November 21, 2023

Side Labret Piercing: Cost, Healing Time, Pain, Meaning, Jewelry, Aftercare, Pros and Cons

For a lip piercing that’s just a bit out of the ordinary, choose a side labret lip piercing. You can make a unique statement with this simple piercing.

What Is a Side Labret Piercing?

A standard labret piercing involves a stud underneath the lower lip. While a regular labret piercing is centrally positioned, a side labret lip piercing puts a twist on this look.

The same style of stud is used, but the piercing is beneath the lower lip on the right or left side.

Variant: Side Vertical Labret Piercing

A vertical labret piercing uses a piece of curved barbell jewelry instead of a stud. The bar enters through the lip and exits the skin underneath the lip. The jewelry does not go into the mouth itself.

A vertical labret piercing can be placed centrally under the lip, but, as the name implies, a side vertical labret piercing is near the left or right corner of the mouth.

FAQ: Are Labret Piercings the Same as a Side Lip Piercing?

A side labret is one particular type of side lip piercing. However, not all side lip piercings are labret piercings.While labrets use stud jewelry, many people choose side lip piercings with hoop jewelry instead.

Image: Bortolini Piercer.

Side Labret Piercing Meaing

Getting a side labret lip piercing could indicate that you like simple piercings, but you want something that’s just a little bit different. The off-centered placement adds a bit of intrigue to a regular labret piercing.

This piercing might also suggest that your lip jewelry is a work in progress. Some people spread out the process of getting a double lip piercing. Having just one side labret piercing may suggest to some viewers that you’ll soon have snake bites, spider bites or shark bites.

Side Labret Piercing Cost

How much is a side labret piercing? The side labret piercing cost is often less than $50. In general, the price may range from $20 to $100. Jewelry is sometimes an extra charge.

When considering the price of a piercing, you may want to pay a bit more for the services of an experienced piercer.

Side Labret Piercing Pain

Everyone experiences piercing pain differently, but when you ask, "Does side labret piercing hurt?" most people will tell you that lip piercings cause moderate pain.

Many people rank this as a 4 or 5 out of 10 on the pain scale. You may experience some swelling while your piercing site is healing.

How Long Does a Side Labret Piercing Take to Heal?

Your side labret lip piercing should be significantly healed within about 5 weeks. Most of the pain and swelling should go away by then. Full healing can take longer; you can expect it to take about 3 months.

During the healing process, keep the site clean. To prevent infection, maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid playing with the jewelry and kissing people.

What Is the Best Side Labret Piercing Jewelry?

The most common type of side labret lip piercing jewelry is a labret stud with a flat back. The flat back is important for avoiding tooth damage.

1. Types

Side Labret Piercing Stud

Flat back labret stud with a ball titanium $18.9, SHOP NOW.

The standard type of jewelry for side labret lip piercings is a labret stud with a flat back. That makes sense since this piercing is named for labret studs. The flat back is important for avoiding tooth damage.

Side Labret Piercing Ring

Piercing hoop 6mm 8mm 10 mm simple and minimalist $15.9, SHOP NOW.

You could switch to a hoop instead of a stud, but keep in mind this will look more like a standard lip piercing than a side labret piercing.

Horseshoe Barbells

Titanium ring horseshoe barbell $17.9, SHOP NOW.

Horseshoe barbells can create an edgier look than curved barbells and rings and may have spikes that protrude sharply at both ends.

Curved Barbells

Curved barbell piercing ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium internally threaded $15.9, SHOP NOW.

For a vertical side labret piercing, you will use a curved barbell — commonly, a curved bar with internal threading.

Shop Our Side Labret Jewelry

2. Sizes: Gauge, Length, Diameter, Gem Size

Gauge

The correct gauge size is usually 14 or 16 gauge. Your piercer will probably start with one of those sizes. Be forewarned, if you later go to a smaller gauge, you may not be able to revert to a larger one.

Length

The length you need may depend on your specific lip size and shape. Most people use labret studs between 1/4 and 3/8 in.

Diameter

If you opt for a hoop, the best-fitting jewelry will probably be between 8 and 10 mm in diameter, depending on the fullness of your lips. You’ll want the ring to be close-fitting but not loose enough to flop over.

For a vertical side labret piercing, you will use a barbell — commonly, a curved bar with internal threading. People with smaller lips may need an 8 mm bar. Those with larger lips may need jewelry up to 12 mm in length.

Gem Size

Gems for labret studs are often between 2 and 3 mm. The 2 mm size is the most popular. If you go up to 3 mm, your lip piercing will make a bolder statement. Anything smaller than 2 mm may be more subtle than you’d like.

3. Materials

Commonly recommended materials for lip jewelry include:

Implant-Grade Titanium

Implant-grade titanium side labret 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.

Shop Our Titanium Side Labret Jewelry

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.

Shop Our 14K Lip Piercing Jewelry

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.

Sterling Silver

A metal allow that is durable, affordable, and appealing to the eye with its shiny appearance. However, sterling silver is often not recommended for new piercings because it can complicate the healing process.

Bioflex Plastic

Flexible jewelry made from renewable materials that are metal-free and can come in different colors.

Pros and Cons

If you’re still wondering whether you’re a good candidate for a side labret piercing, it’s time to consider the pros and cons.

Pros

A side labret lip piercing shouldn't hurt too badly, and it should fully heal within a few months. The side of your lower lip can be a fantastic place to show off the metal ball or gemstone of your choice. Plus, you can always add complementary lip piercings down the road.

Cons

While a lip piercing doesn't take too long to heal, you may be concerned about keeping food and bacteria away from the site in the meantime. Plus, getting a lip piercing will require you to forgo kissing for several weeks.

Aftercare

It’s crucial for you to properly clean your piercings at least twice a day.

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.
Clean the piercings at least twice a day using a sea salt or saline solution.
Soak the outsides of your piercings for 3-5 minutes in the solution.
Gargle with salt water, paying extra attention to the front of your mouth to clean the backs of the jewelry.
Avoid mouthwash with alcohol.
Avoid touching and playing with the jewelry as this can introduce contaminants that contribute to infection.

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 Side Labret Piercing?

The best way to prevent complications is to perform the right aftercare. This involves cleaning your piercing at least twice a day.

Your piercer may give you a saline solution, or, you can make your own at home by dissolving ¼ teaspoon of sea salt into 1 cup of warm water.

To clean the piercing, you’ll soak something like a cotton ball in the saltwater solution. Then, you’ll apply it to the front and the back of the piercing to saturate the area. If needed, you can use a dampened cotton swab to gently brush away any crust.

Shop Our Side Labret Jewelry

To Conclude

A side labret is a simple piercing style that looks great on many jewelry-wearers. Whether you want to stick with this subdued lip piercing long-term or make it the first step in a series of lip piercings, a side labret could be a great choice for you.