A labret is a form of facial piercing. Specifically, a labret is a piercing of the lower lip and above the chin. The piercing can take many forms, ranging from a ring to studs and even plates. Labrets are one of the most common forms of facial piercing in modern society, but have a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations.
History
Labret piercing has been practiced for approximately eight to ten centuries. Eskimos put bone jewelry in their lips, and the ancient Aztecs often wore gold labrets in the shape of a serpent. According to the body modification website Painful Pleasures, these labret piercings were only for the males of a superior caste and would often be gem-encrusted. African tribes stretched out their labret piercings and inserted plates into them. Native Americans fashioned labrets from ivory, abalone shell, bone, obsidian and wood.
Time Frame
After you have received your labret piercing, you will experience a healing process and some side effects. According to the body modification shop Totally Pierced Sydney, a labret piercing can take anywhere from three to six months to heal. The most crucial time during this healing process is in the first two weeks. During this time, do not touch the jewelry unless you have to clean it. You must be especially vigilant in maintaining oral hygiene. Initial swelling is normal, as are secretions throughout the healing process.
Internal Care
According to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), the best way to care for the inside of your mouth after a labret piercing is to rinse with an antimicrobial alcohol-free mouth rinse or a packaged sterile saline solution with no additives. An alternative is a mixture of 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. of non-iodized sea salt and one cup (8 oz.) of warm water to create your own saline solution. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds after every meal and at bedtime throughout the entire healing period.
External Care
The APP suggests that you soak your labret piercing in saline solution and wash it in mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. The best type of soap is antimicrobial to prevent infections. Soak your piercing in the saline solution two to three times daily, followed by a rinse and wash no more than once or twice a day to prevent irritation. Always wash your hands first; when drying your face, remember to pat gently in order to avoid snagging your jewelry and causing injury.
Types
It is possible to have multiple types of piercings due to the versatility of the human lip and the number of piercings it can handle. Bodypiercing.ygoy.com lists some ideas such as the lowbret, a piercing that is lower and toward the chin, and the vertical labret, which starts at the top of the lower lip and goes through to the bottom as opposed to starting on the inside of the mouth and going through to the outside. Ideas involving multiple piercings are snake bites, spider bites and viper bites. A snake bite is two labret piercings, one on each side of the mouth. Spider bites are two piercings close together on one side of the mouth. Finally, a viper bite is two piercings that are far apart on one side of the mouth.
Risks and Considerations
According to the APP, the largest risks of a labret piercing are infection and oral damage. An important measure to take before you even begin the piercing is to observe the piercer's technique. Be sure he is using sterile, never-before-used needles, is wearing sterile gloves, has a license or permit and is available for follow-up and questions post-piercing, so any problems can be resolved before damage occurs. Be aware that jewelry that does not fit properly can be the cause of tooth and gum damage from repeated hitting or rubbing. Finally, to prevent infection, be sure to properly and regularly clean the piercing. New piercings that have not yet closed are especially susceptible to infection. If infected, you may need to remove the piercing, or you may be left with scarring.
Member Comments