Vertical Labret: Painful? Healing Time? All Questions Answered
Learn what a vertical labret piercing is, how it works, is it painful, healing time and what to expect with simple tips and facts.
Hey there! Thinking about a vertical labret piercing? You’re in the right place. I’ve been around the piercing world for years, and I’m here to break it all down for you. This isn’t just another lip piercing—it’s unique, stylish, and worth understanding before you take the plunge.
We’ll cover what it is, how it’s done, the healing process, jewelry options, and more. My goal? To give you clear, solid info so you can decide if it’s right for you. Let’s get started.
What Is a Vertical Labret?
So, what’s a vertical labret? It’s a lip piercing that goes straight through your lower lip. The needle enters at the top edge of your bottom lip and exits just below it. Both ends of the jewelry show outside your mouth. That’s what makes it different from a regular labret, which sits under your lip and goes inside.
This piercing doesn’t touch your teeth or gums. That’s a big plus if you’re worried about oral damage. It’s bold too—two visible points make it stand out. But it’s not for everyone. Your lip needs enough tissue to hold it. Thin lips might not work. A good piercer will check that first.
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How Does It Compare to Other Lip Piercings?
Let’s put it side by side with others. A standard labret goes through the skin below your lip. It has a flat back inside your mouth. That can rub your gums or teeth over time. A vertical labret skips that problem entirely. It’s all external.
Then there’s the Ashley piercing. It’s like an upside-down vertical labret. It goes from inside your lip out through the center. Only one end shows. Snake bites? Those are two piercings on each side of your lip. The vertical labret is simpler—just one piercing, straight up and down.
Each has its vibe. The vertical labret balances bold and practical. It’s less common too, so you get a unique look without overcomplicating things.
The Vertical Labret Piercing Process: What Happens?
Ready to know how it’s done? It’s pretty straightforward. First, you’ll pick a reputable piercer. Experience matters here—someone who knows lip anatomy is key. They’ll start by checking your lip. Too thin? They’ll say no. That’s for your safety.
Next, they mark the spots. One dot at the top of your lip, one just below. You’ll check the placement in a mirror. Happy with it? They clean the area with antiseptic. Then comes the clamp. It holds your lip steady. Don’t worry—it’s quick.
The piercer uses a hollow needle. It goes through in one smooth motion, bottom to top. You’ll feel a sharp pinch. Pain lasts a second or two. After that, they slide in a curved barbell. That’s the jewelry. They secure the ends, and you’re done. Whole thing takes maybe five minutes.
Does Vertical Labret Hurt? Pain and Healing Basics
Let’s talk pain. Everyone’s different, but most rate it low. On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s about a 3 or 4. The needle’s fast, and lips heal quick. You’ll feel pressure more than anything. Some say it’s like a quick sting. Others barely flinch.
Healing takes 6 to 8 weeks. That’s average. Your body might go faster or slower. Swelling hits first—expect it for a few days. Lips puff up more than other spots. Ice helps. Pop an anti-inflammatory too, like ibuprofen. Just follow the dose on the box.
For your reference, you can watch this video too:
Bleeding’s rare but possible. A little is normal. A lot? See your piercer. Pain should fade fast. If it lingers, something’s off. Check it out.
Aftercare: Keeping It Clean
Aftercare’s simple but crucial. You’ve got a fresh hole in your lip—it needs care. Clean it twice a day. Use a saline solution. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Dip a cotton pad in it. Gently wipe both ends of the piercing.
Don’t use alcohol or peroxide. They’re too harsh. Skip chapstick or lipstick too. Those can irritate it. Drinking? Avoid straws for a bit. The sucking motion tugs on the piercing. Eat soft foods at first—think soup or yogurt. Spicy stuff can sting, so hold off.
Your lips might get dry. That’s normal. Drink tons of water. It keeps them hydrated from the inside. After a week or two, swelling drops. You’ll feel more normal. Keep cleaning till it’s fully healed.
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Jewelry Options: What Can You Wear?
