Medusa Piercings

Definition: Medusa piercings are one of several possible piercings of the upper lip, but this one is located right in the philtrum. Your philtrum is the little indent - or dimple - between your nose and upper lip. That dimple is sometimes referred to as "cupid's bow." When a single, horizontal piercing is placed in this indent, it's commonly called a Medusa if not referred to by its anatomical name. It's basically a mirror image of the labret, and typically uses the same labret stud jewelry.

This is another one of those "dual care" piercings because it's both an oral piercing and a lip piercing and you have to treat each end of the piercing separately, following two sets of aftercare instructions. Eating and drinking are (obviously) greatly affected during the first week or so of healing, and smoking is a big no-no. Clear alcohol and wine are ok, but the yeast in beer really irritates these piercings so it's best to steer clear.

Recommended starter jewelry is usually a 16 or 14 gauge labret stud. They'll have to pierce you with an extra long one at first, to accommodate the swelling you'll have in the first week or two. That swelling will slowly go down as you heal, and after about 6 weeks, if you haven't had any problems with it, you can go back to your piercer for a shorter bar. This *should* be a free service that is included in the price of the initial piercing. Ask before you get pierced, so you know for sure.

Average healing time (for a healthy non-smoker) is about 6 - 12 weeks, but complete internal healing can take as long as 6 months.

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