November 20, 2023

Spider Bites Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons

Spider Bites piercings are a unique type of lip piercing. There are two piercings below the bottom lip, off to the side. So they look like two spider bites just below one corner of your mouth. If you’re thinking about getting this facial piercing, learn more about the pain, cost, jewelry options, and more.

For a quick overview of Spider Bites piercings:

Fast Facts

Placement: Dual piercings below your bottom lip, off to the side toward a corner of your mouth
Cost: Typically $40-$80
Pain: Low to mid on the pain scale, similar to a flu shot
Healing time: Four to six months
Jewelry: Labret studs, curved barbells, or hoops
Risks: Infection, tooth damage, tooth decay, gum recession, gum damage

spider bites piercing: cost, healing, pain, jewelry, aftercare

What Are Spider Bites Piercings?

Spider Bites piercings are two piercings right next to one another, located below the lip on one side toward the corner of the mouth. They get their name because they look like a spider bite with two holes. Spider Bites Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons Image: Euthanasia Piercing.

Spider Bites vs. Snake Bites Piercings

Both Spider Bites piercings and Snake Bite Piercings involve two piercings below the lip. However, spider bites are right next to one another and placed near one corner of your lip.

Snake Bites piercings are separated with one near each corner of the lip. So Snake Bites piercings are spaced apart whereas Spider Bites piercings are paired together. Spider Bites Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons

Spider Bites Piercing Cost

How much is a Spider Bites piercing? The typical cost for Spider Bites piercings is $40-$80. However, this price may end up higher based on your piercer and the jewelry that you choose. More experienced piercers could charge $50 and higher for the piercing alone.

Make sure you go with a piercer that you trust and opt for high-quality jewelry to help ensure your piercing heals appropriately and looks good.

Spider Bites Piercing Healing Time

How long does it take Spider Bites piercings to heal? Spider Bites lip piercings usually take four to six months to fully heal. However, there are various factors that can impact this timeline.

For example, your body may just take longer to heal, taking the full six months or longer. If you experience complications, such as an infection, this could also lengthen the healing process.

The best way to ensure your spider bites lip piercings heal well is to practice the right aftercare, use properly fitting, high-quality jewelry, go with a reputable piercer, and avoid playing with the jewelry.

Spider Bites Piercing Pain Level

Many people report Spider Bites piercings hurting similar to a flu shot. They can hurt a little more than your ear lobes. Pain level will depend on your own pain tolerance and the experience of your piercer.

If they’re able to pierce quickly and efficiently, it should hurt less. Remember that spider bites are dual piercings, so you’ll have to get one lip puncture right after the other.

Lil Wayne’s Spider Bites Lip Piercing

Lil Wayne is a celebrity who rocks Spider Bites piercings. They contribute to his edgy look with facial tattoos and eyebrow piercing. His Spider Bites piercings are located under the right corner of his tip and appear to have two studs for jewelry.

Spider Bite Piercing Jewelry

1. Types

There are different types of jewelry you can choose for your Spider Bites piercing, including:

Spider Bites Piercing Studs:

Spider Bites Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons Flat back labret stud with a ball titanium $18.9, SHOP NOW.

Labret studs can be a comfortable, easy option with their flat back and screw-on front. They’re easy to change out and sit flat against the inside of the lip, which can minimize oral irritation.

Spider Bite Piercing Rings:

Spider Bites Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons Piercing hoop 6mm 8mm 10 mm simple and minimalist $15.9, SHOP NOW.

Spider Bite rings hug the lip and offer a unique look. They can be more difficult to insert and you may need to get studs first and wait for the piercings to fully heal before switching to hoops. Captive bead rings are a particularly popular option and can be easier to take in and out.

Spider Bite Piercing Barbells:

Spider Bites Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons Titanium ring horseshoe barbell $17.9, SHOP NOW.

Horseshoe barbells (circular barbells) are a less common option with a ball on either end of the stud. While it could be easy to take in and out, the inside ball can make you more susceptible to tooth and gum damage.

2. Sizes

When choosing sizing for your lip jewelry, it will truly depend on the thickness of your lip.

Gauge: The most popular gauge is 14G (1.6mm) or 16G (1.2mm).
Length: The length can vary between 8mm (5/16") and 12mm (1/2").
Diameter: Hoop diameter can vary between 8mm (5/16") and 12mm (1/2").

With Spider Bites piercings located more toward the corner of your lip, you may be able to go with a smaller piece of jewelry as this part of your lip is thinner.

3. Metals

Commonly recommended metals for Spider Bites piercings include:

Implant-Grade Titanium

Implant-grade titanium lip 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.

14-Karat Gold

14-karat gold 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.

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.

Pros and Cons

There are some pros and cons to think through if you’re about to get Spider Bite lip piercings.

Pros:

Highly visible for you to show off
Various jewelry options
Relatively low on the pain scale
Can correspond nicely with other facial piercings

Cons:

Can get irritated when eating and drinking
Could swell more because of dual punctures
More susceptible to infection from mouth bacteria
Could cause gum recession and tooth damage, then risking tooth decay

Aftercare

You may be able to do two piercings at a time, but you must make sure they get cleaned front and back. It’s crucial for you to properly clean your piercings at least twice a day.

Don’t use your tongue to play with the jewelry.
Opt for soft foods that aren’t overly spicy or acidic.
Chew very carefully to avoid biting your lip jewelry.
Avoid strenuous activities with your mouth until your piercings are fully healed.
Avoid mouthwash with alcohol.
Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
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.

Once your piercings are fully healed, you’ll be able to resume most of your daily habits. However, you may still find it difficult to eat certain foods or drink certain beverages that irritate the wounds. Be sure to talk with your piercer about concerns you may have.

How to Clean Spider Bites Piercing?

It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.

Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.

If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.

If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.

Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:

Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel or non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.
Never scrub, poke, prod, or scrape at the piercing.
Avoid eating, drinking, or applying makeup around the piercing directly after cleaning.
Be sure to repeat this process at least 2-3 times a day or as advised by your piercer.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re checking out lip jewelry and are interested in a dual piercing, definitely think about Spider Bites piercings. Relatively low on the pain scale with plenty of jewelry options, the side-by-side piercings are an edgy choice.

Weigh the pros and cons, make sure you’re prepared to take care of the piercings, and pick out lip jewelry that matches your personality and style.