Lip Piercing Guide UK

Lip Piercing: Healing, Aftercare and What to Expect in the UK

Whether you're going for something subtle or dramatically expressive, lip piercings are a versatile and timeless way to showcase personal style. From dainty studs to bold hoops, lip piercings come in many forms—each offering its own vibe and placement, from the centre of the lower lip to the corners or even dual setups.

But as with any facial piercing, there's a lot more to consider than just the aesthetic. Lip piercings require a clear understanding of the procedure, healing time, and oral aftercare to keep them looking and feeling great long-term. Whether you’re leaning toward a classic labret or something more adventurous like spider bites or a vertical lip piercing, this guide walks you through what to expect in the UK.

What Is a Lip Piercing?

A lip piercing is any piercing located on or around the lips, usually placed through the skin at the border of the mouth. Despite the name, most lip piercings do not go through the actual lip tissue but instead sit just outside the lip line.

There are many styles, each defined by placement. The labret sits centrally below the bottom lip, while the Monroe and Madonna piercings mimic beauty marks off to one side. Snake bites involve symmetrical lower lip piercings, angel bites sit above the upper lip, and spider bites cluster two close-together piercings on one side. Vertical labrets, unlike the standard type, pass directly through the lip from top to bottom.

Jewellery can range from discreet studs to statement hoops, and most styles allow for personalisation depending on anatomy and taste.

The Piercing Process

In a professional UK studio, the piercing process starts with a consultation. Your piercer will help you choose the style, assess your facial structure and discuss the best placement. They’ll clean and mark the area, and you'll be asked to rinse with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash to help protect the internal part of the piercing.

A sterile, single-use needle is used to create the piercing, often from the outside in, with jewellery inserted immediately. Most piercers use a flat-back labret stud made from implant-grade titanium for initial healing, as it’s comfortable and minimises risk to the gums and teeth.

The entire procedure usually takes just a few minutes, and you’ll leave with a set of detailed aftercare instructions.

Does It Hurt?

Lip piercings are generally rated moderate in terms of pain. The skin around the lips is soft and relatively easy to pierce, but because the mouth is a sensitive area, you may feel a sharper pinch than with earlobe or cartilage piercings.

Most people describe the sensation as a quick sting followed by some pressure. Swelling and tenderness are very common for the first few days, especially if the piercing is closer to the lip line or directly through the lip.

Healing Time and What to Expect

Lip piercings usually take around 6 to 12 weeks to heal, depending on the type and your individual healing response. Because part of the piercing is located inside the mouth, it's crucial to monitor both external and internal healing.

You may experience swelling, light bruising and increased saliva in the first few days. Eating, drinking and talking might feel a little awkward initially, especially if the jewellery feels large or rubs against the gums.

Once healed, many people return to their piercer to downsize the bar to a snugger fit, which reduces the risk of oral damage and irritation.

Aftercare for Lip Piercings

Lip piercings require dual aftercare, as you're managing both skin and oral hygiene. For the external part, clean the piercing twice daily using a sterile saline solution and a clean, soft pad. Gently remove any crusting without twisting or pulling the jewellery.

Internally, rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free, antiseptic mouthwash after eating or drinking anything other than water. Brushing your teeth gently and keeping your mouth clean will prevent infection and promote faster healing.

Avoid spicy, acidic or overly hot foods during the initial healing stage. Smoking, vaping and alcohol can also delay healing and should be limited where possible.

Be cautious when eating accidentally biting the jewellery can be painful and potentially damaging. With care and consistency, most lip piercings settle well.

Cost of Lip Piercings in the UK

In the UK, lip piercings typically cost £30 to £60, depending on the style, location, and the studio's reputation. More complex placements or paired piercings (like snake bites or angel bites) will cost more, often around £50 to £100.

Prices usually include the initial consultation, the sterile piercing procedure, high-quality titanium jewellery and aftercare guidance. Jewellery upgrades—like gold or gem-set studs—are often available at an additional cost.

Risks and What to Watch For

As with any body piercing, there are some risks involved. Swelling and mild irritation are completely normal in the early stages, but prolonged or severe pain, redness or discharge may indicate an infection.

Gum recession and tooth enamel wear are long-term concerns if the back of the jewellery constantly rubs against your gums or teeth. This is why it’s vital to wear the correct length bar and check positioning with your piercer once healed.

Migration and rejection are less common in lip piercings but can occur if the piercing is too shallow or constantly irritated. This usually presents as the piercing gradually moving closer to the surface.

Scarring is rare but possible if the piercing becomes infected or is removed prematurely.

Is a Lip Piercing Right for You?

Lip piercings suit a wide range of people and face shapes. If you’re in good health, maintain good oral hygiene and are willing to commit to aftercare, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a smooth healing process.

However, if you wear braces, have existing gum problems or a history of enamel erosion, a lip piercing may require extra consideration and regular monitoring. It's always a good idea to consult both your piercer and your dentist if you’re unsure.

Lip piercings are especially popular with people who want a balance of subtle expression and boldness. They’re easily hidden or shown off depending on jewellery and styling, making them flexible for work or play.

UK Studio Standards

A reputable UK studio will be fully licensed, follow local health and safety regulations and use sterile, single-use needles for every piercing. Your piercer should use implant-grade titanium jewellery and provide clear, friendly instructions on aftercare and risks.

Studios should offer a private, clean workspace and be willing to answer your questions without pressure or judgement. If anything feels rushed or unprofessional, trust your instincts and look elsewhere.

Lip Piercing FAQs

Can I kiss after getting a lip piercing? It’s best to wait until the piercing is fully healed to avoid introducing bacteria or causing irritation.

Will it damage my teeth or gums? If properly placed and downsized, the risk is minimal. However, check regularly for signs of wear and consult your piercer or dentist if concerned.

Can I wear a hoop instead of a stud? Most piercers recommend starting with a flat-back stud. Hoops can irritate healing tissue and increase the chance of complications.

How long before I can change the jewellery? Once the piercing has fully healed—usually after 8 to 12 weeks—you can switch to new jewellery with clean hands or a visit to your piercer.

Will it leave a scar if I remove it? Possibly, though the mark is often minimal. The longer the piercing has been in place, the more likely it is to leave a small indent or discolouration.

Final Thoughts

Lip piercings are stylish, expressive and relatively straightforward to heal—making them a popular choice for both new and experienced body art fans. With the right placement, jewellery and studio, they can enhance your look without being too high maintenance.

As with any facial piercing, the key to success lies in good hygiene, patience during healing and open communication with your piercer. Treat it well and your lip piercing will reward you with years of bold, beautiful style.