I have been thinking of getting a Monroe piercing for quite a long time. My idol is Marilyn Monroe and I always thought having a little stud in that spot would be a way to show my love for her. I also thought it would look really cute. I decided to go to Masterpiece Studios in Salem, NH. to get it done. I have been there previously for my two tattoos and my navel piercing and have always had a good experience. The studio is very clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. You'll notice when entering there it smells like a hospital. :) Which is a good thing! It is also located at a new address and the new building is a lot better and very clean.
At A Glance Author J Contact J@bme.anon When A week ago Artist Dan Studio Masterpiece Location Salem, NH After arriving at Masterpiece I filled out the necessary forms and showed my ID. I then went to the room with Dan. He had a very gentle manner about him that made me relaxed. I was so nervous at first! My boyfriend sat in the room with me to watch the whole event. Dan gave me a very strong mouthwash to clean the inside of my mouth and also cleaned the outside. He then carefully placed a dot on the side of my face I wanted the piercing. I looked in the mirror and thought it was perfect! He then proceeded to do the actual piercing.
Dan had me lay down on my back and then explained he was going to apply the clamp and it would be the worst part. It didn't bother me at all. He then put the actual needle through my lip after I took a deep breath and I barely felt it! There was definitely some pressure and a little pinch but nothing bad at all. In fact I think the worst part was the actual mouthwash. It burned the inside of my mouth like fire! But maybe that's just me.
He then went on to explain the proper instructions on how to clean my little beauty. I was told to use Dial soap(or any non scented antibacterial soap) twice a day. I was told to apply it with a q-tip carefully around the stud. I then was told to use alcohol free mouthwash once in the am and before going to bed and always after eating or drinking anything besides water. I then paid and he sent me off!
I am now one happy chick. My Monroe looks amazing and I suggest anyone who wants it stop thinking about it and just do it! The past week I have been cleaning it twice a day with Dial and washing my mouth out with Biotene whenever I ingest something that is not water. My lip has never swelled and it is a little red around the actual piercing. The dial soap has dried it out a bit but it is recommended for killing the bacteria.
On about the 3rd day I noticed some yellow crusties on my piercing which freaked me out a little bit since I associated the color yellow with infection. I looked into it and found out this is totally normal and is just called lymph fluid. It is a normal thing your body produces when fighting off bacteria. Pus is a different substance, it is thicker, brighter yellow in color. It can also look brown or green. YUCK! If it is infected it would also be bright red, painful, and hot to the touch. Luckily I did not have any of those symptoms but I have been cleaning it like I have OCD.I suggest not cleaning your new piercing too often because this can irritate it more. I believe mine became so red because I was cleaning it too much the first three days.
I suggest eating a lot of ice the first few days to make it feel better/bring down the swelling. I have been doing sea salt soaks twice a day and that seems to be helping a lot with the actual healing. I have to wait 3 weeks to officially change the stud. I plan on going back to Masterpiece to get my jewelery since everything there is good quality. Once again, I highly recommend them.
And to clear things up, I was originally afraid to get my Monroe because of the horror stories I have heard. People have told me it could paralyze my face!! This is really ridiculous since it is not possible. I also have heard it could make me drool like a dog if done incorrectly. I really suggest not listening to other people and going to the actual source(the professional) to ask these questions or any concerns you might have! And again if you want to do it, just do it! You can always take it out!