I first had my labret done when I was still in high school. Being one of the few people at my school with it, it made me feel unique and I loved it. Even after it became "mainstream" and everyone and their sister had it done, I still maintained that love that I had with it originally.
At A Glance Author Sarah Contact Sarah@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Jacqui Studio Addictive Location London, Ontario However, due to lack of knowledge on my part, and presumably the piercer's - seeing as how they should have at least made an educated guess on placement, but that's just a personal opinion - within a few months of having it done the first time, I was beginning to see extreme gum recession, as well as having constant, and somewhat painful, irritation.
One night, I couldn't take it anymore - and after having a recent dental visit where I was warned of what could happen if I left it in - I took it out and "retired" my beloved piercing.
Flash forward a few years. I was now labret-less, and still longing for that piece of jewellery glimmering from my face. By this time, I had discovered Bmezine.com, and had "researched" into proper placement etc. Confident in what I had looked into, I made the decision that I was no longer going to be without labret. With newfound knowledge in one hand, and money in the other, I headed to a local shop that was recommended to me by numourous people.
Jacqui, the piercer at Addictive (London, ON), listened to my story about the gum recession and the whole she-bang. She also checked out my poor receded gums, and assured me that with proper placement and jewellery size, I should have no problem with my new one. Confident in her and HER confidence, I agreed to have it repierced.
I was lead into the piercing room that may have been intimidating to some, however having piercings in the past (nose twice, tongue, ear, plus my long lost labret), it was all familiar. However, what was not familiar, but highly appreciated, was Jacqui's extensive speech on aftercare, what to do and what not to do, and what to expect this time around. I felt much more at ease - more so than before.
After rinsing with the horrible yellow mouth wash, (I swear THAT is the worst part in the end), Jacqui marked my lip and asked me to check if everything was peachy with the placement and so on. Visually I liked the placement, but it was even more so reassuring that this marking was in a different spot from my now closed-over labret hole - better placement resulting in no gum recession. I agreed with the chosen spot, gave a quick nod, and proceeded to sit on the edge of a cushioned table – feet hanging over one side, nervous eyes peering around the room.
As she put the clamp on my lip that was when the butterflies came. Jacqui asked me to take a deep breath and on the exhale she was going to pierce. I knew I couldn't hold in the inhale forever, so as I breathed out, I felt the sharp sting of the needle being driven into my lip.
After inserting the jewellery, I stood up to look in the mirror once again. My baby was back!! After thanking Jacqui immensely, I left with fingers crossed that all would be well with the piercing this time around.
Flash forward again a couple of months. After the expected tedious healing and swelling period, I couldn't have asked for a better situation. The placement of my labret is absolutely just right this time around, and after shortening the post, I can not even feel it in my mouth - let alone rubbing on my gums. As for my once non-receded gums, they still show the wear and tear of my old labret, and the effects are irreversible. However, I was told by my dentist that where the gum line stops now is ok – as in they won't recede any further. And visually, it's hard to notice the recession unless I point it out to you, or keep my lip extremely low.
I am completely content with my labret, and it completes me. I don't care what I may look like with it, (hence the idea of getting a body mod for YOU, not for the people around you), - even if for some reason I look totally awful - my labret is my baby, and always will be.
I do recommend to anyone considering getting any type of oral piercing to be aware of the risks and side effects of bad placement, bad judgement etc. As I have shown, piercings can be removed, and repierced. Permanent body damage though, is well.....permanent. Make the smart choice, and research and/or talk with your friendly piercer.