April 30, 2024

Anti Eyebrow Piercing (Butterfly Kiss): Placement, Pain, Price, Healing, Jewelry, Sizes, Aftercare

If you're considering getting an anti-eyebrow piercing, you likely have questions about the piercing process and what to expect as you heal. Here's everything you need to know about this unique look before you schedule your appointment.

What Is an Anti-Eyebrow Piercing?

An anti eyebrow piercing is a horizontal facial piercing placed just below the eye on the cheekbone. It is also known as a butterfly kiss piercing or a teardrop piercing. Although it is gaining popularity, it is one of the more unique facial piercing options.

Surface vs. Dermal Piercing Anti Eyebrow

Anti-eyebrow surface piercings have an entry and exit point and can be vertical or diagonal. Surface piercings have a higher risk of rejection than dermal (microdermal) piercings.

That's why reputable piercers prefer dermal implants. Dermal or microdermal piercings have anchors that hold the jewelry in place and do not reject as quickly.

You can create the illusion of a surface anti-eyebrow piercing by placing two dermal piercings close to each other.

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Are Anti-Eyebrow Piercings Safe?

Anti-eyebrow piercings are generally considered safe when done by a professional piercer; However, they carry some risks like all other piercings.

Some of the most common complications include rejection, infection, scarring, swelling, pain, and discomfort. Fortunately, if you take good care of your piercing as it heals, your risks of complications decrease.

Anti Eyebrow Piercing Price

How much are anti eyebrow piercings? Anti-eyebrow piercings usually cost between $40 and $60, depending on the piercing studio. Your jewelry will also affect the overall cost.

If you choose to get two dermal piercings to create the illusion of an anti-eyebrow piercing, you will pay between $40 and $100 per dermal. Dermal piercings cost more because it is a more invasive procedure.

Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Healing Time

Anti-eyebrow piercings take between 6 to 8 weeks to heal. However, it may take longer depending on how well you follow aftercare instructions and if any complications arise.

Dermal piercings that look like anti-eyebrow piercings also take a similar amount of time to heal, though in some cases, it can take 12 weeks.

Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Pain Level

In terms of piercing pain, many people find the pain associated with anti-eyebrow piercings is minimal, with a score of 3 out of 10 on a pain scale. However, the discomfort you feel also depends on your piercer's experience.

The pain associated with a dermal eyebrow piercing is similar.

Anti Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry Types

There are several jewelry options for an anti-eyebrow piercing. Before changing your jewelry, you must wait until it completely heals. The following are the most common types:

1. Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Surface Bars

Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing: Placement, Duration, Pain, Cost, Healing, Jewelry, Aftercare

Surface barbell with opal white blue purple green opal titanium surface bar piercings 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.

Anti eyebrow piercings are usually done with a surface bar. The post of surface bars bends at a 90-degree angle, allowing them to sit flat against the skin. Surface bars snag less often than other jewelry types and create a sleek aesthetic.

2. Curved Barbells

Curved barbell eyebrow piercing 16G 6mm 8mm 10mm titanium diamond eyebrow barbell gold silver $22.9, SHOP NOW.

Curved barbells are popular for anti-eyebrow piercings. Their design prompts optimal healing while reducing the chances of rejection.

3. Dermal Anchors for Dermal Anti Eyebrow Piercings

Dermal Anchor With CZ for Dermal Piercing Implant Grade Titanium 14G $17.9, SHOP NOW.

You can create the illusion of an anti-eyebrow piercing by choosing dermal anchors. A dermal anchor features one end that sits below the skin, anchoring it in place while the other end stays exposed.

The top on the exposed end can be changed out for gems, balls, or spikes, making them a versatile option for those who like anti-eyebrow piercings but want to avoid surface piercings.

Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Sizes

Gauge: Anti-eyebrow surface piercing barbells are typically between 14 and 16 gauge. However, 10 and 12-gauge are also common.
Length: Surface bars are available in various lengths, including 16, 18, 20, 22, and 25 millimeters.
If you opt for a dermal piercing, it will likely be between 16 and 18 gauges. The length of a dermal implant is around 2.5 millimeters.

Recommended Materials for Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry

1. Titanium: About $20-$40

Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, nickel-free, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.

Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.

Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.

A lower density also makes Titanium lightweight, a big plus in many user's eyes. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.

2. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30

Although surgical steel is nonreactive, it can contain nickel. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.

Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.

However, this silver alloy can contain other elements, including nickel. Make sure to buy surgical-grade steel jewelry. These will have ratings: ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, ISO 10993-6, ISO 10993-10, or ISO 10993-11.

One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.

Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.

3. Solid Gold: About $40-$200

This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.

One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.

4. Niobium: About $20-$60

Niobium is a light grey metal known for its hardness that is like titanium. The metal resists corrosion and tarnishing like others on the list, creating minimal maintenance for you.

It might be the best metal for a piercing if you want titanium-like durability with more malleability. That extra pliability makes it easier for jewelers to shape pieces. Niobium can come in various colors as it is something that you can anodize.

The only real downsides are that it weighs a bit more than titanium and you will likely pay a bit more due to the process involved in manufacturing this metal.

Anti Eyebrow Piercing With Glasses

Can you wear an anti-eyebrow piercing if you have glasses? Yes, people with glasses can wear anti-eyebrow piercings. However, consider the placement of your piercing and where your glasses sit to avoid irritation or discomfort, especially as it heals.

Anti Eyebrow Piercing Risks

Like any piercing, anti-eyebrow piercings come with some risks. The most common risks include:

1. Anti Eyebrow Piercing Rejection

Do anti eyebrow piercings always reject? Not always, however, anti-eyebrow piercings pose a higher risk of rejection because they are surface piercings.

Your chances of rejection increase if your piercer does not go through enough tissue, the jewelry is of poor quality or you fail to follow aftercare instructions.

2. Anti Eyebrow Piercing Scar

If you decide to remove your jewelry, scarring may occur. The chances of scarring also increase if your piercing is not adequately cared for throughout the healing process.

3. Anti Eyebrow Piercing Infection

Signs of infection include pain that is still present after two weeks, swelling, blood or pus from the piercing, and a fever.

4. Bruising

Because anti-eyebrow piercings sit close to the eye, they can bruise easily. Initial bruising should fade over time.

Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Pros and Cons

Anti-eyebrow piercings are less common than other types of facial piercings. Because of this, you may not know much about them. Therefore, you should understand the pros and cons of this unique piercing before committing.

Pros

There's less pain associated with anti-eyebrow piercings than with other options.
Anti-eyebrow piercings take a shorter amount of time to heal than some other types of piercings.
It's an excellent alternative to two separate dermal piercings and creates a similar aesthetic.
It does not require a specific anatomical structure like some lip and ear piercings do.
Anti-eyebrow piercings are less common and, therefore, look cool and edgy.

Cons

Because of placement location, a black eye can develop, lasting up to two weeks after piercing.
Anti-eyebrow piercings are prone to rejection because they are surface piercings. If they do reject, they may leave a noticeable scar.
Anti-eyebrow piercings are challenging to hide.
These piercings can become easily irritated if they come into contact with clothing, hair, or eyewear.

How to Clean Anti Eyebrow Piercings (Step by Step)?

You should start cleaning your piercing the same day you receive it. Be sure to take the following steps to keep it clean and reduce potential risks:

Wash your hand before touching the piercing.
Clean the area 2 times daily using a sterile saline solution, warm sea salt water, a piercing aftercare spray, or a wound wash.
Soak a clean paper towel in whichever solution you choose and hold it against your piercing for 2-5 minutes.
When you shower, allow the water to flow over your piercing for about 30 seconds. This process can also wipe away any crust that appears.
Do not use moisturizers, as they can clog up pores near the piercing and cause infection.

Anti Eyebrow Piercing Aftercare

Adhering to appropriate aftercare techniques is essential, regardless of the type of piercing. By following these tips, you increase your chances of a smoother healing process:

Do not touch the piercing to avoid irritation and risk of infection.
Clean the area 2 times daily using a sterile saline solution, warm sea salt water, a piercing aftercare spray, or a wound wash.
Avoid wearing makeup until your piercing heals.
Avoid using hairspray, gels, and cosmetic products as they may transmit bacteria to the area.
Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the piercing such as hydrogen peroxide.
Do not use a swimming pool, sauna, or hot tub while your piercing is healing.
Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.

Final Thoughts

Anti-eyebrow piercings offer a distinctive look and a great way to express yourself. By choosing a reputable piercing studio and following all aftercare instructions, you can enjoy the allure of this look while minimizing your risks.