A labret is one of the most common forms of facial piercing. Specifically, a labret is a piercing of the lower lip above the chin. The piercing can accommodate many forms of jewelry ranging from a ring to studs and even plates. Labrets may be one of the most common forms of facial piercing of modern society but it has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations.
History
The practice of the labret piercing has existed for eight to ten centuries and is one the most widespread facial piercings in the world. Eskimos put bone jewelry in their lips, and the ancient Aztecs would often wear 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 would stretch out their labret piercings and insert plates into them. Native Americans would fashion labrets from ivory, abalone shell, bone, obsidian and wood.
Time Frame
After a 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. Be aware that healing takes place at the skin surface first and makes its way into the deeper tissue. Although a piercing may appear to have healed, the tissue surrounding your piercing may still be damaged.
Internal Care
According to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), the best way to care for the inside of your mouth after receiving 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. Do not add too much sea salt, as it will aggravate the piercing. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds after every meal and at bedtime throughout the 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. It is also acceptable to soak gauze in the saline solution and to gently press it against the piercing. 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
According to the APP, the largest risks of a labret piercing are infection and oral damage. An important measure to take before you begin the piercing is to observe the piercer's technique. Be sure the piercer 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. It is important to be able to contact your piercer if needed 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.
