I'd wanted my lip pierced for nearly six years but I'd always had a reason not to. Some were reasonable, some not so. My parents weren't very supportive and, by the time I no longer needed their permission, my employers weren't very keen on the idea. While I was at university would've been the perfect time to take the plunge... if I'd had any money to spare! I finally found myself in position to go for it - having both a little free cash and an open minded boss.
At A Glance Author Jemmur Contact Jemmur@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Daryl Studio Retro Rebels Location Aberdeen, Scotland I fancied a central labret for years but I was slightly worried about any damage it might do to my mouth. Wearing braces and undergoing a lot of dental work over the course of three years will do that to you; I'd just had it all fixed up and I was loath to jeopardise that. However, when I started seriously researching the different options available, I decided I could settle for a vertical labret. As time went by, the thought of having one grew on me until I actually preferred the look of it.
The internet bestowed on me all the information I could hope for and I set about looking for a studio to go to. I don't know a great many modified people but Retro Rebels was recommended to me by friends who'd been tattooed there so I rang them up. Apparently, I didn't need an appointment as all piercings are done on a first come-first serve basis.
I don't work on a Monday so I thought it best to get pierced on the Saturday, thus allowing my lip to swell up if it felt the need to and hopefully settle down a little before I had to work on Tuesday. Of course, Saturday was a busy day in Retro Rebels and, by the time I got there, there were half a dozen people waiting to be pierced before me. My boyfriend, Steve, had been given strict instructions not to let me bottle it at the last minute so he ensured I stayed put and waited my turn.
Just prior to my slot, another girl came up the stairs, fresh from having her belly button pierced and almost fainted as her mum paid at the desk. I had not been nervous until that point but Steve stayed true to his word and helped me keep my butterflies at bay. Shortly afterwards, Daryl popped up the stairs and asked me to follow him down. I couldn't quite bear to let go of Steve's hand, so he accompanied me for moral support.
When I entered the room the piercings were carried out it, it smelt (sort of) reassuring like a dentist's surgery. Everything was clean, tidy and organised, which was nice to see. Daryl had me fill in a form while he set up, explained the process to me and mentioned that there was a slight chance or rejection. He checked my form out, cleaned my lip, marked the upper and lower points on my lip and let me check them in a mirror.
I was a little concerned that the top hole would be too far back and that the ball might clatter against my teeth but Daryl said it would be fine and I thought it wise to trust him, seeing as he was the one who knew what he was doing. He had me lie down on what resembled a doctor's bed, adjusted the clamp until it was perfect on my lip then shone a torch through the area he intended to pierce.
I don't know that "it's gonna be a clean one" did very much to calm my nerves but my boyfriend thought it was hilarious. I felt a slight prick on the underside of my lip as he aligned the needle and then the dreaded moment came as he pushed it though. I didn't feel it puncturing layers of skin, as some people have described, but I definitely felt a needle going through my flesh! My eyes watered a little but, much to my relief, not even enough to smudge my makeup. It hurt but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be and was all over in seconds.
After he'd screwed on the jewellery and I'd sat up, I mumbled something to the effect of "it's really, really hot" which amused the guys. I checked it in the mirror and was completely happy with the placement. I thanked Daryl, paid and left.
It didn't swell up much at all the day I had it pierced and I was getting a little annoyed that the bar was so long. Well, karma soon took care of that for me and it was very swollen on Sunday and Monday, though began to go down on Monday afternoon. Shouldn't have complained in the first place, I guess. After a little more than a week, the swelling had gone down enough to switch to a shorter bar and I've not had any big problems with it since.
I did have trouble drinking out of cups and mugs initially; I'm sure I looked like a proper eejit drinking tea through a straw but needs must and it was only for a few weeks. Brushing my teeth was a messy affair for a few weeks too but, thankfully, only I bore witness to that. I'd read that other people had trouble eating with forks but luckily I've never been in the habit of stabbing myself in the face with my dinner and I managed to eat as well as ever!
Only two things have really bothered me during the healing period. For a few days, I couldn't really smile or laugh without it hurting and it drove me bananas because I'm a fairly smiley person. Secondly, my lips dried out, looked and felt awful until I gave in and started - gently and carefully - using a vitamin e chap stick. They did clear up after using that, though.
It's healing very well and reactions have varied between "eew, what's that on your face" (nice one, Dad) and "wow, when did that happen?" but I'm happy with it and I can't imagine any remark anyone could make that would make me think otherwise.