Body piercing is a form of art and self-expression that is popular all over the world. Some piercings done long ago were for cultural reasons, but today, most piercings are more for aesthetics and looks. Just as some people express themselves through their clothing choices or by getting tattoos, some look to the art of body piercing. One great option for those wanting to adorn themselves is the medusa piercing.
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What is a Medusa Piercing?
The philtrum piercing is nicknamed the Medusa piercing. It is a piercing placed right above the lip and below the septum (the cartilage that separates your nostrils). Many people use a labret stud for a Medusa piercing but, other options are available if you would like something a little fancier. The Medusa piercing is often paired with other piercings for an astounding effect. However, the Medusa on its own is pleasing because of the symmetrical placement, so it comes down to personal style and preference.
Pros And Cons Of Medusa Piercing
Many people have trouble deciding which type of piercing they would like. Here are some pros and cons of the Medusa piercing to determine if it is the right piercing for you.
Pros:
- It highlights the contours of your lips.
- It is an attention-grabbing piercing because of its location.
- It is well suited to both men and women.
Cons:
- If it is done improperly, the piercing could affect the symmetry of your facial features.
- It is not suited to all face shapes.
- Care and attention are required while it is healing.
- The piercing could cause teeth and gum erosion over time.
Procedure
As with any piercing, it is crucial to do some research and choose a reputable piercing studio. It is a good idea to find a piercer who has experience with Medusa piercings. The Medusa piercing has to be appropriately placed to prevent or lessen the risk of dental issues.
The other important aspect of placement is that it is directly in the middle of the philtrum. If it is placed off-center, the symmetry of your face will be affected. The procedure is relatively straightforward!
- The piercer wears clean gloves and then wipes the piercing area with an antibacterial wipe to cleanse it. Once the area has been cleaned, you will rinse your mouth with an oral antiseptic solution before getting the piercing.
- Once the piercing area and the inside of your mouth have been cleaned, a clamp will be placed on your upper lip. The piercer will then pierce the philtrum from the inside out using a sharp, thin, hollow needle.
- A special instrument is used to aid the jewelry in passing through the hole.
- Once it is set in place, the piercer will wipe it with an antiseptic solution, and you are done!
How Much Does Medusa Piercing Hurt?
The procedure for a Medusa piercing is quick, so any pain felt will be short-lived. There are many nerves in the lips and the area surrounding them, so you may feel a bit of pain when the piercing occurs. The Medusa piercing only requires one puncture with a needle, and it is done in one motion, so it should only pinch for a second. After the pinch, there may be some slight throbbing as felt with any piercing. After receiving the piercing, there may be a few days of pain and swelling, but that is normal. If the pain has not gone away after a week, or if it becomes smelly and excretes puss, you should check in with a doctor.
What Jewelry Should I Choose?
As stated earlier, people generally use a labret stud for a Medusa piercing. Some are quite simple and plain, but you can also find studs that are a little more ornate. Another popular choice is a curved barbell for a vertical Medusa piercing. The vertical Medusa has an entry point at the philtrum but comes out through the lip itself.
When choosing jewelry for your piercing, ensure you know what metal it is made of. Some metals may be allergens for some people. They are also more apt to cause infections and increase the risk of piercing rejection. Avoid body jewelry made of sterling silver, zinc, tin, brass, nickel, and copper since they are low-grade metals and should not be used in your piercings. Try to choose jewelry made of stainless steel and, if you have sensitivities to any metals, titanium is a better choice. Other hypoallergenic choices are niobium and gold. If you are opting for gold, choose 14k or 18k. Lower Karat is not recommended as the gold content is lower, and other metals are combined with it.
Medusa Piercing Healing and After Care
The healing time for a Medusa piercing will vary and can be anywhere from 6-12 weeks, while also depending a lot on your health and your immune system. The type of jewelry you choose can also affect the time it takes to heal. Taking care of your piercing during healing is very important. Proper care can help the healing process and reduce the risk of infection, migration, and rejection. Here are some essential tips to ensure a speedy healing process.
- Do not play with the jewelry. Doing so may irritate the piercing and prolong the healing. I know this is easier said than done!
- When you need to clean the piercing or touch it for any reason, wash your hands first. Getting dirt in the piercing will cause an infection.
- Makeup and other facial products should not be used around the pierced area. Chemicals in the products may irritate the piercing.
- Be cautious when you are brushing your teeth. Use a clean toothbrush and be careful around the piercing area.
- Do not use mouthwash after brushing your teeth. The alcohol in mouthwash may irritate the piercing.
- Clean your piercing with a saline solution at least two or three times a day. Make sure to clean both the inside and the outside. Keeping your mouth clean will reduce the risk of infection.
- Do not move your lips more than necessary. You do not want the jewelry to migrate (which is a higher possibility during healing).
- Look at your piercing regularly so that you can deal with it immediately if you notice any signs of infection. After a few days, it should not be painful, and the redness should be gone.
- Signs that it may be infected are pus, fever, and tenderness around the site. If any of these signs are present, see a doctor immediately. Leaving it untreated will make it worse.
The Final Take
Medusa piercing has become quite popular all over the world. It is a trending body art that suits many face shapes and looks good on males and females.
It is a prominent piercing, so make sure to consider the pros and cons before getting one!
Medusa Piercing Images
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