Ever considered getting a snake bite piercing? This bold and edgy look can make a serious style statement. It involves double symmetrical piercings on the outer corner of your lower lip that resemble snake fangs. But before you get the piercing, there’s a lot to consider. Read on to learn more about snake bite piercing, the pain level of piercing, the healing process, and potential complications.
What is a snake bite lip piercing?
A snake bite piercing is a double piercing on the lower lip, usually positioned on both sides and spaced evenly apart. This type of lip piercing is different from others, like the labret stud, shark bite piercing, or spider bite piercing, which are often mistaken for snakebite piercing. So, it’s important for you to know exactly what you want before you go to your favorite piercing parlor.
Snake bite piercings can add a touch of rebellion and personality to your face. It's called a 'snakebite piercing' because it resembles a snake bite. The lip jewelry typically consists of two small studs or barbell rings on either side of your lip.
Pain level: how much do snake bite piercings hurt?
While snake bite lip piercing may seem intense at first, the pain level may be mild to moderate. However, the amount of pain you experience can vary from person to person, depending on your individual pain tolerance. On average, most people find the pain minimal, between a three to five on a scale of ten.
During the piercing, you can expect to feel a quick, sharp sensation as the needle goes through the skin. Since there are double piercings, it can feel more intense than a single lip piercing.
During healing, you’ll likely experience some swelling and discomfort and mild soreness and tenderness, especially when talking or eating. This discomfort should gradually decrease over time.
If you're worried about the pain, you can get the one-sided snake bite piercing. It’s a snake bite variation with just one piercing, either on the right or left side of the bottom lip. This option works well for people who want to ease into the full snake bite piercing later but prefer healing one piercing at a time.
Some simple tips that can help you manage pain after getting snake bite piercings include:
- Apply an ice pack to the area to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen if necessary (consult your doctor first)
The healing process for a snake bite piercing
Just like most piercings, snake bites healing time depends on how well you take care of them. Healing time typically takes between 2–3 months. Initially, some bruising, swelling, and tenderness are common, but they usually subside within a week or two. By week eight, your piercing should feel normal, but healing can continue for several more months.
As you're healing, it's important to differentiate between normal healing and signs of infection. Healthy healing means there's decreased swelling, redness, and minimal potential pain. Signs of infection include increased redness and swelling, pus discharge, or even fever. If you experience any signs of infection, it may be a good idea to check in with your lip piercer or doctor just in case.
Aftercare: how to take care of your snake bite piercing
Proper aftercare plays an essential role in your healing process. Once you’ve left the parlor with your new piercing, it’s crucial to stick to a strict aftercare regimen to ensure your piercing heals correctly. Always ensure you follow the specific care instructions provided by your piercer, as they recommend the best aftercare practices for your specific piercing.
Risks and potential complications of snake bite piercings
You’ve just stuck a bit of metal through your lip, so it’s completely normal to experience some side effects. Here are common risks associated with piercing your lip.
- Swelling. It's normal to experience swelling at the piercing sites in the first few days. Applying ice to the area and sleeping with your head elevated may help.
- Infection. If you don’t follow proper aftercare, your piercing may become infected. Signs of an infection include pus, increased pain, redness, and swelling. So, make sure you take proper care of the piercing to avoid infections.
- Scarring. Improper aftercare or healing complications can lead to permanent scars around the piercing area.
- Gum or teeth damage. When you chew or talk, the jewelry can rub against the surface of your teeth and gums. This may irritate your gums and potentially damage your teeth.
- Piercing rejection. You may experience rejection if you are improperly pierced, if your piercing has experienced trauma, or if improper jewelry materials are used. Red and flaky skin around the piercing area or jewelry that’s moved noticeably may be signs of a piercing rejection.
If you experience pus and increased pain and swelling, seek professional help. Also, if you notice the skin around your lip piercing feeling hot or develop a fever, contact a doctor right away, as these could be a sign of a more serious infection.
The verdict: is a snake bite piercing for you?
So, should you get a snake bite piercing? Snake bite piercings can be a great way to add some edge to your look, but they're not for everyone. If you're looking for a bold piercing, willing to commit to proper aftercare, and have a high pain tolerance (the piercing itself can be uncomfortable), then this piercing could be for you.
However, if you have a history of getting piercing bumps or keloids (raised scar tissue), a weakened immune system, or you're prone to infections, then you may want to reconsider.
If you do decide to get the piercing, it's important to choose an experienced and reputable piercer. Also, look for a piercer who is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). This ensures they follow strict safety and hygiene standards.
Snake bite piercings are an edgy and trendy way to express your unique style. But they aren’t without their potential risks and pain points, same as any other type of body art. Some side effects include pain and swelling, potential infection, scarring, and gum and teeth damage. But if you take the time to choose a reputable piercer and do your bit to take proper care of the piercing, snakebites can be a safe and striking look.
If you're considering getting a snake bite piercing or have one already, share your experience or ask questions in the comments section! We'd love to hear from you.
FAQ
How much does snake bite piercing cost?
The cost can vary depending on factors such as location, the piercing professional's experience level, and jewelry choice. But on average, most snakebite piercing costs between $60–120.
What type of jewelry is used for snake bite piercings?
Common piercing jewelry used in snakebites includes labret studs or circular barbells. Also, the material of jewelry is important. Choose lip jewelry made from implant-grade metals like titanium, surgical steel, stainless steel, or gold.
Are snake bite piercings safe?
Yes, they are generally safe when done by an experienced professional and with proper care. But, as with any piercing, there are infection risks involved.
Do snake bite piercings damage your teeth?
Poorly fitted lip jewelry can rub against your gum, irritate your gum tissue, and potentially cause enamel damage.
Can you eat with snake bite piercings?
Yes, you can eat. But make sure you go for soft foods and avoid spicy, acidic, hot, crunchy, and salty food in the early stages of healing.
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Snake bite piercing is a double piercing on the lower lip, usually positioned symmetrically on the outer corners of your lower lip, resembling snake fangs.
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Like most lip piercings, snake bites typically take between 2–3 months, depending on how well you take care of them.
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Some aftercare tips for lip piercing include cleaning piercings twice every day with a saline solution, using alcohol-free mouthwash, avoiding touching the area, avoiding spicy foods, and using a toothbrush with soft bristles.
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Risks and complications associated with snake bite piercings include swelling, potential infection, scarring, damage to the teeth and gums, and piercing rejection.
4 resources
- Association of Professional Piercers. Suggested aftercare for body piercings.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Piercing and oral health: a study on the knowledge of risks and complications.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Oral piercing: a pretty risk—a scoping review of local and systemic complications of this current widespread fashion.
- American Family Physician. Complications of body piercing.
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