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A Dahlia piercing is a pair of labret piercings placed on either side of the mouth, near the corners of your lips. They’re often mistaken for cheek piercings, but the placement is slightly different—cheek piercings usually sit more toward the dimples, while Dahlia piercings sit right at the mouth’s edges.
Fun (and slightly morbid) fact: the name comes from the infamous “Black Dahlia” case, because the placement resembles the smile-like cuts from the crime. Some people have opted to call them Joker piercings for this reason.
Dahlia piercings are considered advanced piercings and are very anatomy-dependent. That means not everyone’s facial structure will work for them. It’s important to see a highly experienced piercer who understands cheek anatomy, since they’ll need to avoid muscles, salivary ducts, and blood vessels.
During your consultation, your piercer will probably:
Your bite will also be checked to make sure the jewelry won’t hit your teeth. The piercer may adjust placement slightly based on what’s safest for your anatomy. If your piercer doesn’t do a full consultation, that’s a red flag—go somewhere else.
Dahlia piercings are usually done with 14g or 12g labrets (flatback studs). High-quality, implant-grade titanium is the best material for initial jewelry. You’ll start with extra-long posts to allow for swelling, which can be pretty significant with this piercing.
As the swelling goes down, you’ll need to downsize your jewelry—sometimes more than once. This helps avoid complications and keeps you from accidentally biting the jewelry.
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On the pain scale, most people rate Dahlia piercings as low to medium. But remember, you’re getting two piercings back-to-back, so it’s double the fun (and pain).
This piercing has a long and tricky healing process. Because it’s right by your mouth, it moves constantly when you eat or talk. It can take one to two years (sometimes even longer) to fully heal.
During healing, keep your hands off your piercings and follow a solid aftercare routine.
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Dahlia piercings are beautiful but come with a few risks you should know about:
Because of their placement, these piercings can cause gum or enamel erosion over time. Be mindful while eating—biting your jewelry can chip your teeth or cause irritation. Proper placement and downsizing when swelling goes down can help prevent this. If you notice any dental issues, see your dentist right away.
While some people end up with dimple-like scars, others may have darker or more noticeable marks. If scarring is a big concern for you, this might not be the best piercing to get.
Because your mouth moves so much, migration and rejection are possible. If the piercing shifts, becomes irritated, or looks like it’s being pushed out, contact your piercer for advice.
Dahlia piercings definitely make a statement—they’re rare, striking, and unlike anything else. But they also take patience, care, and a skilled piercer to pull off safely. If you’re set on getting them, take your time finding the right professional and follow their aftercare advice closely.
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