What is a Monroe Piercing? | The Ultimate Monroe Piercing Guide
The Monroe piercing takes its name from the famous model, actress and singer Marilyn Monroe because its placement mimics her famed beauty mark. When it comes down to it a Monroe piercing is simply a lip piercing that’s located on the upper lip on the left side. It’s a great option for those looking for a piercing style that screams classic Hollywood glamour but with an alternative edge.
Before the Procedure & Aftercare
Before the procedure make sure you are properly cleaning your teeth and inner mouth. Brushing regularly every day and more importantly using alcohol free mouthwash to kill any bacteria hanging around. Get used to this because during healing you will be brushing your teeth and doing sea salt soaks several times a day.
How Long Does the Monroe Piercing Take to Heal?
A Monroe piercing will usually take 2-3 months to heal. The first week expect a good amount of swelling. After that it should slowly go back down. Redness and slight inflammation are all to be expected during the healing. Even minimal discharge is going to be a normal part of your healing process. If at any point anything about your healing concerns you then go see your professional piercer for a checkup and advice.
Does the Monroe Piercing Swell Up?
Monroe piercings are going to swell up during the first week after getting pierced. You will be pierced with a longer labret post to compensate for this swelling. The following week or two you will have barely visible residual swelling. At this point your post will start feeling and looking long. You have to deal with this length for the entire initial month after getting pierced. At that point go back and see your piercer and he can help you downsize to a more fitted labret post.
Monroe Piercing Jewelry
While technically many types of jewelry can be used in this piercing like hoops or curved barbells, the most popular is the labret stud. It’s dire in order to get that classic beauty mark look that the Monroe piercing hints towards.
On The Monroe Piercing Process
The Monroe piercing is located in a section of the body with lots of nerves which means that more pain may ensue. This may affect thicker or stronger lips even more so. But of course, it depends on your body and your pain tolerance.
This also means that this lip piercing is more prone to bleeding than other piercing like cartilage or septum piercing.
This piercing is usually pierced at a 14G, 16G or 18 gauge. Any piercing in the lip or mouth area often heals much quicker though due to the mouths quick ability to heal! To further guard against depreciation of tooth enamel and gum recession, you can switch to a stainless steel flat back stud with dental acrylic on the back disk after the full healing time. Never change to acrylic jewelry before the piercing is fully healed!
Disclaimer
This article is intended to let you know the basics of a Monroe piercing. Always follow up with your piercer when getting pierced and ask as many clarifying questions as you can! It’s always important to speak to a professional, qualified expert before getting pierced and if any issues arise afterwards.
Whether you’re looking for a rebellious addition to your look, or are harking back to some traditional Hollywood glamour, a Monroe piercing is a perfect addition to your piercing collection! Do you have a Monroe piercing? Let us know how much you love it and all about your experience?