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Published Monday, June 10, 2024

Vertical Labret Piercing - Your Complete Guide

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Do you love the look of lip piercings but worry about gum or tooth damage? A vertical labret piercing might be perfect for you! Let's dive into everything you need to know about this unique and popular piercing.

 

What is a Vertical Labret Piercing?

A vertical labret piercing is a type of lip piercing that goes vertically through the center of the lower lip and exits just below the lip, where a regular labret piercing would be. Since it doesn’t touch the inside of your mouth, it won’t harm your teeth or gums, making it a great choice for those with oral care concerns.

example of a vertical labret piercings

Considerations Before Getting a Vertical Labret Piercing

Before you rush to get this piercing, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Braces: If you have braces, it's best to wait until your treatment is over. The jewelry could get caught in your braces.
  • Anatomy: This piercing is anatomy-dependent. Your piercer will check the thickness of your lips and your bite to ensure your anatomy can accommodate it. Always go to a reputable piercer.

 

Cost of a Vertical Labret Piercing

The cost of a vertical labret piercing varies by location and piercer, generally ranging from $30 to $100. This price doesn’t include the cost of jewelry. Remember, a piercing is an investment. Choose an experienced and reputable piercer and opt for high-quality jewelry for a smoother healing process.

 

The Piercing Process

The piercing is typically done with a 14 or 16 gauge needle. Your piercer will choose the appropriate gauge and barbell length. A long curved barbell is used initially to allow for swelling. High-quality materials like implant-grade titanium are recommended for the initial jewelry.

 

Downsizing Your Jewelry

After three to four weeks, once the swelling has gone down, you can downsize to a shorter curved barbell. Visit your piercer to get the piercing checked and ensure the barbell length fits properly to avoid accidentally biting down on your jewelry.

 

How Painful is a Vertical Labret Piercing?

Pain levels vary from person to person, but most people rate it around a 4 out of 10. It’s generally considered not too painful.

 

Healing Process and Aftercare

Initial healing takes about 6 to 8 weeks, but full healing can take up to six months. Here are some aftercare tips:

  • Keep the area clean and avoid touching or playing with your jewelry.
  • Clean the piercing twice a day with saline spray.
  • Avoid bodies of water like pools, lakes, and beaches to prevent infections.
  • Stay away from spicy, acidic, or hot foods that can irritate the piercing.
  • Avoid kissing and oral play during the healing period.
  • Stay hydrated to help with chapped lips but avoid using chapstick, oils, or lipsticks.

Like any piercing, there's a risk of infection, swelling, or rejection. With proper care, these risks can be minimized. If you notice any issues, consult your piercer or a medical professional.

SHOP OUR AFTERCARE HERE

 

Jewelry Options for Vertical Labret Piercings

While jewelry options are typically limited to curved barbells, you can still add some flair. At Bodyartforms.com, you can explore various curved barbell styles or create your own designs using a threadless curved barbell post and an endless selection of threadless ends. To make jewelry shopping easier, ask your piercer what gauge and barbell length you need.

SHOP OUR VERTICAL LABRET COLLECTION HERE

 

How to Change Vertical Labret Piercing Jewelry

Ready to switch out your vertical labret jewelry for the first time? It’s easier than it looks once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through how do you change your vertical labret jewelry safely and without irritation.


Before You Start

Before you touch your jewelry, make sure your piercing is fully healed. Changing it too early can cause pain, swelling, or even infection.

  • If your lip feels sore or swollen, wait a bit longer
  • Healing times can vary, so don’t rush it

Once you’re sure it’s healed, you’re good to go.


Clean Everything First

Clean hands and jewelry are a must. This helps prevent irritation or infection.

  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water
  • Clean your new jewelry with mild soap and water

washing jewelry in soap and warm water drying jewelry

Taking a minute to clean everything makes a big difference.


Understand Your Jewelry

Vertical labret piercings usually use a curved barbell. It has a ball (or decorative end) on each side.

  • One end typically unscrews (threaded)
  • Some styles are threadless and pull apart instead


How to Remove Your Jewelry

Threaded Curved Barbell

  • Hold the bottom ball steady
  • Unscrew the top ball
  • Gently slide the barbell out

unscrewing top ball pulling out old barbell

Threadless Curved Barbell

  • Hold the base of the jewelry
  • Pull the top decorative end straight out
  • Slide the barbell out

pulling out threadless end from top


How to Insert New Vertical Labret Jewelry

Now for the new piece. This part is simple if you follow the same path as before.

  • Insert the new curved barbell from the bottom to the top
  • Follow the same angle the old jewelry came out

pushing in new jewelry

This helps avoid irritation and keeps the process smooth.

Finish Securing It

  • For threaded jewelry: screw the top ball on until snug
  • For threadless jewelry: push the decorative end back in firmly

screwing on top of new barbell pushing in threadless end on new jewelry

Tip: Don’t overtighten. It should be secure, but still easy to remove later.


Final Tips

  • Take your time—don’t rush the process
  • If something feels wrong, stop and try again later
  • Keep your jewelry clean after changing it

Changing your jewelry gets easier every time you do it. Once you get the hang of it, it’ll feel quick and routine.

 

 

Hopefully, this information helps you decide if a vertical labret piercing is right for you. Follow us on all our socials @Bodyartforms!