Interested in the smiley piercing? We've got you covered. This guide will answer questions like "how to take care of a smiley piercing?", "how much does a smiley piercing hurt?", "what does the smiley piercing healing time looks like?", and more!
Jump To:
If you're into odd, quirky, and even controversial piercings, this body piercing is definitely on your radar. But what exactly is it? The smiley piercing goes through the upper lip frenulum, which is that tiny piece of skin connecting your upper lip to your gums. It's aptly named the smiley because it's most visible when you flash those pearly whites!
On the flip side, if the piercing site is on the lower lip frenulum, it's often called the frowny - guess why!
A professional piercer will determine if your frenulum is suitable for a piercing. They will look at the web of flesh and see if it supports this piercing. If so, they will use a hollow point needle to pierce through your frenulum and insert your initial jewelry.
Your first piece of jewelry will likely be a longer curved barbell to accommodate swelling. This is to ensure comfort and proper healing. Choose high-quality initial jewelry like implant-grade titanium. This will help ensure a smoother smiley piercing healing process.
Don't fret about the pain - this type of piercing usually doesn't bring major discomfort. The upper lip frenulum is super thin, which means the process is relatively low on the pain scale for most people.
So, how much is a smiley piercing? The cost can vary depending on the shop and location. The smiley piercing's price can range anywhere from $30-$90, not including the price of jewelry. Consider choosing high-quality jewelry like implant grade titanium for an easier healing process.
How long does a smiley piercing take to heal? Since it's an oral piercing, the healing process is pretty quick, typically taking between four and 12 weeks.
While your piercing heals, rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash twice a day. You may also need to avoid certain foods that can cause irritation, such as dairy or anything overly salty, spicy, hot, or acidic. Rinse your mouth with water after every meal or after drinking anything else other than water.
Avoid playing with the jewelry, as this could cause irritation. Do not share drinks, kiss, or engage in other oral activities until you are fully healed.
Your piercer will be able to instruct you on proper aftercare for your needs.
Once your piercing has completely healed, you can switch out the jewelry. Smiley piercing jewelry includes circular barbells, captive bead rings, and seamless rings. You can also use a curved barbell to make the piercing discreet or less noticeable. Ask your piercer about what gauge, length, or diameter you'll need.
Is a smiley piercing safe? Before you jump on this trend, let's talk about some important things to consider:
Because of these concerns, the smiley piercing is a topic of debate among piercers and body modification enthusiasts.
Because this piercing can cause gum and teeth damage, anyone with a history of dental issues, like gum disease, should probably steer clear. Also avoid it if you have braces, as the jewelry could get snagged.
We're curious - what's your take on the smiley piercing? Have you ever tried it? Are you considering taking the plunge? Share your thoughts with us!
Don't forget to connect with us on our social media platforms @Bodyartforms!