Jewelry’s where it gets fun. The vertical labret uses a curved barbell. That’s the standard. It’s a small, bent bar with beads or gems on each end. Why curved? It fits the lip’s shape. Straight bars or hoops don’t work—they pull or snag.
Sizes matter. Most start with 14-gauge or 16-gauge thickness. Length depends on your lip—usually 8mm to 10mm at first. That’s long enough for swelling. Once healed, you can downsize. Shorter bars feel better.
Materials? Go for surgical steel or titanium. They’re safe and hypoallergenic. Gold works too if it’s high quality. Want bling? Add opal ends or tiny spikes. Simple beads are classic. Pick what fits your style—just keep it clean.
Vertical Labret’s Pros and Cons: What’s the Trade-Off?
Every piercing has upsides and downsides. Let’s weigh them.
Pros
- No Tooth Damage: It stays outside your mouth. Gums and teeth stay safe.
- Unique Look: Two visible ends make it pop. It’s not as common as other lip piercings.
- Fast Healing: Six to eight weeks is quick for a piercing.
- Versatile Style: Lots of jewelry options to play with.
Cons
- Anatomy Limits: Thin lips won’t hold it. You need enough tissue.
- Swelling: Lips puff up more than other spots. Eating’s tricky at first.
- Rejection Risk: Rare, but possible. Your body might push it out.
- No Hoops: Curved barbells only. Hoop lovers might miss out.
It’s a solid pick if your lip’s right for it. Just know what you’re signing up for.
Vertical Labret’s Risks and Complications
Nothing’s risk-free. Infections can happen. Signs? Redness, pus, or extra pain. Clean it well to avoid that. If it gets bad, see a doctor. Rejection’s another thing.
Your body might not like the jewelry. It could migrate or close up. Good jewelry and aftercare lower that chance.
Scarring’s possible too. Irritation or early jewelry swaps can leave marks. Follow your piercer’s advice to dodge that. Braces? Wait till they’re off. Metal in your mouth could snag the piercing. Play it safe.
Cost: What You’ll Pay
How much does it cost? Depends where you go. Most shops charge $30 to $100 for the piercing. That’s just the service. Jewelry’s extra—another $10 to $50. Simple steel is cheap. Fancy gems cost more.
Location matters too. Big cities might charge more. Small towns? Often less.
Tip your piercer—20% is standard. So, budget $50 to $150 total. It’s not a huge spend for a piercing that lasts.
What Do People Say?
I checked forums and reviews. On Reddit’s r/piercing, folks love it. One user said, “It’s cute and heals fast. Worth it.” Another noted, “Swelling was rough, but I’d do it again.” Some warn about eating—apples are tough at first.
On Etsy, buyers rave about jewelry. “Perfect fit for my vertical labret,” one wrote. X posts from early 2025 show it’s trending—people dig the bold vibe. Real feedback says it’s a winner if you’re ready for the first week.
Is It Right for You?
So, should you get one? It’s a personal call. Love a standout look? This delivers. Worried about your teeth? It’s safer than most lip piercings. Got full lips? You’re a good candidate. Thin lips or braces? Maybe sit this out.
Think about your life too. Work cool with piercings? Healing’s manageable if you follow the rules. It’s not high-maintenance once it’s set. If it fits your style and anatomy, it’s a smart pick.
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Tips for Success
Want it to go smooth? Here’s how:
- Pick a Pro: Find a piercer with vertical labret experience. Check reviews.
- Start Long: Use longer jewelry at first. Swap it later.
- Stay Clean: Saline twice a day. No shortcuts.
- Be Patient: Don’t rush healing. Six weeks minimum.
Little steps make it easy. I’ve seen people nail it this way.
Where to Get It Done
Find a shop with a solid rep. Look for APP members—Association of Professional Piercers. They follow strict safety rules. Ask friends or check Yelp. Look at portfolios too—good piercers show their work. Call ahead. Ask about their process. It’s your face—don’t risk it.