September 01, 2024

Snake Bite Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Meaning, Jewelry, and Aftercare

Fast Facts

Placement: Near the outer corners along the edge of the lower lip
Cost: Usually between $60-$120
Pain: Around a 3-5 on a scale of 10
Healing time: Between 4-6 weeks
Jewelry: Rings, horseshoe barbells or labret studs
Risks: Infection, swelling, tooth or gum damage, tearing, trauma or nerve damage

What Is a Snake Bite Piercing?

A Snake Bite piercing consists of two separate piercings along the bottom lip. It is called a "snakebite piercing" because it resembles a bite from a snake or even fangs, depending on the jewelry type.

Snake Bite Piercing: Cost, Healing, Pain, Meaning, Jewelry, and Aftercare

Variant: Vertical Snake Bite Piercing

Another popular variation of this look is a vertical Snake Bite piercing, which is similar to a labret piercing, except you can see the entry and exit points of the jewelry.

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Snake Bite Piercing Cost

How much does a Snake Bite piercing cost? On average, most Snake Bite piercings will cost between $60-$120. While this is the average price, some studios may charge more. You also must factor in the amount of your tip.

That being said, the cost of Snake Bite piercings varies significantly and depends on several factors. These factors include the choice of jewelry, the placement of the piercings, and the individual piercing studio.

Snake Bite Piercing Healing Time

How long does it take for a Snake Bite piercing to heal? If you properly care for your new piercing and follow aftercare instructions from your piercer, it should heal within four to six weeks.

If complications arise, they may take additional time to heal correctly. For some, their piercing may take up to several months to completely heal.

The best way to shorten your healing time is to keep it clean and contact your piercer with any questions you may have.

Snakebite Piercing Pain

While Snake Bite piercings seem painful, they usually aren't as difficult as other lip piercings. Because the piercing goes around the lip, it hurts less than piercings that go straight through it.

Most people find the pain minimal, registering between a three to five on a ten-point scale. Many feel that the clamping before the piercing is the most painful part.

Snake Bite Piercing Meaning

What special about the Snake Bite piercings? Snake Bite piercings are visually stunning and attract attention to the lips, making them popular among those wanting to make a statement. They are a good option for people who want to alter their look with a "punk" vibe.

Snake Bite piercings are excellent conversation starters and are a popular form of self-expression.

What Age Can You Get Snake Bites Piercing?

How old do you have to be to get Snake Bite piercings? While anyone can get Snake Bite piercings if they are 18 or older, people as young as 16 can receive one if a consenting parent accompanies them.

Pros and Cons of Snake Bite Piercings

Snake Bite piercings are:

Fashionable and make a bold statement
Sensual and draw attention to the mouth
Simple to get and relatively inexpensive
Low maintenance

However, some things to consider are:

Snakebite piercings are hard to conceal
Two piercings mean double the maintenance
There is a long-term risk of tooth or gum damage

Snake Bite piercing Jewelry Types

Several jewelry options are available for this type of piercing, but the most common types are labret studs, horseshoe barbells, and rings.

1. Labret Studs

Flat back nose stud with a ball titanium 10 pieces Rosery Poetry

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

Labret studs are a great option and usually have an adornment or spiked stud at one end and a flat plate inside the lip, which anchors the jewelry in place.

2. Horseshoe Barbells (Circular Barbells)

Titanium nose ring curved barbell horseshoe 5 pcs Rosery Poetry

Titanium ring horseshoe barbell $17.9, SHOP NOW.

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

3. Snake Bites Piercing Spikes

Piercing ring with arrows horseshoe with spikes F136 titanium 16 gauge 8 mm $17.9, SHOP NOW.

Spikes can be made of barbells or labret studs, featuring either 2 or 1 spike at the end. This type of jewelry create s a very edgy look.

4. Snake Bites Piercing Hoops

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

Hoops are another popular jewelry option for Snake Bite piercings and wrap completely around the lip. Some rings are bendable hoops that are adjustable depending on personal preference.

Snake Bites Piercing Jewelry Sizes

1. Gauge

The gauge size of the jewelry used for Snake Bite piercings is typically 16G(1.2mm) and 14G(1.6mm).

Because swelling is common after the initial piercing, the jewelry used for initial placement will be larger. After about a week, it is removed and replaced with a thinner post.

2. Length

The standard lengths of jewelry used for Snake Bite piercings are 6mm (1/4"), 8mm (5/16") and 10mm (3/8").

3. Diameter

If you prefer hoops or circular barbells (horseshoe barbells), the diameters will usually vary between 8mm(5/16") and 12mm(1/2"), which will also depend on the size of your lips.

Recommended Metals for Snake Bite piercings

When choosing your jewelry material, picking the correct type of metal is important. Some metals are more allergy-prone or easier to care for than others. Nickel and gold can cause contact dermatitis in some people, so it's best to stay away from these two metals for your initial piercing.

Commonly recommended materials for Snake Bite piercings include:

1. Implant-Grade Titanium: About $20-$40

Snake bite piercing stud with a long spike titanium labret stud $24.9, SHOP NOW.

Implant-grade titanium 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: About $40-$200

14k gold stud earring with a clear CZ stone $75.9, SHOP NOW.

14-karat gold 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: About $5-$30

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, even surgical-grade steel contains 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.

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.

Risks Associated With Snake Bite piercings

All piercings come with their own set of risks. The most common risks associated with Snake Bite piercings include infections, scars, swelling and tooth or gum damage.

1. Snake Bite Piercing Infection

Infections may occur if you don't thoroughly follow your aftercare instructions. If you notice a sudden increase in pain, swelling or redness, your piercing may be infected. In addition, you may see pus oozing from the piercing site.

Call your piercer or healthcare provider immediately if you experience these symptoms.

2. Snake Bite Piercing Swelling

While swelling around the piercing is common, it should not persist for more than a week. Call your doctor or piercer if your swelling does not improve or it becomes more pronounced. Prolonged swelling may indicate something more serious, like an infection or rejection.

3. Snake Bite Piercing Scar

All piercings will leave a permanent mark, even if you decide to remove them. Keep this in mind before getting a snakebite piercing. In addition, you can experience significant scarring if you fail to follow proper aftercare instructions or have an infection.

4. Tooth and Gum Damage

Tooth and gum damage are unique risk factors for piercings around the mouth. As you talk or chew, your piercing may rub against your gums or teeth, irritating the area or causing damage to the enamel.

5. Trauma

It's easy to accidentally get a lip piercing snagged on a piece of clothing or caught on your hair if it's long. In addition, kissing may also cause tearing.

6. Nerve Disruption

Although uncommon, nerve damage can occur with snakebite piercings. Some facial piercings may disrupt the nerves around the piercing site, leading to numbness or chronic pain.

Snake Bite Piercing 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 Snake 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.