The procedure involves horizontal piercing of the philtrum. The needle goes from the outside of the skin straight into the inside of the mouth, exiting just above the upper teeth.

Anatomy and frenulum: The most important task of the piercer before performing this procedure is to assess the inside of your mouth. This is exactly where the frenum of the upper lip is located (a small fold of mucous membrane connecting the lip with the gum). The piercer must perfectly measure the angle of the piercing so that the flat disc of the piercing rests smoothly on the mucous membrane, without damaging or pressing the frenulum!

The tissue above the upper lip is densely innervated, which is why Medusa is considered to be slightly more noticeable than the classic Labret in the lower lip. Pain is most often assessed as: 4 to 5 on a 10-point scale.

The treatment itself takes only a second, but the real fun begins a few hours later:

• Huge swelling: The upper lip is an area that swells quickly and spectacularly. For the first few days you will be the owner of the so-called "duck beak" (effect of a strongly enlarged upper lip).
• Long rod: Due to this swelling, the piercer must fit you with an unnaturally long earring, which will initially protrude significantly and interfere with speaking. This is a transitional stage and absolutely necessary for safety!

Medusa, like other piercings around the mouth, heals in two different environments: externally on the skin and internally on moist mucosa.

• The initial stage of healing (swelling goes down): from 2 to 4 weeks.
• Complete healing of the canal: from 3 to 4 months.

The most important rules:

1. Rinsing is essential: After each meal, drinking anything other than water, and after smoking a cigarette, rinse your mouth with non-alcoholic dental mouthwash or sage infusion. Liquid alcohol will quickly burn away young, healing tissue.
2. Be careful with food: For the first weeks, avoid eating apples, large sandwiches and anything that requires you to open your mouth wide. Be careful not to catch your upper teeth on the long bar of the earring! Give up very spicy and hot foods.
3. Brushing your teeth: Be extremely careful when brushing your upper front teeth.
4. No makeup from the outside: Absolutely avoid applying foundations, powders and concealers in the immediate area of ​​the piercing. Cosmetics are the main cause of wound channel blockage and painful infections.

1. Don't touch: Avoid touching the earring with dirty hands and refrain from "spinning" it.
2. Cleanse regularly: Wash the piercing site 2-3 times a day with sterile saline solution.
3. Avoid chemicals: Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or antibiotic ointment. They may irritate the wound and delay healing.
4. Be careful with your hair and clothes: Make sure that shampoo or conditioner does not remain on the ear after bathing. Be careful when putting on sweaters!

W Piercing Planet We focus on the full awareness of our customers. If you decide on an earring that is in constant contact with your mucous membrane, gums and teeth, you must know that the material it is made of is the most important decision.

During healing:

Piercer uses a straight Labret with a flat disc at the back.

• Titanium is the only right choice: We want to make our customers aware that Surgical Titanium (G23) it is the safest material for piercing. Unlike cheaper alloys (e.g. surgical steel), titanium does not rust in the moist environment of the mouth, does not release harmful nickel and is 100% biocompatible. This is a guarantee of no allergic reactions and much faster healing.
• Rod Thickness: Most often 1.2 mm.
• Starting Length: Usually from 10 mm to even 12 mm, due to the massive swelling of the upper lip.

Downsize (Shortening the bar) – Save your teeth!
Neglecting to replace the earring with a shorter one is the biggest sin of Medusa owners. When the swelling disappears (after about 3-4 weeks), the long titanium rod will begin to rest against the upper teeth and gums during each conversation. This will lead to painful recession (slipping) of the gums and damage to the enamel. Go to the studio for a downsize - replacing the rod with a perfectly fitting one (usually 6 mm, 7 mm or 8 mm).