Here's What You Need to Know About Medusa Piercings

In addition to the ears, lips are another popular body piercing area. This highly personalized piercing style has many types depending on the location and design, and each style has its own unique charm and expression. From Medusa Piercing to Vertical Labret, today we’re going to walk through lip piercing styles, starting with the Medusa. Read on to learn the secrets.

What is a Medusa Piercing?

The Medusa piercing is located in the middle of the philtrum of the upper lip. It is very popular in current pop culture, especially among the younger generation. It originated in the late 20th century and can be regarded as a product of modern piercing culture. At that time, piercing was a A fashion trend that expresses individuality and identity. Medusa piercing is the continuation and innovation of this culture. Its unique position and design have attracted a large number of people who want to express their individuality and challenge traditional aesthetic concepts.

In addition, many people are curious about why it is called Medusa Piercing, and how this image originating from Greek mythology is related to modern piercing. Here is an explanation about it:

Medusa is known in Greek mythology for her mysterious and shocking image: her hair is made of snakes and her gaze can turn people to stone. The Medusa piercing is located in the center of the face, in the philtrum of the upper lip, which is very visually attractive and cannot be ignored. The prominent location and uniqueness of this piercing design echoes Medusa's strong presence. In mythology, Medusa not only has dangerous characteristics, but is also often interpreted as a symbol of power and autonomy. People who choose Medusa piercings usually want to express confidence, uniqueness and an attitude that is not bound by traditional aesthetics through this piercing.

In the naming of lip piercing styles, in addition to Medusa, there are a series of interesting existences, such as Monroe, Madonna, and Marilyn. These are all named after celebrities and sound cool.

How painful is a Medusa piercing ?

The question that almost everyone wants to ask before getting a piercing is how much it hurts. This question applies not only to medusa piercings, but also to other types of body piercings.

According to our 1-10 rating scale, the pain value of Medusa piercing is between 4-6, which is moderate pain, but the specific feeling varies from person to person.

Because lips are made of soft tissue, they are pierced faster than cartilage piercings, usually only a few seconds. At the moment of piercing, you will feel a quick sting or slight pressure, similar to the feeling of an injection, but it lasts for a short time.

I personally think that the pain during the puncture is completely bearable, but the pain during the recovery process is really painful. And this is a long period, during which the wound will be as painful as a mouth ulcer.

How long does it take for a Medusa piercing to heal?

The healing time of a Medusa piercing is usually around 6-12 weeks, but it may take 3-6 months to fully heal . Of course, reasonable care details can also shorten the healing time to a certain extent.

Initial healing (1-4 weeks)	Mid-term healing (4-8 weeks)	Complete healing (3-6 months)
There may be slight swelling, redness, or a pulsating sensation at the piercing site.	The swelling gradually decreases and the sensitivity in the pierced area decreases.	The internal tissue of the piercing has fully recovered and there is no more discomfort.
The wound will begin to scab over and form a protective layer, but it still needs careful care to avoid infection.	Most people can wear jewelry more easily, but the internal tissue has not yet fully repaired.	Jewelry can be replaced, but the replacement process must be hygienic and safe.

 

Since the piercing is on the lip, which moves every time we talk or chew food, it may take longer to heal than an area of the body that is not subject to the same mechanical stress.

How much does a Medusa piercing cost?

The cost of a Medusa piercing is between $40 and $100. The location and expertise of the piercing shop, as well as the jewelry you choose, all affect the price. For reasons of hygiene and safety, we recommend choosing a piercing shop that is certified by the Piercers Association.

How to take care of the Medusa piercing?

Please note that the following content is not our preaching, these tips are to help you reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process. Medusa piercing is also a kind of oral piercing. You have to know that every time we talk and chew our lips, we are doing mechanical movements, which is not good for a wound, so try to avoid laughing, talking too much and making exaggerated expressions, which may pull the wound and cause pain.

So in terms of care, in addition to standard care, don't pay too much attention to your piercing. Don't touch your piercing frequently, and don't twist and rotate the jewelry. This will slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

During the healing period, you should adjust your diet. Spicy, acidic, and hot foods must be avoided to avoid irritating the wound. Bland liquids or soft foods are preferred. Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in vitamin C (such as fruits and vegetables) to promote wound healing.

If you smoke (including e-cigarettes) on a regular basis, you should stop smoking during the healing period, especially during the initial healing period of 1-4 weeks. This behavior can irritate your wound and hinder healing.

Regarding swelling. In the first few days after the piercing, there will be significant swelling and pain in the lip. You can apply an ice pack or cold towel to the upper lip area for 10-15 minutes each time to help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or discharge. If these occur, consult your piercer or doctor as soon as possible.

Risks of Medusa Piercing

There are two sides to every coin, and when you decide to get a Medusa piercing, you have to take on its potential risks.

Oral problems such as gum recession

The most reported problems with Medusa piercings are gum recession and other oral problems. Since the inside of the lip stud may hit the teeth or rub the gums from time to time, long-term use may cause tooth wear or gum recession.

Hypertrophic scarring or scar tissue

This condition manifests as granulation tissue or hypertrophic scarring around the piercing. The main causes are repeated irritation of the piercing site or a body constitution that is prone to scarring. When you remove the jewelry, there may be a noticeable scar.

Nesting and embedding

Both of these conditions often occur with piercings such as the Medusa, Vertical Labret, or other lip and oral piercings. They are specific complications of the interaction between the jewelry and the surrounding tissue. Nesting is generally better than embedding, which can cause pain and long-term discomfort. Learn more about nesting and embedding.

What jewelry materials are suitable for a Medusa piercing?

There is no doubt that after the Medusa piercing is completed, everyone can't wait to start shopping for jewelry. Choosing the material of jewelry is a very important issue. For most people, implant-grade titanium, surgical-grade stainless steel, and 14k gold are the most ideal materials. The reason is that they all meet the following three conditions.

• They all contain no nickel, an element that can cause allergies.
• Biocompatible , hypoallergenic and tough enough to wear for a long time.
• Totally affordable prices

Conclusion

In general, getting a Medusa requires some courage, and the brave always enjoy beauty first. As with any piercing, while you are enjoying the joy of getting the piercing done, your first goal should be to safely go through the healing period, so please be strict and disciplined in post-operative care. The Medusa piercing is located in the center of the face, which is perfect for people with very symmetrical faces . Finally, before you decide to get a Medusa piercing, please consider whether you can accept the potential risks.