Labret piercings are popular body piercings for both men and women. To avoid complications, individuals should choose a reputable piercer who uses sterile instruments and jewelry. Labret piercings, which are thought to enhance the look of the face by those who have them, have been worn for centuries all over the world.
Definition
A labret is a type of piercing, which is placed in the fold below the lower lip, above the chin. Labret piercings were traditionally done by members of tribes in Mali, Ethiopia and Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The Aztecs and Mayans also wore labrets to symbolize wealth and a person's place in society.
Jewelry
Several different types of jewelry can be worn in a labret piercing. After the initial piercing is done, the piercer may place a labret stud. A labret stud has a flat back and is inserted from the inside of the lip. A ball or other decorative end is screwed or inserted into the end of the labret stud to hold it into place.
Rings can also be used, but should be sized properly to avoid putting pressure on the lip, which will cause the piercing to become irritated, scar and possibly migrate. The pierced area of the lip will swell initially; thus, larger jewelry is needed in the beginning and may be downsized after the swelling subsides.
Healing
Healing time varies between each person with a labret piercing. It may take anywhere from two to six months for the piercing to fully heal. Labret piercings heal from the outside to the inside. Piercings may seem adequately healed on the outside when the inside isn't healed yet. Individuals should have patience to allow the piercing to heal.
Care
Proper care for labret piercings is necessary to complete healing and to prevent infection. Always start with clean hands and only touch the jewelry during cleaning. Soak the piercing in a saline solution, which can be made by mixing 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 1 cup of warm water.
Dipping the chin into a bowl of saline will allow the piercing to soak, thereby soothing it and allowing it to heal. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes a day. To decrease swelling, allow ice to melt inside of the mouth. After meals, teeth should be brushed carefully, and a saline mouth rinse should be performed to rinse food away from the piercing site.
Considerations
Jewelry worn in a labret piercing can cause damage to the teeth and gums if not properly fitted. Gum and bone loss can occur if the jewelry is too long and rubs or presses into the gums. Individuals with labret piercings are also at risk for tooth breakage if the labret jewelry isn't fitted properly.
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