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Labret Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya

(Variations, Pain Threshold, Healing Time, Aftercare, Process, and Jewelry Guide)

A labret piercing is a type of body piercing that is placed in the lower lip, just above the chin. It is typically done with a straight barbell, although other types of jewelry can also be used. Labret piercings are relatively common and are considered to be a form of oral piercing, although they are not as common as ear piercings or nose piercings.

In modern times, labret piercings have become popular among people of all ages and cultures as a form of self-expression and body modification.

If you are considering getting a labret piercing, it is important to do your research and find a reputable piercer who is experienced in performing this type of piercing. It is also important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure that the piercing heals properly and does not become infected.

Variations of the Labret Piercing

When thinking about getting a labret piercing, the options are nearly unlimited. It’s crucial to consider the future of your labret piercing and your desired look before you get started because some of these can be converted into other lip piercing designs later.

Side Labret Piercing: As the name suggests, the puncture is still placed to the right or left of the middle of the lip, but the labret is now pierced on the side. When wanting to change their labret into another piercing, such as dolphin or snake bites, people frequently opt for the side labret piercing.

Lowbret Piercing: This piercing is also centered beneath the lip, but it is positioned as low as the lip will allow. This variation is common among extreme body modifiers, since it gives extra space to stretch the piercing, but you can still wear a simple labret stud in this style without pursuing major modifications. You should be aware that this piercing will rub against your gum line more than a regular labret piercing because of its position.

Considerations before getting a Labret Piercing

Before getting a labret piercing, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some factors to think about before you decide to go through with the piercing:

  • Pain Tolerance: Consider your pain tolerance level, as getting a labret piercing involves some discomfort. While the pain is generally tolerable for most people, it can vary from person to person.
  • Placement: Decide on the exact placement of your labret piercing. The traditional placement is centered below the lower lip, but there are variations, such as off-center or vertical labret piercings. Think about which placement suits your style and comfort.
  • Professional Piercer: Research and choose a reputable and experienced professional piercer who follows strict hygiene and safety protocols. Look for reviews and recommendations to ensure you’re in capable hands. At Rebel Inks Tattoo Removal and Piercings Parlour we have extensive experience and experienced team that is geared to offer you the best services Contact Us Today for further consultation and scheduling
  • Jewelry: Consider the type of jewelry you want for your labret piercing. Labret studs with flat backplates and decorative ends are the most common choice. Think about the material, size, and style of the jewelry you prefer.
  • Healing Time: Understand that labret piercings require a healing period, usually around 6 to 8 weeks for initial healing and several months for full healing. Be prepared for the commitment required for aftercare during this time.
  • Aftercare: Be ready to follow aftercare instructions diligently, which typically involve cleaning the piercing with a saline solution, avoiding touching it with dirty hands, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
  • Oral Health: Labret piercings are located in the mouth area, so good oral hygiene is crucial. You may need to use an alcohol-free or saline mouthwash regularly to keep the inside of the piercing clean.
  • Swelling: Expect some swelling after the piercing. Be prepared to manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs as recommended by your piercer.
  • Lifestyle Considerations: Think about how the piercing may affect your daily life, including eating, speaking, and any activities that involve your mouth. You may need to make some adjustments during the healing process.
  • Work or School Policies: Consider any policies at your workplace or school regarding visible piercings. Some institutions may have dress code requirements that could affect your choice of jewelry or placement.
  • Commitment: Understand that removing the jewelry too soon can lead to complications, so be committed to leaving the jewelry in place until the piercing has fully healed.
  • Potential Risks: Be aware of potential risks associated with piercings, including infection, migration, and scarring. It’s important to choose a reputable piercer and follow proper aftercare to minimize these risks.
  • Allergies and Sensitivities: If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain metals, inform your piercer to ensure they use hypoallergenic jewelry materials.

Labret Piercing Procedure

The labret piercing procedure should be performed by a professional piercer in a clean and sterile environment. Here are the general steps involved in the labret piercing procedure:

  • Consultation: Before the actual piercing, you’ll have a consultation with your piercer. During this discussion, you can ask any questions you have, discuss your preferences for jewelry and placement, and address any concerns. Your piercer will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the labret piercing.
  • Sterilization: Your piercer will clean and sterilize their hands and the equipment used for the piercing to minimize the risk of infection. They should also wear gloves and use sterile, single-use needles and jewelry.
  • Marking: With a sterile surgical marker, your piercer will mark the precise location where the labret piercing will be placed. This is done while you are sitting up so you can see and approve the placement. You can work with your piercer to determine the exact placement that you prefer.
  • Piercing: Once you are comfortable with the placement, your piercer will use a sterilized needle to create the piercing. Some piercers may use a receiving tube inside the mouth to guide the needle and jewelry, while others may use a clamp to hold the area steady.
  • Inserting Jewelry: After the piercing is made, your piercer will insert the chosen jewelry, which is typically a labret stud. The stud consists of a flat backplate on the inside of your mouth and a decorative end on the outside. The ends can vary in design, such as beads, gems, or other decorative elements.
  • Cleaning and Aftercare: Your piercer will provide instructions on how to clean and care for your labret piercing. This usually involves using a saline solution to clean the area and avoiding touching the piercing with dirty hands. Proper aftercare is essential for preventing infections and promoting healing.
  • Payment and Aftercare Products: You’ll likely need to pay for the piercing and any aftercare products recommended by your piercer, such as saline solution or healing cream.
  • Follow-Up: It’s important to follow up with your piercer as scheduled to check on the healing progress and address any concerns.
  • Healing Time: Labret piercings typically take around 6 to 8 weeks for initial healing, but full healing can take several months. During this time, you’ll need to be patient and maintain good aftercare practices.
  • Changing Jewelry: It’s generally recommended to wait until the piercing has fully healed before changing the jewelry. Consult your piercer for guidance on changing jewelry and selecting appropriate sizes and styles.
labret-piercing

