Medusa lip piercing is popular for pairing with other types of lip piercing because of the symmetry it gives to the lips. Want to know more about this awesome Philtrum piercing? See our FAQs for everything you need to know about the piercing procedure and aftercare.

Where is a Medusa piercing?

The Medusa piercing, also known as the Philtrum piercing, is placed in the centre of the philtrum above the lips. This is one of a number of lip piercing types and is usually pierced with a labret.

How long does a Medusa piercing take to heal?

Medusa piercing should take an average of 2-3 months to fully heal. How long your lip piercing takes to heal may depend on how well you care for it. Maintaining a good aftercare routine throughout the Medusa piercing healing time will help your Medusa piercing to heal quickly. If you experience an infection while healing your Medusa piercing you may find it takes longer to heal. It is important not to change your piercing jewellery until your piercing has fully healed. After 6 weeks your piercer may ask you to return to the studio to change to a shorter labret bar once the initial Medusa piercing swelling has gone down.

Is a Medusa piercing painful?

The Medusa piercing is not a particularly painful piercing. Most people rate Medusa piercing pain at a 4 out of 10 on the pain scale. It should not hurt more than any other lip piercing but may be more painful than other types of body piercings because there are more nerve endings in the lip compared to other areas of the body. Anecdotal evidence suggests some people find that philtrum piercing pain is slightly higher than other placements along the lip.

Medusa piercing aftercare?

Maintaining good Medusa piercing aftercare will help your piercing to heal quickly. Bathe the outside of your Medusa piercing with saltwater solution or Tea Tree oil twice a day and rinse the inside of your mouth with saltwater solution. You may experience some Medusa piercing swelling after getting your piercing. This is normal for lip piercings and should reduce within a week. You can help soothe this by sucking on an ice cube. Make sure to use mouthwash regularly to clear away any food debris.

Can you eat after getting a Medusa piercing?

After getting a Medusa piercing, you will need to be careful about how you eat. Make sure to chew slowly and take small bites while eating. During the first week make sure to only eat cold soft food as your Medusa piercing is likely to cause your lip to swell. Throughout the healing time for your lip piercing avoid spicy foods as these can re-open the piercing wound. It is best not to eat any sticky food, including chewing gum, as this can get stuck around the piercing jewellery.

What can I drink after a Medusa piercing?

After getting a Medusa piercing it is best not to drink alcohol as this can aggravate the piercing wound. Wait until the lip piercing has fully healed to drink alcohol and carbonated drinks. Some people like to avoid hot drinks while their piercing is healing and find that cold drinks and ice can be very soothing during the initial healing time. Once your Medusa piercing has healed you can resume drinking all these types of drink.

Do Medusa piercings ruin your teeth?

The Medusa piercing, like any lip piercing, has a risk of ruining your teeth because it is partly placed in the mouth. The back of the piercing jewellery can damage the teeth by wearing away the enamel or chipping your tooth. Choose a short piece of jewellery to minimise the risk a ruining your teeth. Make sure to regularly clean around your piercing and check your gums and teeth for any signs of redness or gum recession.

Does Medusa piercing leave a scar?

If you remove your piercing jewellery during healing you are less likely to leave a Medusa piercing scar, unless you have had an infection. The longer you have you Medusa piercing the more likely it is you will have scarring if you take it out. Most Medusa piercings will close over completely so you may only be left with a small mark or indent on your philtrum. If you have used a larger gauge in your Medusa piercing then there is more chance of it leaving a scar or not completely closing over.

Is a Medusa piercing dangerous?

Medusa piercing is not considered dangerous and is one of the most common types of lip piercing. If you go to a reputable piercing studio then your piercing will be done in a safe and sterile environment which will help with healing. A medusa piercing can become dangerous if a piercing infection is left untreated so make sure to seek medical help if you notice any signs of infection. Medusa piercings carry a risk of ruining your teeth and gums if your piercing jewellery rubs against your mouth. Consult your piercer if you think your piercing jewellery is causing these problems as they may be able to recommend alternative jewellery to help prevent this problem.

Does a Medusa piercing make lips bigger?

Some people think the Medusa piercing makes the lips look bigger, in particular the top lip. This is most likely due to the illusion the piercing gives by drawing attention to the lips and highlighting the Cupid’s bow or philtrum. It can draw attention to your lips and add symmetry that is aesthetically pleasing.

Ready to get your Medusa piercing? You will be pleased to hear the Medusa piercing price is quite low compared to other types of lip piercings because this is a single piercing. For £25 - £30 you could soon be showing off a new lip piercing. With so many options of labret bars and philtrum jewellery, the Medusa piercing is easy to customise making it a popular choice, particularly among those looking for a feminine style. The Medusa piercing looks awesome when paired with a Vertical Labret or Labret lip piercing but also looks fab with a septum piercing.

Want to know more about piercings at Blue Banana? Check out our Piercing Guides for tips and tricks of the trade.