The Truth About Monroe Piercings

Monroe piercings are a type of facial piercing located on the left side of the upper lip, which are said to mimic a beauty spot à la Marilyn Monroe. According to the piercing specialists at H2Ocean, it is one of the most popular piercings for women, but before you go under the needle, there are few things you need to know. 

As stated by jewelry brand Fresh Trends, Monroe piercings do tend to hurt more than more common piercings like the those on the ear or nose. However, the amount of pain varies on a case by case basis based on your pain threshold. Immediately after having the piercing done, you are likely to experience swelling and redness, as well as a slight sting, but this is nothing to worry about and should go away after two or three days.

When it comes to healing time, H2Ocean claims Monroe piercings can take anywhere from three to 10 weeks to heal, but ask your piercer for specific guidance and expectations. Ultimately, like any piercing, the time it takes for a Monroe piercing to heal can vary, and it's somewhat dependant on how well you take care of it and keep it clear of infection. 

If you practice good hygiene, avoid touching it, and aim to keep it dry, it should heal quickly. It's also a good idea to chew food slowly and avoid anything that may irritate the piercing, like alcohol, cigarettes, and spicy food, which can help you avoid any further issues.

In the first stage of aftercare, Pierce Journal notes Monroe piercings should be cleaned twice a day. The best way to clean it is to gently remove any discharge on the outside of the piercing with a cotton swab, then rinse the inside your mouth with an antibacterial wash of your choice. Like always, if you experience any abnormal symptoms or pain, it's best to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out as soon as possible, as facial piercings can have more serious risks than those on the body.