I had wanted a lip piercing for so very long, I think they look so cool, so a few years ago I went and got one done. It was a total spur of the moment thing. I had wanted my lip piercing to be on the right side, but as I had a mouth ulcer the piercer advised me to have it done on the left side inside. I was so excited, it was finally happening!
At A Glance Author Claire Contact Claire@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist Can't remember! Studio Dermagraffiti Location Liverpool The first thing the piercer did was ask me how old I was as they couldn't pierce me if I was under 18. Luckily I was 21! I showed him my ID and then he explained what he would do. He then told me about the things I wouldn't be able to do for a while like kissing or drinking alcohol. He also explained I had to be careful what I drank, for instance I couldn't drink drinks from drink machines as they cleaned them with something that would effect my piercing. Then I read and signed a consent form and was taken into the piercing room.
I sat in the chair and the piercer talked to me about aftercare and positioning and such. The room was very clean and he kept asking if I was ok. He asked where I wanted it and used a pen to mark the place. He then handed me a mirror to check I liked it. I said yes it was fine and he put on his latex gloves and got his clamps out. He took out a sterile needle and placed it onto the tray next to me. He them clamped my lip. He took the sterile needle and pushed it through my lip. It didn't hurt at all! The only bit that hurt was when he fed the ring through and fiddled with the ball. I looked in the mirror..I was so happy. I showed my uni friends and they agreed it looked ace. The only thing I was bothered about was that I couldn't drink for a few months! But it was worth it because I loved the piercing so much.
It bled quite a lot on the first day and was quite sore but I looked after it and followed the advice the piercer had given me. I knocked it quite a bit and kept forgetting it was there and I'd itch my face and catch it and things. I didn't really have any problems with my piercing except for the lump I got next to it, but after visiting the piercers again to ask for advice, it went away. The piercers there were great and so supportive, I would recommend the studio to anyone.
My lip piercing and me were very happy together. Everyone commented on how great it looked and how much it suited me. After having it in for months I got it changed to a ring with no ball on. This looked even better! I loved it! Then for a change I got a bar put in with a metal back...and that's where the problems began. My gums always seemed to be red and bled quite a bit. I decided it was nothing to do with the piercing and just got some mouthwash for it. Then I discovered that my gums were receding! I was very upset as I knew that would mean I had to take it out!
I visited the dentist; she groaned and then gave me a massive lecture for having the lip piercing. She told me I should take it out. I was so upset! I loved it so much and didn't want to take it out. She said it was irritating my gums and was probably the cause of my bleeding gums. I thought about it for a long time, but then decided that I really didn't want to loose my teeth! I was so upset! I had had the piercing for two years and it felt a part of me.
That was nearly a year ago now. My gums have calmed done a bit (though they are still not completely healthy) but I still miss it so much. I even contemplated having it re-done but decided against it. I still have a scar on my face and wish so much that it would go away, because it makes me miss it more!
If I was offering advice to anyone who wanted a lip piercing I would say research before you make a decision. Look at the risks associated with your chosen modification and decide whether it's worth it and read the experiences on BME, they helped me a lot when I was decided what to have pierced.
This experience hasn't put me off body mods, I intend to get some piercings soon, not oral ones though! I have my eyebrow, nose and lip pierced and all are gone! So now I am craving some more!