The excitement of getting a new piercing cannot be matched. However, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the piercing you’re interested in and the healing period before visiting the piercing studio. This is particularly important for facial piercings, such as those on the face, nose, eyebrow, or septum. The Medusa piercing is currently a highly sought-after piercing, and the same is true for these.
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What to Expect When You Get a Medusa Piercing
For all the information you want regarding this piercing—including how it earned its name, how much it costs, and what to anticipate after getting it done—keep reading.
What Is a Medusa Piercing?
A Medusa piercing is a type of body piercing that goes on the area just above your upper lip, known as the philtrum. It’s also called a philtrum piercing for that reason. Some people see it as similar to other lip piercings like the vertical labret, which goes below the lip, or the Monroe and Madonna piercings, which go on the sides of the upper lip.
Medusa piercings started to become popular in the early 2000s, but they really peaked in 2022, according to Google Trends. This piercing is common in the punk subculture and isn’t something you see on many mainstream celebrities. However, Halsey might have helped make them more popular in March 2023 when she wore a fake Medusa piercing at Paris Fashion Week.
What Gives It the Name “Medusa Piercing”?
Greek mythology describes Medusa as a guardian goddess who can turn anybody into stone with a glance and hair made of snakes.
According to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, “she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye.” “She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.”
Few details surround the origin of the term “Medusa” for the piercing, although many speculate that it was chosen because the mouth piercing resembles the remarkable appearance of the character. Hey, we won’t mind if it has some more defence mechanisms.
What’s The Cost for Getting Medusa Piercings Done?
The cost of getting a Medusa piercing can vary depending on where you live, which piercing studio you go to, and the type of jewelry you choose. Typically, the price for the piercing itself, without jewelry, is around $45 at Banter by Piercing Pagoda, according to Ashley Sharp, senior director of piercing and innovation at the studio.
Since the Medusa piercing is in a sensitive area that moves a lot, like when you eat or brush your teeth, it’s important to choose high-quality jewelry. Sharp recommends implant-grade titanium or 14K or higher gold.
Implant-grade titanium jewelry is sturdy, hypoallergenic, and helps with healing, while gold jewelry of 14K or higher quality supports healing and adds style.
Titanium jewelry tends to be more budget-friendly, but you can find options in either metal for under $75.
Is It Painful to Get a Medusa Piercing?
It all depends on how much pain you can handle!
Sharp says, “Everyone experiences discomfort differently.” “Philtrum piercings, like all piercings, come with some level of discomfort—and if on a discomfort scale of one to 10, would fall right around a five.”
Naturally, the initial pain wave passes in a matter of seconds or, at best, minutes, leaving you with your stylish new piercing for all time.
What’s the Average Healing Time for a Medusa Lip Piercing?
Adoring a new piercing requires commitment to the healing process as well. According to Sharp, a philtrum piercing should heal in three to four months, but you should always err on the side of caution. What does that entail, then? Continue reading.
Instructions to Follow for Handling Medusa Piercings
You should maintain your best post-piercing behavior during the healing period. To ensure a speedy and trouble-free healing process, this entails cleaning your piercing and refraining from specific activities.
1. Pay Attention to What You Eat
The food you eat can affect your lip piercing because the philtrum is there. “We recommend avoiding highly acidic, spicy, or salty foods for the first week after receiving a philtrum piercing,” Sharp advises. “During your healing process, rinse your mouth with clean water after eating any food.”
2. Experiment with it sparingly.
New piercings are usually enticing to touch. But since hands are a breeding ground for bacteria, it’s best to keep your fingers busy in other ways. “Every time you touch a fresh piercing, you introduce those pathogens to it,” Sharp explains.
3. Maintain Cleanliness
As with many piercings, you should use sterile saline solution (like H2Ocean) that is available at stores or an alcohol-free mouthwash. Preparing a saline solution on your own at home is not as sterile and can be dangerous.
4. Don’t Apply Makeup Near the Area
This one could be difficult if you’re constantly experimenting with lipstick shades or applying highlighter on your cupid’s bow.
“Until the piercing is fully healed, it is advised to avoid applying makeup or skincare products directly to the area,” Sharp advises. Once more, there is just too much risk of introducing infectious diseases.
5. To maintain your Medusa piercing’s cleanliness
Opt for paper towels instead of cloth, as cloth can catch on your new jewelry. Additionally, avoid submerging your piercing in pools or hot tubs, as the water may introduce bacteria to the piercing site.
Guide For Swapping Your Jewelry
When it comes time to change your philtrum piercing, ensure that it’s fully healed, which typically takes about three to four months, advises Sharp. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to consult your piercing studio. Here’s a step-by-step guide for swapping your jewelry:
- Gently remove the current jewelry: Start by washing your hands thoroughly. Then, unscrew the stud from the back and carefully remove it from the front.
- Unscrew the back of the new jewelry: The new piece should have a similar threaded mechanism to the one you just removed.
- Carefully insert the prong into the piercing hole: Keep as still as possible during this step and have the screw ready. Flip your lip upside down and insert the prong from the back.
- Screw on the top of the prong: The ball should be screwed on from the front. If you experience any discomfort or pinching, you may have screwed it too tightly.
Can a Medusa Piercing Cause Scarring?
Indeed, however, taking out a Medusa piercing usually leaves a permanent hole or scar. Before opting to get the piercing, it’s crucial to consider this.
Possible Medusa Piercing Side Effects
- Piercing Rejection: Occasionally, the body may see the piercing as alien and start to push it in the direction of the skin’s surface, which could result in its removal. It’s best to take out the piercing right away if you experience any rejection symptoms, such inflammation.
- Piercing Bumps: These are rather frequent and may be the result of inflammation. You can take care of them by sticking to your regular healing regimen.
- Piercing Infection: An infection may be present if the area surrounding the piercing becomes painful, hot, red, and swollen. It’s critical to seek medical assistance as soon as possible in such situations.
Conclusion
Before getting a Medusa piercing, carefully consider the appearance of the jewelry and the healing process. Make sure they align with your lifestyle and expectations before proceeding with the piercing.
