Among all these types of lip piercings, the medusa lip piercing is a unique and beautiful type of body modification. It’s essential to ensure that you do your research before getting this done because it requires some planning and preparation.
What are the lip piercing types? And how do you buy lip piercing jewelry?
This blog post will cover everything you need to know about medusa piercing so that you can get the most out of it, including its pros and cons, pain, costs, cleaning and aftercare, materials and shopping tips for medusa piercing jewelry, and so on.
What is a medusa piercing?
The medusa piercing is a relatively new type of piercing that has grown in popularity in recent years.
The medusa piercing is also known as the philtrum piercing (it acquires the name based on the location of the piercing). This piercing passes through the center of the upper lip and can be quite striking when done correctly.
Why is it called a medusa piercing? It is named after Medusa, a Greek mythological figure who had hair made of snakes.
Medusa piercing variations include double medusa piercing and vertical medusa piercing, otherwise known as Jestrum lip piercing.
Medusa piercing’s meaning can vary from person to person. Some see it as a symbol of power, while others see it as a symbol of sensuality and seduction.
For many people, getting a medusa piercing is a way of expressing their uniqueness and individuality.
It is also seen as a symbol of strength and courage and can be a powerful statement of self-confidence.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what the piercing means to you. But, importantly, if you are thinking about getting a medusa piercing, it is vital to understand its meaning and make sure that you are confident in your decision.
Every piercing is painful and the pain levels are determined by the individual’s pain tolerance. The pain level for the Medusa piercing ranges on the lower spectrum of the scale. The healing time for this style is three months.
The 14G or the 16G is suitable for medusa piercing. In the beginning, the labret stud is a perfect jewelry style that can be replaced with preferred jewelry after total healing.
Variant 1: Double medusa piercing
This is one of the more common variations and works best for people with medium to thick lips. It involves two piercings parallel to each other and takes the same path as a single medusa piercing would.
Experienced body modification professionals should be able to perform this type of piercing. However, it is important to make sure that you understand what to expect before getting it done.
This is because the double medusa piercing is more complicated and can be riskier than a single medusa piercing.
The double piercing should be placed as close to the center of the upper lip as possible. If it is done too far to the side, it can cause problems with speech and eating.
It’s also essential to make sure that the piercer uses a hollow needle instead of a piercing gun because this type of piercing requires a lot of precision.
Double medusa piercing jewelry and gauges include circular Barbells and captive bead rings. The jewelry must be of the highest quality because the piercing goes through a sensitive area of your body. For added comfort, you should also ask for longer jewelry to provide more room at the ends.
The pain of a double medusa piercing is almost the same as that of a single medusa piercing. The healing time of a double medusa piercing is usually six months. It may take longer in some cases, depending on the individual’s body reaction.
Variant 2: Vertical medusa piercing
Vertical medusa piercing, otherwise known as Jestrum lip piercing, is positioned in the philtrum of the upper lip. Dissimilar to Medusa, it usually uses a curved barbell. Both ends of the piercing are visible outside, with the lower part of the barbell bending or undulating around the upper lip.
Although the lip itself is punctured, the findings are that the pain levels are in the middle of the pain scale. It takes about 6-12 weeks for the piercing to heal, The most used piece of jewelry is the curved Barbell with a gauge of 14G to 16G, and the size is 2.5 to 4.0 mm.
Experts recommend that an individual uses sterilized titanium banana Barbells. Finally, this type of piercing would suit people who want something unique but underrated at the same time.
Medusa piercing pros and cons
Pros
- The medusa piercing is a unique and beautiful type of body modification that grabs attention because of its position.
- It is easy enough to perform at most studios but should only be done by experienced professionals.
- This type of piercing can help you express your individuality and unique personality. It is also seen as a sign of strength and courage, which many people find appealing.
- It is relatively easy to heal, and most people experience little or no complications.
Cons
- It is essential to do your research before getting this done because it requires some planning and preparation.
- This piercing should only be performed by a professional body modification expert, especially for double medusa piercings as they take more time and skill to perform.
- It is essential to make sure that the jewelry used is of the highest quality because the piercing goes through a sensitive area of your body.
- There are certain risks involved, like scars, infections, embedding, etc.
Medusa piercing pain
Every piercing is painful and the pain levels are determined by the individual’s pain tolerance. The pain level for the medusa piercing ranges on the lower spectrum of the scale.
Medusa piercing healing
How long for a medusa piercing to heal? The healing time for this style is three months. For some people, it may take less or more time to heal all the way.
Medusa piercing cost
How much is a medusa piercing? The cost mostly depends on the location, type of piercing, and price of the jewelry. Most stores charge between $30-$80.
Always ask the piercer how much it will cost you to get a lip piercing. Some websites list their charges, and it would be wise to go through them before visiting the store.
