I had my labret done for the first time when I was 18. I didn't really know why I got it done, all I knew is that I was just starting Uni, and I was still finding my feet in the world outside of school, and compulsory education. My new boyfriend was alternative (more so than me) and he had a lip ring, which I thought was sexy as hell.
At A Glance Author paran0ir Contact paran0ir@bme.anon IAM paran0ir When A week ago Artist Julie Studio Cold Steel Location Camden, London, UK So, I went ahead and did it. It was quite low with its placing, but I was content with it. And I had it for about two years without really thinking about it. After I took it out for it to heal, no big deal. However, about six months after the hole had closed, I felt really, REALLY naked without it. Started wanting it back. By this time, I was in an office that practically wet themselves if I turned up with more than a whisper of make up. So once again, I put it off. But it was always there, in the back of my mind.
I've been in my current job now for 5 months, and I honestly could not be happier with the ethics here. People can do what they want with their appearance. I don't work directly with the public, and my boss takes on board that each person here will work together more happily if they are able to be themselves.
SO. I got my labret redone last Saturday.
This time, I went for Cold Steel. Having got my VCH and tongue done there, I have to say I am far more impressed with them than anywhere else. Julie has always been the one to pierce me, and hand on heart, she's the nicest body mod-worker I've ever met... she's great. Anyway.
Turned up on Saturday to pay my deposit after a somewhat hellish tube journey (on a stuffy and hot day I might add). Went to lunch by the lock with my friends and boyfriend... enjoying the chewing, oh yes.
When we finally got back in, I jumped up on the good ol' chair/bed and we discussed placement. Now, my last labret had been so low down it barely even was inside my mouth, heh. I mentioned that this time round I might like to wear a circular barbell, or maybe a ring. Therefore, Julie suggested I go for a higher placing. It was only after she drew on me did I realise it would be going through quite a lot more skin than before. THEN I got nervous. I'm usually fired up with adrenaline, but I was quite nervy with this one.
Lay down as usual, closed my eyes and got clamped up. Pierced on the exhale, as usual. On a pain scale, I'd say it was about a 5, 6 at most. Nowhere near as intense as my VCH, that's for sure. Definitely hurt more being higher up. It's a funny one, the lip... you'd expect it to hurt, or pinch at least, but it's more of a pressure, with the tiniest sharp pain. I got the impression that mine hurt that bit more because it was going through scar tissue.
Aftercare speech given as usual, and away I went. Hilarious when I first was getting used to it again, a huge bar, before any swelling kicked in...
The first few hours were genuinely fine. Could of course 'feel' something in my mouth, but taking ibuprofen downplayed the pain I think. Not as much hassle as I was expecting.
Now HERE is a warning!!
On the night of the piercing, I had a few too many drinks. Despite trying to drink plenty of water too, I still woke up the next day looking as though I had gone several million rounds with Tyson. Ouch. Even sneezing was killing me. So, lots of salt soaks, and ice packs, and it tamed the pain.
Monday was a bit of a pain, as I was back to work, with nothing to help my lip other than alcohol-free mouthwash and ibuprofen. Got through day, and the funny thing is that in an office packed with people, nobody noticed! I could only take that as a compliment that it suits me, perhaps...
I highly recommend soaking cotton pads in salt solution and then freezing them. It's really soothing at the end of the day... and cleans it too, obviously. I use Dentyl PH mouthwash... it's alcohol-free and doesn't taste too strong at all. Plus it's cheap.
It's now Tuesday and the swelling hasn't subsided yet, although it's not quite as sore... I cannot wait for the healing to get properly underway though, I'm already so much happier for having this piercing back in my life. I will not be letting it go this time!
And really adhere to the no alcohol with a fresh piercing warning. Seriously...