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Smiley piercing (also known as the frenulum piercing) pierces the flap of tissue that connects the inside of your upper lip with your upper gum. Need help finding it? Keeping your lips closed, stick your tongue straight upward in front of your teeth. You should feel a thin line of skin between your lips and your gums. That’s your frenulum.
The smiley piercing is so-named because it won’t be seen unless you smile. The subtle surprise makes this piercing a fun choice for those who want an oral piercing that’s more low key than other lip and mouth piercing variations.
Since the frenulum is so thin, many people can’t get this piercing. It also has a greater risk of being torn out or rejected, since the skin is so thin.
This piercing won’t be for everyone, so it’s important to know the entire smiley piercing process before you decide to get one yourself. Here’s everything you need to know.
How much do smiley piercings hurt?
You might think that since the frenulum is so thin, this piercing would hurt less than other piercing types. In actuality, piercings through thicker skin tend to be less painful than piercings through thinner tissue. You’ll feel a sharp pain when piercing your frenulum, but it will be fast.
Most say that the smiley piercing hurts more than other lip piercing types and less than a cartilage piercing.
The smiley piercing healing process
You can expect to spend 4 – 12 weeks on healing. The mouth heals quite quickly, but it’s also home to tons of bacteria, so proper aftercare is key to quickening your healing time.
Aftercare rules
The healing process for the smiley piercing isn’t too difficult. Your biggest challenges will be keeping your mouth clean and avoiding snags to the jewelry. Here are some tips to help you through the healing process.
Rinse your mouth with saline solution or a sea salt rinse 2 – 3 times daily.
The location of the smiley piercing will preclude you from conducting a saline soak like you would with other piercings. Instead, rinse your mouth with a saline or sea salt rinse, making sure to spend extra time soaking the frenulum area. There are rinses that you can purchase that are created specifically for oral piercing aftercare. You also need to make sure that you maintain proper oral hygiene throughout healing.
Be careful when you eat.
The location of the smiley piercing might pose a bit of a learning curve when it comes to eating. You don’t want to snag or irritate your piercing, but since initial jewelry will need to be large enough to accommodate swelling, avoiding snags could be difficult. In the first few days, stick to soft foods until you’re used to the new jewelry.
Try not to play with the jewelry.
You should never touch a healing piercing. Moving the jewelry too much could cause piercing rejection, and your hands harbor harmful bacteria. You also need to be careful not to play with your jewelry with your tongue. It will be tempting, since you won’t be used to the new piece, but you must make the conscious decision to leave your jewelry alone during healing.
No kissing. Your mouth harbors enough harmful bacteria without adding the saliva of your partner. Closed mouth smooches are fine (as long as they’re gentle), but you should refrain from kissing of the French variety until your piercer has confirmed that your frenulum has fully healed.
Smiley piercing jewelry styles
The best part about this piercing is the jewelry that pops out when you smile.
When you first get pierced, you’ll probably be fitted with a captive bead ring. These hoop styles are easily inserted, which makes them a popular starter jewelry choice. The small bead will peek out below your lips when you smile. After you’ve healed, you can choose captive bead rings with gemstones for an extra sparkle.
Circular barbells are also a popular option. The two beads at the end really make this piercing stand out when you smile.
The last jewelry option you’ll have is a seamless ring. This is great for those who chose the smiley piercing for its subtlety.
Why shouldn’t I get a smiley piercing?
The frenulum is naturally thin, and many people can’t get this area pierced. If your frenulum isn’t the right size for piercing, your piercer can give you other options.
You should wait to get a smiley piercing if you currently have braces. It’s been done, but braces are just one more thing that your new jewelry can snag on, so it’s better to wait until the hazard has been removed.
If you suffer from receding gum lines, gum disease, enamel wear, or other oral issues, then you shouldn’t get this piercing. The jewelry will rub against your teeth and exacerbate these issues.
This is not a permanent piercing. The frenulum is so small, and the area sees a lot of movement, so the piercing will eventually be rejected. It can last a few years, but many say that theirs only lasted one. If you want something that’s fun and temporary, then this piercing is great, but if you want it to last a long time, then you should opt for another piercing choice.
How much will it cost?
Smiley piercings cost around $30 – $90. You want to make sure that your piercer uses fully sterilized tools. This is always an important consideration, but in oral piercings, where bacteria is already a massive risk, you want to make sure that you’re setting your smiley piercing upright.
Smiley Piercing: Pictures, Pros, Cons, Procedure, Care, Risks, More
What type of piercing is this?
A smiley piercing goes through your frenulum, the small piece of skin attaching your upper lip to your upper gum. This piercing is relatively invisible as long as you smile – hence the name “smiley piercing”.
Can everyone get it?
Your pierce can determine whether you are a candidate for this type of piercing. Some limitations include braces or being too short.
Other unqualified oral conditions may include gum disease, dental sealants, and periodontitis.
What types of jewelry are used for this piercing?
Some of the jewelry you can use for this type of piercing include:
Captive Beaded Ring. Such ornaments are commonly used for a new smiley piercing. This piece is circular in shape and closes with a small bead.
Circular barbell. You may also be able to use a circular barbell for your initial ornaments. This piece has the shape of a horseshoe, with space at each end.
Seamless ring (with or without adornment). This seamless ring attaches to it without using a bead. When the piercing is fully healed, you can swap out a standard seamless ring for a seamless ring that has added adornment.
What material options are available for your jewelry?
