April 19, 2024

Monroe Piercing: Pain, Cost, Healing Time, Jewelry, Sizes, Aftercare

A Monroe piercing is a great way to showcase your personality and style. Whether you're interested in getting any piercing for self-expression or culturally significant reasons, it's important to understand the risks involved.

Here, we will delve further into this popular piercing style so you know what to expect and how you can facilitate the healing process.

Monroe Piercing

What Is a Monroe Piercing?

A Monroe piercing is nearly as iconic as the actress it is named after. Monroe piercings lie on the left side of the face, just above the upper lip. This piercing is more prevalent among women. However, some men also enjoy the provocative look it creates.

Variant: Vertical Monroe Piercing?

A vertical Monroe piercing is a lip piercing combining the aesthetics of a Monroe with a traditional labret piercing. For this look, the Monroe piercing is positioned above the top lip, while the labret piercing lies below the lower lip. This placement creates a unique and striking vertical alignment.

Madonna Piercing vs Monroe Piercing

The primary difference between Monroe and Madonna piercings is which side of the face they are on. A Monroe piercing is placed off-center from the lip on the left-hand side, emulating Marilyn Monroe's beauty mark.

The Madonna piercing is similar. However, it is placed above the upper lip on the right side of the face and mimics Madonna's beauty mark.

How Much Are Monroe Piercings?

Usually, a Madonna piercing costs between $50 and $80, depending on the piercing parlor and jewelry chosen. Instead of choosing the least expensive option, you should always shop around and locate an experienced and highly recommended piercing professional.

Never select a piercer who uses a piercing gun, as these tools may harbor bacteria.

Monroe Piercing Pain

Does a Monroe piercing hurt? Most upper lip piercings are mild to moderate on the pain scale. Some people report feeling a sharp, stinging sensation during the process. You'll likely feel some pain because your lips have more nerve endings than your nose or ears.

However, the amount of pain you experience depends on your tolerance and the skill level of your piercer.

Monroe Piercing Healing Time

How long does a Monroe piercing take to heal? Monroe piercings heal relatively quickly and usually depend on how well you follow an aftercare routine. In general, a Monroe piercing heals within 8 to 12 weeks.

However, some may take as long as twelve weeks to heal properly.

Monroe Piercing Healing Stages

Healing time for Monroe piercings is between 8 to 12 weeks. Because part of the piercing lies inside your mouth, you must rinse it with a saline solution or mouthwash after each meal to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped inside.

If your lip piercing heals without complications, you can expect the following stages to occur:

Week 1

Some swelling around the piercing site, soreness, redness, and bleeding are expected during the first week of healing.

Week 2

By this point, most pain and bleeding around the area should stop, and any swelling or redness should subside.

Week 3

The swelling should be minimal at this point, and you may see lymph fluid form around the piercing site. This fluid is clear to whitish and is not pus. Therefore, it is not a cause for concern. Instead, it's a sign your piercing is properly healing.

Weeks 4 Through 6

While your piercing may appear fully healed on the outside, it is still healing on the inside. Therefore, it's vital to keep up your aftercare routine.

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Monroe Piercing Jewelry

Piercing stud implant-grade titanium with cubic zirconia 16G $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Labret studs are specifically designed for lip piercings. For your Monroe piercing, use the same gauge size your piercer used for your initial piercing. If you use a smaller gauge, the piercing hole may shrink around it, even once it's healed.

The portion of a labret stud you can see is called a "top," and it is measured in millimeters. If you prefer a smaller, more subtle Monroe piercing, aim for tops measuring one to two millimeters and featuring small rhinestones or metallic balls.

If you prefer a more dramatic, eye-catching appearance, aim for options that are three millimeters or larger.

Monroe Piercing Jewelry Sizes

What Gauge Is a Monroe Piercing?

Gauges measure the diameter of Monroe piercings. The standard gauge piercers used for a Monroe piercing is 16 gauge (equivalent to 1.2 millimeters), although your piercer may also use 14 gauge (equivalent to 1.6 millimeters).

Length

The length usually ranges from 1/4 inch (6mm), 5/16 inch (8mm), and 3/8 inch (10mm). The thickness of your lip often influences the length of your first labret.

Usually, the initial jewelry your piercer will use for a Monroe piercing has a longer post. Professional piercers use longer posts to make room for the swelling that usually follows after a fresh piercing.

As your swelling decreases, you will likely notice your post looks longer. At this point, you can make an appointment with your piercer, and they can help you downsize to a smaller labret post for a fitted look.

Materials for Monroe Piercing Jewelry

Generally speaking, high-quality jewelry made from titanium or surgical steel is less likely to cause allergies or irritate your skin.

1. Implant-Grade Titanium

Implant-grade titanium snake bite piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. It is lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.

2. Precious Metals

Platinum and 14-karat gold lip piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. However, they may be more pricey and could tarnish over time. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.

3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel

If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, it does contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.

Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.

Are There Any Risks With Monroe Piercings?

All lip piercings pose some risk to oral health, with some piercing sites being riskier than others. A Monroe piercing may be more likely to cause damage to the soft tissue inside your mouth. This risk is due to your jewelry moving against the gums, causing irritation and potential complications.

Jewelry featuring a back disk may also cause gum recession or damage your tooth enamel. If you are concerned about developing these complications, a labret stud may minimize these problems.

What Should I Do if It Becomes Infected or Swollen?

Contact your doctor or piercer immediately if you notice signs of infection or swelling extending beyond the piercing site. Wait to remove the jewelry until you receive professional guidance, as removal may trap bacteria, allowing the infection to spread.

Your piercer or medical professional may advise you to cleanse the area with a saline solution or apply a warm compress to minimize irritation and decrease swelling.

Monroe Piercing Aftercare

As you care for your new piercing, rinse the outside with a sterile saline spray at least 2 times daily.

You must also rinse the inside of your mouth several times daily, especially after eating. You'll want to make sure you've cleared away food particles from the piercing site to reduce the chances of infection or irritation.

Soak your piercing in a sterile saline solution for at least five minutes twice daily. To do this, dip a cotton ball in the solution and press it against your piercing or dip your lip into the cup. Gently remove any crust by soaking the site in the solution and gently wiping it away.

Make sure you brush and floss two times daily, but avoid your piercing as you clean and use an oral rinse.

Remember to be gentle with your new piercing, and don't touch it as it heals.

Be careful not to snag it while dressing, and avoid eating food that may irritate, like chips.

To Conclude

Before receiving any piercing, it's essential to research the potential side effects and complications. By choosing your piercer carefully and adhering to aftercare guidance, you can minimize risks and enjoy your new piercing for many years to come.