What gauge is a medusa piercing?
The 14G or the 16G is suitable for medusa piercing. The jewelry may reject the piercing if the sizes do not match. The diameter determines the size, and there are two primary size gauges in medusa lip piercing. The 16G or 1,2mm and the 14G or 1,6mm.
A gauge in the context of lip piercing refers to the bar thickness passing through the lip piercing. With size gauges, the smaller the number, the bigger the gauge. The larger the number, the smaller the size gauge.
Size gauges are crucial as they determine the health of your piercing. The gauge will also determine the kind of jewelry that you will choose. If you are unsure what size gauge to use for your lip piercing, consult with your piercer.
Medusa piercing jewelry
In the beginning, a flat back (also known as the labret stud) is a perfect jewelry style for medusa piercing, which can be replaced with preferred jewelry after total healing, like curved barbells or hoops and rings.
1. Lip studs
Flatback studs are also known as labret studs or flat disc studs. The labret studs are designed to give a comfortable feel in the mouth as it has a flat back on one of its ends and an accessory such as a ball, charm, or stone on the other end that is threaded.
It is designed with consideration to fit and get into contact with the lip and gums, and teeth. The studs can be designed to display both sides of the jewel, with one end of the stud having threads and the other with a design.
The studs have the advantage of better healing for the piercings and are designed with safe materials that mean they are good for health.
Pros:
- They heal relatively quickly
- They don’t cause much discomfort
- They aren’t extremely noticeable
Cons:
- They can come out more easily than lip rings
- If not cleaned regularly, they can get infected
2. Curved barbell
A Barbell commonly has a ball on one end of the bar. The bar connecting the two ends offers simplicity while the dots at the ends can be nearly any pattern, gemstone, or design.
Curved Barbells are a great option, especially when you’re going for a double or vertical medusa piercing. They are also easy to put on and are also easy to keep clean.
However, it is recommended only after your piercing has fully healed. With more surface area for infection-causing critters to survive on, it is very important to handle these only when your hands are clean.
Pros:
- They are a great option, especially when you’re going for a double or vertical bottom lip piercing.
- Barbell jewelry can be a great statement piece and can stand out
- The curved shape can make lip piercings more comfortable
- They are available in a very wide variety of designs
Cons:
- They may not be the best option if you’re looking for something subtle
- They also may get caught easily on items like clothing.
- They heal more slowly than studs
- They tend to be prone to migration or rejection
3. Medusa hoop piercing
The hoop rings are typically designed as segment rings. This feature allows a single segment of the hoop to be removed entirely. It provides for reduced infection risks and gives extra comfort when adorned on the lip.
When getting a piercing with the hoop and ring, the best material is titanium, 14-karat gold, platinum, or stainless steel.
Pros
- Lip rings and hoops are classic and timeless
- They offer a clean look.
- They’re also less likely to get caught on clothing because of their closed design.
- They usually remain securely in place
- They are comfortable.
Cons
- Thin hoops can be bent very easily
- They can be hard to insert at first
- You may need to be careful to avoid distorting the shape as you open and close the jewelry.
Recommended materials for medusa piercing jewelry
When buying medusa lip piercing jewelry, one should bear the following in mind. The material for the jewelry should be nanocomposite and inactive.
1. Implant-Grade Titanium
Titanium is an element that is completely hypoallergenic, so it’s probably the best material for lip piercings, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Implant-grade titanium is the purest form and will not change or corrode if it’s exposed to skin or bodily fluids. Implant-grade titanium jewelry is durable, hypoallergic, lead-free, nickel free, and non-corrosive.
Implant-grade titanium is often marketed as ASTM F-136 titanium. Compared to ASTM F-136 titanium, G23 titanium is not an implant grade of titanium.
Price Range: About $10-$20.
Pros:
- Approved by the Association of Professional Piercers
- Won’t cause allergic reactions
- Is scratch-resistant and won’t fade
Cons:
- Not as valuable as gold, silver, or platinum
- Doesn’t sparkle quite as much as other metals
2. 14K or 18K Gold
If you’re looking for a glittering, valuable metal for your lip piercing jewelry, either 14K or 18K gold may be your answer.
It is also one of the best metals for lip piercings that are highly recommended not only by piercing experts but also doctors. Its excellent quality of being inert makes it suitable for first piercings.
However, gold is a fairly soft metal, so it doesn’t stand up to scratches and excessive wear. Compared to 14K gold, 18K gold is more prone to being affected by everyday use as it is softer and is closer to being pure 24K gold.
Both of these metals include other metal types in order to make them stronger. In order to avoid skin reactions, look for nickel-free metals.
Price Range: About $30-$200.
