy. Oral piercings have especially high infection rates.
Excessive bleeding
Hormonal changes may cause increased bleeding from piercings. Loss of even small amounts of blood may be harmful.
Delayed healing
It typically takes piercings longer to heal during pregnancy as the body prioritizes the baby. Healing may extend weeks past normal timeframes.
Trauma risk
Accidental tugging or impact on the piercing area could potentially induce early labor if uterus or abdomen are pierced.
Preeclampsia factors
Trauma and higher stress levels may exacerbate pregnancy complication like preeclampsia.
Numbing risks
Anesthetics used to numb pain carry unknown pregnancy risks. Topicals like benzocaine are safest.
jewelry issues
Swelling during pregnancy may cause jewelry to embed or migrate. Longer initial barbells or posts reduce risk.
Overall, the APP suggests waiting until after pregnancy to get new piercings whenever possible. If a piercing is desired during pregnancy, consult closely with an experienced licensed piercer and primary doctor for guidance on safe procedure and jewelry.
Can I change my lip piercing after a month?
It is not advisable to change lip piercings too soon. The initial healing phase takes about 6-8 weeks on average. Changing jewelry too early raises risks of:
- Setting back the healing process
- Introducing new bacteria and infection
- Irritation, swelling, bleeding from trauma
- Formation of abscesses or cysts
- Scar tissue buildup
- Rejection or migration of the piercing
Therefore, the standard recommendation is to avoid changing lip piercings for at least the first 4-6 weeks. After this initial healing, jewelry may be changed once if needed to a similar style stud or ring.
However, leaving the original jewelry for the full healing duration of 6-8+ weeks is safest. After healing fully, you may change the style more freely within reason. Never force jewelry changes if any swelling, discharge or tenderness remains. Consult your piercer for guidance.
Conclusion
While lip piercings do present some risks and potential side effects, these can be effectively minimized through proper technique, high-quality jewelry, attentive aftercare, and avoiding infection and trauma. For most individuals who follow their professional piercer’s instructions, get piercings from reputable studios using sterile methods, and practice good hygiene during healing, lip piercings are relatively low risk and heal safely without major permanent adverse effects. However, this depends strongly on the individual’s anatomy, health status, and aftercare diligence. Anyone considering a lip piercing should first thoroughly research risks, consult an experienced piercer, and weigh the benefits versus potential harms for their situation.
