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A Medusa piercing, also known as a philtrum piercing, is a type of labret piercing centered above the top lip, in that little divot between the nose and lip called the philtrum. It's a bold and trendy piercing that can really enhance your look.
When it comes to pain, lip piercings, including the Medusa, tend to be lower on the scale. However, pain tolerance varies from person to person. The philtrum area might sting a bit more or cause your eyes to water due to its proximity to your sinus nerves.
Healing time for a Medusa piercing is typically around 3-6 months, but it can vary depending on the individual and any complications that arise. During this time, it's crucial to follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions carefully.
If you have a fresh piercing, make sure to clean it twice a day. Avoid using cotton swabs or cotton balls to prevent fibers from getting stuck in the piercing. Instead you can use you fingers (make sure they are clean) or something that won't snag on the piercing or leave fibers on it.
Since my piercing is healed, I use tap water for cleaning.
Once I've followed the previous steps, I also clean the inside of my mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash daily to ensure extra hygiene.
After cleaning, gently pat the piercing area dry with a paper towel. Avoid rubbing against the piercing to prevent irritation.
After cleaning, it's essential to moisturize the piercing area to prevent dryness. I use a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated. Simply apply a small amount and rub it gently over the piercing.
Important Note: While this is how I personally clean my piercings, if you have a fresh one, it's best to follow your specific piercer's aftercare instructions. If you experience any irritation or infections, reach out to your piercer or a doctor.
And that's it! Following this routine has helped me keep my Medusa piercing clean and healthy. Remember, consistency is key to proper piercing care. If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends!
Once your piercing is healed, you can change your jewelry. Philtrum piercings are generally about 16g in size and are typically limited to labrets. However, you can still achieve a variety of looks by switching out the labret’s end design.
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While less common, you can stretch your philtrum piercing. Keep in mind that stretching may alter the look and shape of your lips after increasing to larger sizes.
Yes, you can have both your philtrum and septum pierced! The ability to wear jewelry in both at the same time depends on your jewelry and anatomy. Be sure to discuss this with your piercer to find the right placement for both piercings.
With any oral piercing, it's important to keep an eye on your teeth and gums. While it's less likely to bite down on your philtrum jewelry compared to other lip piercings, there's still a risk of gum or enamel damage from the jewelry pressing against your teeth or gums. If you notice any erosion or damage, remove your jewelry and consult your piercer or a medical professional immediately.
Changing a Medusa piercing can seem a bit intimidating, but with the right steps, it’s actually quite simple. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it safely and effectively.
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:
It’s crucial to start with a clean piercing to avoid infection:
Carefully unscrew or slide out the existing jewelry. Make sure your hands are clean before doing this to prevent introducing bacteria.
Take your new, sanitized jewelry and gently insert it into the piercing. Make sure it goes in smoothly and doesn't cause discomfort. If you experience pain or swelling, you may consider consulting a professional piercer.
After the new jewelry is in place, give the area one last clean with the saline spray to ensure it's all set.
If you're wondering what is the best taper to get for a Medusa/philtrum piercing?, the answer is actually pretty simple. The best taper is one that matches both the gauge and style of the jewelry you're wearing.
Using the right taper can make jewelry changes much easier, especially for a Medusa piercing where the back of the jewelry sits inside your lip and can be difficult to see or reach.
A piercing taper acts as a guide when you're inserting or changing jewelry. Instead of trying to push the jewelry through the piercing channel on its own, the taper helps smoothly lead the jewelry into place.
For a Medusa piercing, a taper can make the process much faster and less frustrating.
When choosing a taper for your Medusa piercing, the most important factor is making sure the taper matches the gauge of your jewelry.
Medusa piercings are commonly pierced between:
14 gauge is the most common size.
If your labret stud is 14 gauge, you'll want a 14 gauge taper. If your jewelry is 16 gauge, you'll need a 16 gauge taper, and so on.
Using the wrong gauge taper can make it difficult to guide the jewelry correctly through the piercing. In some cases, it may not work at all.
Gauge isn't the only thing that matters. You'll also need a taper that matches the style of jewelry you're wearing.
If your labret stud uses internal or external threads, you'll want a threaded taper that can connect directly to the jewelry.
This creates a smooth transition from the taper to the jewelry, allowing the jewelry to follow directly behind the taper as you insert it.
If you're wearing threadless jewelry, you'll need a threadless taper designed specifically for threadless posts.
These tapers are made to securely connect to threadless jewelry and guide it through the piercing channel with minimal effort.
Using a taper is fairly straightforward:
The taper acts as a pathway, helping the jewelry slide into place without having to blindly search for the piercing channel.
As long as the taper matches your jewelry correctly, it can make changing your Medusa jewelry much easier and help guide the jewelry smoothly through the piercing.
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