Pros:
- One of the most valuable materials
- Will not easily tarnish
- Offers plenty of sparkles
- Is easy to engrave or use to set stones
Cons:
- May contain non-hypoallergenic metals
- 18K gold in particular is not very scratch resistant
3. Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal, so it’s one of the pricier options on the list. It’s completely hypoallergenic, so it’s safe for even very sensitive skin. Its brilliant luster makes it a good choice for those seeking a sparkly, high-end look.
Price Range: About $40-$200.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and non-reactive
- Has a brilliant shine
- Is a very valuable material
Cons:
- Is a lot heavier than other metals
- It’s uncommon, so your jewelry choices might be limited
4. Surgical Stainless Steel
Lots of new piercings are done in stainless steel. This material is affordable and typically doesn’t cause reactions. However, it contains a small amount of nickel, so if you have a nickel allergy, it might be best to choose something else.
It is incredibly resistant to corrosion and will keep its shine for years.
If you’re considering steel, 316L or 316 LVM steel is probably your best choice. Both names stand for the same surgical steel material, but the “VM” stands for”vacuum melt,” or the way the steel is produced.
Price Range: About $10-$40.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Common enough that you’ll have plenty of jewelry choices
- Extremely durable and resistant to damage and corrosion
Cons:
- May cause reactions in those with nickel allergies
- Not considered as valuable as some other materials
5. Niobium
Niobium is also one of the best metals for medusa lip piercings. It is a highly pure, hypoallergenic metal that’s a lot like titanium. However, it is heavier than titanium and more expensive to produce, so it tends to be harder to find in the world of body jewelry.
Price Range: About $20-$60.
Pros:
- Won’t react when exposed to bodily fluids
- Completely hypoallergenic
- Has a brilliant shine
Cons:
- Rare enough that your jewelry choices might be limited
- Heavier than titanium
Finally, poor finishing in jewelry leads to contamination, hence delayed healing and formation of scar tissue. Before purchasing jewelry, one should thoroughly examine them.
Potential risks of medusa piercing
1. Medusa piercing scar
Scarring is a common risk associated with medusa piercings. This is because the piercing goes through a sensitive area of your body. Make sure that you go to a professional body modification expert who uses a hollow needle instead of a piercing gun. This type of piercing requires a lot of precision, and using a gun can cause unnecessary scarring.
2. Infected medusa piercing
Another common risk associated with medusa piercings is infection. This can occur if the area is not adequately cleaned or if you are not diligent about taking care of the piercing. Ensure to clean the area daily with a saline solution and keep the jewelry in place until it is healed.
3. Medusa piercing embedding
Embedding is a common risk associated with medusa piercings. This happens when the jewelry is not of the highest quality and may become stuck in your skin. For added comfort, you should also ask for longer jewelry to provide more room at the ends.
4. Why is the medusa piercing sinking into the lip?
This happens when the piercing is not done properly, and the jewelry sinks into the lip. If this occurs, you may need to have surgery to remove the jewelry. Make sure that you go to a professional body modification expert who uses a hollow needle instead of a piercing gun.
Medusa piercing aftercare
- Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
- Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
- Avoid getting in water that might be dirty.
- Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline/salt solution or a piercing aftercare spray.
- When brushing your teeth and cleaning your mouth, use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
- And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
- Don’t move the piercing before it heals. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
How to clean medusa piercing?
- Make a salt solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt with one cup of water. Stir the solution until it dissolves. As an alternative, you can buy ready-to-use piercing aftercare sprays. If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it around the piercing site. Don’t remove the jewelry!
- Take clean gauze or tissue and pat the area dry.
The piercer may provide aftercare instructions for you, but keep in mind that each person’s body heals differently and may require different instructions.
Once the piercing is healed, you should continue to clean it once or twice a day with a saline solution to prevent infection. You may also want to apply a lip balm or moisturizer to keep the area hydrated and healthy.
How and when can I change my medusa piercing?
One can change the medusa piercing jewelry after the initial healing period, i.e., three months, but make sure to do this only with a qualified and experienced professional piercer.
How to do a medusa piercing?
Step 1: Consultation – Discuss the procedure with your piercer, and make sure that you are 100% confident in your decision to get a medusa piercing.
Step 2: Piercing – During the actual piercing process, your piercer will use a hollow needle to make two holes in your lip. They will then insert the jewelry into the holes.
Step 3: Aftercare – It is essential to take care of your medusa piercing after it is done.
Step 4: Healing – It typically takes 12 weeks, i.e., 3 months, for a medusa piercing to heal completely. During this time, make sure to clean it regularly and keep the jewelry in place.
Step 5: Maintenance – Once your medusa piercing is healed, you should continue to clean it once or twice a day with a saline solution. You may also want to apply a lip balm or moisturizer to keep the area hydrated and healthy.
Read More
What are the lip piercing types?
Bottom lip piercing: Name, price, pain, healing, care, and jewelry
