:: Beauty / Cheek ::

Beauty mark piercings also called "Monroes" essentially follow the labret guidelines on the previous screen. They may take a little longer to heal than a labret, and will definitely get crusty in the first few days. You'll want to be careful with the placement on this one, since your upper lip and cheek move and change dramatically in thickness when you smile and eat. Your jewelry will have to be long enough to allow for the areaÕs maximum thickness, so right on the ball of a dimple may not be what you really want.
One word on swelling: The swelling on a beauty mark is often rapid and significant, but goes down very quickly. You will usually have a fat spot within moments of the piercing. Ice and ibuprofen are good, as are all the other tips for [swelling] in the Aftercare :: Oral section. But after a few days, the piece you needed initially may stick out like an antenna. Bear with it as long as you can, and talk to your piercer if you feel it is causing you trouble. Although this is not the case with labrets, beauty mark jewelry may occasionally be changed before the healing is complete if its length is interfering with healing. Your piercer can decide what will be best in your situation.
Cheek piercings are less common than the above piercings, but they are also a possibility. Jewelry will of course be longer (often 5/8" or more), and healing time may be extended due to the thicker tissue and more muscle movement. Like the beauty mark, care should be taken with the placement to avoid areas which change too dramatically when you smile.
With all oral piercings, do not attempt to leave them empty for any length of time. Lips, tongues and cheeks tend to close up very quickly, often within half an hour. If you need to hide the piercing, try a clear acrylic retainer made for that purpose. Otherwise, you may be left with nothing to show for your trouble.

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