Your form will also go over the material options available for your jewelry, including:
Surgical Titanium. If you have sensitive skin then your pierce may suggest titanium.
Surgical Stainless Steel. Although surgical steel is considered hypoallergenic, burns are still a possibility.
Niobium. This is another hypoallergenic material that is unlikely to corrode.
gold. If you want to go with gold, then quality is important. Stick to 14-carat yellow or white gold during the healing process. Gold over 18 carats is not as durable, and jewelry made of gold can cause infections and allergies.
How much does this piercing usually cost?
According to Authority Tattoo, this piercing usually costs between $ 30 and $ 90. Some shops charge separately for jewelry.
You also have to pay attention to the tip for your piercer – at least 20 percent is standard.
You should also ask your borer about aftercare-related costs, such as saline solutions.
How Piercing done?
If your piercer determines that you are a good candidate for this piercing, they will start the process. The actual process is relatively fast, lasting the most in a few minutes.
Here’s what to expect:
- Your borer will give an antibacterial solution to rinse your mouth.
- After your mouth is clean, they will pull your upper lip back to take out the pharynulum.
- The piercing is then made with a sterile needle.
- They will thread the jewelry through the holes, and, if necessary, screw any applied beads to keep the jewelry.
Will this hurt?
Pain is possible with all piercings. Generally speaking, the lower the meat area, the lower the piercing.
Your frenulum should be thick enough to support jewelry, but the piece of tissue is still small. Because of this, piercing can hurt the lips or earlobe slightly more than piercing.
Your personal pain tolerance is also a factor. The good news is that the needle part of the process lasts only a few seconds, so it should be finished after deep breathing and exhalation.
What are the risks associated with this piercing?
Smiley piercing occurs in a highly sensitive area. If pierced incorrectly or improperly, you can eliminate some dangerous and uncomfortable side effects.
Talk about your risks with the following risks:
Gums damage. If your piercing is placed incorrectly, it may cause gum recession over time. Jewelry that sits too much on your gum line or otherwise rubs against your gums can cause damage to the gums.
Enamel damage. Large beads and other attachments on the jewelry can knock against your teeth, possibly damaging the enamel.
Infection. Eating and drinking your mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria can also be introduced through kissing, smoking, and other oral activities. Infection is possible if the infection is trapped in the piercing site.
Disapproval. If your body views jewelry as an intruder, it may react by creating more skin tissue to push the skin tissue out of the penetration.
How long does it to take heal?
A dermal piercing usually heals within 4 to 12 weeks. If you do not follow your piercing care recommendations, your piercing may take longer to recover.
You may experience mild pain and swelling during the first few weeks. These symptoms will gradually subside as the healing process continues.
They are generally not a cause for concern unless your piercing is showing yellow or green pus, hot to the touch, or other signs of infection.
Clean and Care
Proper cleaning and care is critical to the success of your smiley piercing.
During the treatment process, do:
- Clean your mouth with sea salt or saline solution twice a day.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Use a mild toothpaste flavor (think bubblegum instead of mint).
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash.
- It is easy to talk for the first few days.
At the same time, Is not:
- Touch the piercing or play with the jewelry.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Smoke
- Use rinses or toothpaste containing alcohol.
- Eat foods that are hot or spicy.
- Eat highly acidic foods like tomatoes.
- Kiss. It can play with ornaments and introduce new bacteria into the wound.
- Engage in activities that can move the jewelry, such as playing some equipment.
- Eat excessively hard or crunchy foods.
Symptoms to watching
While mild pain and swelling is normal for any new piercing, other symptoms may indicate more serious health concerns.
If you experience any signs of infection or rejection, check your piercer:
- Redness that extends beyond the piercing site
- severe pain
- Severe inflammation
- Yellow or green discharge
- Bad odor
With rejection, you may also experience:
- Jewelry displacement
- Jewelry that hangs or hangs
- Full jewelry clutter
How long will healed
Due to delicate placement, smiley piercing usually does not last as long as external body piercing. However, there is no clear timeline.
Some anecdotal reports online say that the piercing may take about a year, while others have had success so far.
Proper care can go a long way, but it is not a guarantee that your piercing will last long.
How to change your jewellery
You should not change your solid gold jewelry until the body modification is completely cured (about three months). Your piercer can confirm whether it is safe to swap your jewelry. They can also do it for you.
If you decide to change your jewelry yourself, follow these steps carefully:
- Rinse your mouth with a sea salt or saline solution.
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching the area.
- Carefully remove your existing jewelry.
- Quickly, but gently, thread new jewelry through the hole.
- Close the jewelry on any applied pearl or otherwise.
- Rinse your mouth again with a sea salt or saline solution.
How to retire the piercing?
If you change your mind halfway through the healing process, talk to your piercer about removing your jewelry. They can determine whether it is safe to remove it before the treatment process is complete.
If they remove your jewelry, you should continue cleaning the area until your frenulum is completely healed.
If you want to retire the piercing after being healed for a long time then the process is very easy. Just take your jewelry out, and the hole will close by itself.
Talk to your piercer
Deciding on a smiley piercing can be an exciting time, but you might want to talk to some respected pillers first. In addition to quoting prices, they can determine if your tissues are capable of supporting this piercing.
If your frenulum is too thin, your piercer may be able to suggest another piercing, which you will be happy with for a long time.
Your piercer should be your go-to authority for questions about the time of treatment, unusual side effects and any other concerns you may have.
