Monroe piercings are what come to mind for many people who want to express themselves or make a fashion statement. People choose to get them for various reasons, including personal style, admiration for Marilyn Monroe, or to enhance their facial features.
However, it’s important to note that everyone’s preferences and choices are unique, and what may be appealing to one person may not be to another.
In this handy Monroe piercing guide, you will learn what is a Monroe piercing, how it is done, its aftercare, its healing process, etc.
Key Takeaways
- A Monroe piercing is a facial piercing that allows people to enhance their appearance and express their personal style.
- It is named after Marilyn Monroe piercing and is placed above the upper lip on the left side, resembling her iconic beauty mark.
- It is important to distinguish it from a Madonna piercing, which is placed on the right side of the upper lip.
- If you are interested in getting a Monroe piercing, it is advisable to consult with a professional piercer who will provide guidance and a successful experience.
- Proper piercing aftercare, such as cleaning with a saline solution and avoiding touching it with dirty hands, is crucial to prevent infections.
What Is a Monroe Piercing?
Unlike double spider bite piercings which are done on the lower lip, a Monroe is a single piercing done above the upper lip, on the left side. It is named after the iconic beauty mark of Marilyn Monroe piercing, a famous actress.
The piercing is meant to mimic her distinctive beauty mark or mole. It has become the first choice for people who want to add a unique touch to their appearance.
What’s The Piercing Like?
The process of a Monroe piercing involves several steps to ensure a safe and clean procedure.
Choose Your Piercing Site
First of all, an experienced piercer will help you choose the exact spot on your upper left lip where you want the piercing to be placed. They will mark this spot using a pen or a special marker, taking into consideration your desired placement and facial anatomy.
Choose Monroe Piercing Jewelry- Simple Labret Stud
Once you decide on your Monroe piercing placement, the next important thing is to choose the jewelry for it, which typically consists of a labret stud. Piercing Monroe jewelry comes in various sizes, colors, and designs to suit your personal style.
Sanitize Your Upper Left Lip Area
Before the actual piercing, the piercer cleans the area thoroughly using an antibacterial solution. This step is crucial to minimize the risk of infection. By sanitizing the skin, any bacteria or dirt present on the surface is eliminated, creating a clean environment for the piercing process.
Your piercer will use a sterilized needle to create a small hole on the chosen side of the lip. Then, a small piece of jewelry, typically a labret stud or a ball closure ring is inserted into the hole. They are also popular jewelry options for other types of lip piercings such as snake bite piercings.
The jewelry sits on the outside of the lip, while the lip piercing goes through the skin and exits on the inside of the mouth. Preparing for the procedure depends also on what type of lip piercing you want, but the process is mostly the same.
Jewelry Options for Your Monroe Piercing
Selecting the right jewelry for your Monroe piercing is crucial for both style and healing. Studs are recommended for better healing, but hoops can be chosen if larger in size.
Labret studs designed for lip piercings ensure a perfect fit, but remember to match the gauge used during piercing. Express your personality with different top options, from subtle to bold, to make your Monroe piercing uniquely yours.
Consult your piercer for guidance and enjoy the journey with confidence and flair.
Monroe Piercing Aftercare
Like any other piercing, it is important to take proper care of a piercing Monroe to prevent infection and promote healing piercing.
Clean the Pierced Area Regularly
Just like with cleaning ear piercings, after getting a lip piercing, it is recommended to clean it regularly with a saline solution or a mild saltwater rinse.
These solutions help to cleanse the area, removing any debris or bacteria that may have accumulated. The good news is that Monroe piercings are not as prone to infections as dahlia piercings, for example, but it is nonetheless important to follow the instructions provided by your piercer or a healthcare professional.
Avoid Touching the Piercing Area with Dirty Hands
Also, avoid touching the lip piercing with dirty hands. Our hands come into contact with numerous germs and bacteria throughout the day, which can easily be transferred to the piercing and increase the risk of infection.
Observe Proper Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will help keep the mouth clean and minimize the risk of oral bacteria that cause infections in the piercing area.
Monroe Piercing Healing Process
While the Monroe piercing healing stages can vary from person to person, and it certainly varies from one type of piercing to another – Ashley piercings take 12-16 weeks to heal – it generally takes about 6 to 8 weeks for a piercing Monroe to fully heal. During this time, it is important to avoid activities that may irritate the piercing, such as playing with the jewelry or applying makeup directly on the area.
Like any other piercing, this piercing carries some risks, such as infection, swelling, or allergic reactions to the jewelry materials. It is essential to choose a reputable piercing studio and take good care of the piercing to minimize these risks.
How Painful Is A Monroe Piercing?
Getting Monroe piercings can be a bit painful because your lips have nerve endings, so you will feel some pain during and after the piercing process.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s pain tolerance is different, so the level of pain experienced can vary from person to person. After getting your new piercing, you may also experience swelling and redness around the area for the first few days, but this is normal and should subside over time.
The Piercing Jewelry Should Not Be Tight
If you find that the piercing is pressing too tightly against your lip, it’s important to inform your piercer so he or she can adjust it and make it more comfortable for you. It’s essential to have the piercing fit properly to avoid excessive pressure or discomfort.
Seek Medical Help If Symptoms Become Worse
However, if you notice excessive bleeding or if the pain becomes severe and unbearable, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a doctor. Excessive bleeding and intense pain may be signs of an infection or other complications, so it’s important to have a professional assess the situation.
Side Effects of Piercing Monroe
When getting facial piercings to showcase your style, it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects during the healing process. Swelling right after the piercing is expected, but if it persists or comes back later, it could be problematic.
While some soreness is normal initially, ongoing throbbing pain should be a cause for concern. White discharge is typical, but green or yellowish discharge may indicate an issue. Prolonged swelling, throbbing pain, or pus require immediate medical attention.
Maintain a keen watch throughout the Monroe piercing healing time, and if you notice any potential problems, seek medical help immediately, ensuring a successful healing journey for your Monroe piercing.
FAQs: Piercing Monroe
What’s the Difference Between a Madonna and a Monroe Piercing?
The main difference between Monroe and Madonna piercings is their placement. A Monroe piercing is done on the left side of the upper lip, while a Madonna piercing is done on the right side. Both piercings are located on the upper lip, but they are placed on opposite sides.
What Does a Monroe Piercing Symbolize?
A Monroe piercing is meant to resemble a beauty spot like Marilyn Monroe had. It is seen as a symbol of beauty, confidence, and individuality for women. It can be a way for someone to express their unique style and stand out from the crowd.
If you wish to get other lip piercings instead of a Monroe, you can opt for a Madonna piercing, Labret piercing, etc.
Will I Have a Scar If I Remove My Monroe Piercing?
Yes, there will be a scar if you remove your piercing. Since the lip piercing is on your face, the scar will likely be noticeable. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the size of the scar.
It’s important to get pierced by an experienced professional who knows what they’re doing. Taking proper care of the piercing area and avoiding irritation is crucial. Also, using jewelry that fits well instead of something tight can help reduce scarring. While you may still have a scar, following these precautions can help make it less noticeable.
Final Thoughts on Monroe Lip Piercing
Overall, facial piercings can be a unique and attractive way to express your personal style. However, it is important to understand the differences between a Monroe and a Madonna piercing and to seek the assistance of a qualified piercer for a safe and successful experience. However, Monroe piercing hurt, but proper aftercare, including cleaning with a saline solution and avoiding touching the piercing with dirty hands, is also crucial to prevent infections. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Monroe piercing with confidence and style.
