My newest endeavor into the world of body modification occurred in a rather random way. About a month ago I was just sitting around at my girlfriend's house when her friend called to see if we wanted to go with her to Mystic because she wanted to get her lip pierced. We took her up on her offer and I began to consider if I should get another piercing or not.
At A Glance Author Chris Contact Chris@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Ryan Studio Mystic Location Crofton, Maryland Now I had been considering getting a vertical labret piercing for a while, but I knew my parents would flip out if I got one. However on this evening, I really didn't care. I knew that I needed that piercing, so I decided to go get it done when we went there. I mean what good is a visit to a piercing studio without leaving with a fresh piercing.
However, soon after I had made my decision, my girlfriend's friend called again saying that she couldn't make it out there that night. I was left with a tough decision: whether or not to get my new piercing. Ok, so it wasn't really that tough. After a few seconds of consideration I decided on a definite yes to getting it done. Soon after that I was on my merry way to Mystic.
On the way I grabbed a snack and a Dr. Pepper, the best drink in the universe. From there I went in to Mystic. I had been there before a few times, but had never actually gotten there. When I arrived, I talked to Mason for a few and told him that I wanted to get my vertical labret done. He handed me all of the paperwork that I needed and took my money. Then it was off to the back room.
My piercer's name was Ryan. He sat me down on the dentist chair and grabbed a pen. He marked the two spots where the balls on my vertical labret would sit and checked to see if they were ok with me. I was contented with them and so the process continued. He grabbed the clamp and positioned it on my lip to set up for the piercing. The clamps were uncomfortable, but not really painful. He then prepared the needle he was using and placed it against my lip. He gave me the usual directions: breathe in slowly. Then he pushed the needle through my lip.
The pain was rather intense. I have had my septum pierced, and my side labrets pierced several times, as well as my earlobes, and this was much more intense than all of those. I assume this was because of all the nerves and blood vessels located inside of your lip. It was rather unexpected as I hadn't really read up too much on the process of a vertical labret. As I had said, I hadn't really planned on having this done at this time.
He then inserted the jewelry, which was also a little painful, as he had to tug on my lip a bit to work it in. But, soon enough it was all finished. He handed me my aftercare instructions and thoroughly explained what needed to be done to take care of the piercing and handed me a freezey pop (it was purple, so I was happy). I then lingered around in the shop for a few minutes and inevitably left.
My new piercing was rather tender as soon as I left the shop. As soon as I got home, I downed a few ibuprofens to help with the pain and swelling and ate a nice big bowl of ice cream. For the next few days, my lip was a little sore, but it never really was swollen. I have now had it for about a week and have had no serious problem with it. I have taken good care of it and it is not even sore anymore. The only inconvenience of my piercing has been my parents' reaction to it. They hate piercings, and do not like me getting them, but they have to realize that I am 18 and can get them done if I want to.
But other than that I am very happy with my new vertical labret. I think that it looks great and have gotten very positive feedback from all of my friends. I've had it for about a month now, and other than the normal crust forming around both of the holes I have had no problems. All of the pain and swelling has gone away, and I am almost ready to get new jewelry for it. I'm thinking of getting a 14ga black curved barbell. If you are considering getting a vertical labret, then I strongly urge you to go through with it. Mine has become my new favorite piercing.