A lip ring is one way to set yourself apart with an alternative fashion statement, but your oral piercing could also lead to health complications, including scarring. Before the needle makes contact with your lip, you should consider all of the possible health concerns and practices associated with lip piercings.
Lip Scars
Like any piercing, lip rings can leave scars. You may develop keloids, which are raised areas on or around your lips caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue. Keloids are more common in African Americans, Latinos and Asians, according to FamilyDoctor.org. You are at a greater risk to scar if keloids run in your family or if you are under 30 years of age. You may be able to treat light scarring with topical creams. More severe scarring may require corticosteroid shots or even surgical treatment.
Piercing Complications
Scarring is a minor problem compared to all the risks associated with lip piercings. From improperly sterilized equipment, you can contract a chronic infection, HIV, hepatitis B or C, or tetanus. Uncontrollable bleeding, nerve damage, inflammation, abscesses and boils are other possible complications. The American Dental Association recommends against lip rings because of the likelihood of dental damage, including tooth chipping and gum recession.
Health Cautions
Lip rings aren't for everyone. Before getting pierced, speak to your doctor if you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, hemophilia or an autoimmune disorder, that may affect how your body reacts to the piercing. If you have a freckle, mole or any skin abrasion or abnormality at the piercing cite, you may not be able to have a lip ring. If you are pregnant, get your doctor's consent before getting pierced.
Piercer Considerations
To get the safest lip piercing, seek out a body artist from the Association of Professional Piercers. Ensure that the piercer works in a clean environment and only uses equipment sterilized by an autoclave machine. The piercer should wear gloves and explain all possible risk and complications with you before you are pierced. Your piercer should offer you a choice of lip rings made with surgical implant--grade jewelry approved for use by the APP.
After Care
Take care of your lip piercing so it can heal properly. Only touch your piercing and lip rip with clean hands. For the first three months of you piercing, rinse your mouth for 30 seconds with an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash or a saline rinse after each meal and before bed. Wash your face and the lip ring no more than twice a day for 30 seconds. Always dry your piercing with disposable paper products, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria, says the Association of Professional Piercers. Avoid spicy foods and foods that may get caught on your lip ring. Don't smoke, chew on foreign objects or engage in sexual contact while your piercing heals.
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