Labret Piercing FAQ’s

How do you Pick the right piercing parlor

A skilled piercer can ensure that the procedure proceeds as quickly and painlessly as possible. Choosing a store with the best equipment and rigorous safety standards is also crucial. Avoid studios that use guns, because they can spread bloodborne diseases and damaged tissue, and because the metals used are not implant quality and may react in ways that result in scarring and embedding that is permanent. At Rebel Inks Tattoo Kenya we have extensive experience and only practice under the most sterile conditions using surgical grade hollow point needles.

How Painful is a Labret Piercing

The pain scale for the labret piercing is on the lower end. Lip piercings are typically more painful than other piercing types because of the large number of nerve endings in the lips and the skin around the lips. However, the location of the labret means that it’s less painful than lip piercings like the vertical labret, which punctures the lip itself.

The labret piercing just needs one penetration, therefore the discomfort you experience won’t last long. You can anticipate swelling and pain in the initial days following the piercing as your body starts to heal. During this time, keep an eye on the piercing; if the swelling persists or you have heavy bleeding or pain, it might be infected.

Labret Piercing Healing Time and Aftercare Process

Labret piercings heal pretty quickly; the recovery time is usually 6 to 8 weeks. Healing time varies from person to person and may take longer than 8 weeks in some cases. Prior to switching out your jewelry and ceasing aftercare procedures, make sure to speak with your piercer.

You will need to monitor your piercing well past the recommended 8-week healing time because the inside of the piercing takes longer to heal.

Your piercer will initially insert a larger labret stud to accommodate swelling. The jewelry could become trapped in the skin if the labret stud is too small, necessitating invasive medical procedures to remove it. As the piercing heals, make sure that your jewelry doesn’t rub against it.

Labret Piercing Aftercare Process

You must follow specific aftercare procedures in addition to the standard ones as your lip heals. Food, saliva, toothpaste, and other items that frequently enter the mouth provide health risks because the labret is situated on the mouth. This indicates that proper aftercare procedures are crucial for labret piercings.

Keep up a good oral hygiene routine. Every meal should be followed by brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Keep your lips clean because it can be your worst adversary when you’re recovering. To clean the inside of the piercing, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash three to five times per day. These flushes need to occur soon after eating or drinking. A sterile saline wound wash for the piercing’s exterior should be used.

Avoid touching of foreign objects to the piercing. Sorry, no kissing or oral play while you recuperate. This also applies to your fingers, scarves, other people’s lips, and even your blankets or pillowcases. Make sure your pillowcase is clean every night if you sleep on your stomach, or cover your pillow with a clean T-shirt.

Watch what you eat. As the piercing heals, eating foods that are spicy or acidic can hurt. Additionally, smoking contains contaminants that can lead to illness, and alcohol can impair your immune system. Keep food as far away from the piercing area as you can and make sure that anything you eat in your mouth won’t injure it.

When eating, use caution. The jewelry is particularly prone to chomping because of where the labret is located, which can destroy your front teeth. During the first several weeks, you’ll need to wear a bigger labret stud, so you’ll need to be particularly cautious. You’ll need to be cautious while learning how to chew around your new piercing since once you’re healed, larger jewelry, such as hoops and circular barbells, will offer an additional hazard.

Watch what you apply on your face. Infections can be brought on by makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, and chapstick getting stuck in the piercing. If you must use these products, make sure to remain a safe distance from the piercing and thoroughly wash your face before bed.

Labret Piercing Jewelry Type

Gauges: At Rebel Inks Tattoo Kenya we advise our clients to use a titanium or gold metal and a 16- or 18-gauge piercing for the quickest, most flawless healing process.

Studs: People do anchors in their lip, surface barbells, studs on the top, bottom, center, side—there are a lot [of options]. Most piercings heal better with a stud.

Rings and hoops: At Rebel Inks Tattoo Kenya we recommend using a larger size if you decide to go with a hoop or ring. The lip is vascular, which causes it to enlarge, and is why it looks red. A lip piercing won’t be rejected by your body, but the amount of tissue that the hoop passes through is excessive.

Labret Piercing Jewelry Material

Stainless Steel: According to Sobel, stainless steel is the ideal metal to use for lip piercings since it is easy for your body to adapt to it and seldom becomes infected.

High-quality precious metals like 14 karat gold or platinum are also sure choices for the region. A lot of people are allergic to particular metal types. Although it may seem apparent, you should consider your sensitivities when choosing metals. Avoid using nickel.

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