:: Lip / Labret ::

Long overshadowed by the popularity of tongue piercing, lip and labret piercings have recently come into their own in American piercing vogue. Cross-culturally, however, lip piercings have long been the favorite piercing, sharing widespread popularity with the septum, nostril and ear piercings. Everyone has seen photos of the famed lip plates of certain African and South American tribes. But are you familiar with traditions closer to home, such as the silver pins or bone plates of the Tlingit in the Northwest? Or the Inuit of the Arctic, with their carved and beaded ivory labret jewelry? In actuality, labret piercings are practiced on every continent, and have symbolic and aesthetic significance in dozens of cultures.

Traditional lip piercings can be placed anywhere along the edge of the lip line, usually on the lower lip. They are often done on the side, between the corner and where your lip begins to taper up from its fuller middle. They can also be done closer to (or at) the center line, although you must then use more caution as the jewelry can get in your way more (especially when kissing). Jewelry is usually a 16g or 14g ring, but the extra abuse of a center placement requires at least a 14g. Ring diameter will depend on the fullness of your lips, and ranges from 3/8" to 9/16." Like the tongue, this tissue will swell during healing, requiring a larger diameter ring initially. After healing (8 - 10 weeks), you can switch to a smaller ring for that sexy lip-hugging look you're dying for.

The term "labret" (correctly pronounced "la-bret," to rhyme with "the bet") generally refers to a single piercing placed below the center of the lower lip, about half-way between the bottom edge of the lower lip and the crease at the top of the chin. The height can be varied anywhere between this crease and the edge of the lip, provided it will sit comfortably against the gums on the inside. Labrets can also be done in pairs, to either side of center. (Some folks refer to lower labrets, especially lower pairs, as "lowbrets.")

:: more info/more pics ::