Medusa Piercing: Top Guide & Images

The medusa piercing, also known as the philtrum piercing, has surged in popularity for its striking appearance, appealing to both men and women. When paired with bold jewelry, this piercing truly stands out.

What Is A Medusa Piercing?

A medusa piercing, a popular choice placed between the nose’s septum and the upper lip, punctuates the philtrum—the area’s anatomical term.

Double Medusa Piercing

The double medusa piercing involves piercing the philtrum area twice so that a combination of different jewelry styles can be used with each other.

Vertical Medusa Piercing / Jestrum Piercing

The jestrum piercing involves perforating the philtrum area vertically so the barbel protrudes out of the skin twice, allowing two studs to sit on top of each other.

This piercing is different to the double medusa above due to this being only a single piercing, and not two separate ones.

What Happens During A Medusa Piercing?

During a medusa piercing, the piercer dons sterile gloves and cleanses the skin with an antibacterial agent. An oral antiseptic rinse follows.

The piercer marks the entry point for the needle, which will also indicate the jewelry’s position. They then insert a hollow needle through the philtrum, ensuring precision at the marked spot. After piercing, they insert the initial jewelry, typically a barbell, which remains until the piercing heals.

medusa piercing
medusa piercing

Medusa Piercing Pain

Medusa piercings typically cause a brief, sharp pain, similar to other lip and facial piercings. As the needle pierces through skin and tissue, this pain is fleeting and subsides once the piercing is done. Minor pain and discomfort may follow for a few days during healing, often presenting as a dull ache that quickly diminishes. Some bruising, swelling, and tenderness are normal and indicate the body’s healing process.

Medusa Piercing Cost?

The cost of a medusa piercing ranges from $40 to $80, varying with the piercer’s experience and the studio’s location.

What To Do Before Getting A Medusa Piercing

Before getting a medusa piercing, take steps to minimize infection risks. Brush your teeth twice daily and after sugary foods to reduce bacteria that could enter the piercing. Floss to remove bacteria from between teeth, and use mouthwash for overall oral hygiene.

How Long Does a Medusa Piercing Take To Heal?

Medusa piercings typically heal in 6-12 weeks, with most healing closer to 6 weeks with proper aftercare. While external signs of healing, like reduced pain and swelling, can appear within days, the internal tissue takes longer to heal, so continued care is essential for at least 6 weeks.

Medusa Piercing Aftercare

Effective aftercare is crucial for lip piercings, especially during the crucial first week. Carefully manage eating and drinking to avoid irritating the new piercing. Abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol initially, as these can hinder the healing process. Postpone swimming to prevent exposure to bacteria, and avoid kissing to reduce the risk of infection.

Medusa Piercing Swelling

Swelling is common after a medusa piercing, typically presenting as a small bump on the upper lip that subsides over a week. The extent of swelling varies with individual reactions to trauma. Piercers often use a longer barbell initially to allow space for any swelling.

Cleaning A Medusa Piercing

To clean a medusa piercing, first wash your hands to prevent bacterial transfer. Gently clear any buildup around the piercing with a soaked cotton ball, using a fresh one for each clean. Lather around the piercing with mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Disinfect with a mix of water and hydrogen peroxide or witch hazel, applying it with a cotton ball and letting it air dry.

Cleaning The Outside

Gently clean the philtrum piercing’s exterior. If crust or blood is present, soften it with a warm, wet cotton ball rather than picking it off. After clearing the area, apply a saline solution to both the jewelry and wound, letting it sit for 30-60 seconds to sterilize. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean paper towel, avoiding fabric towels that may harbor bacteria.

Be Mindful with Makeup and Lotions

Avoid contact with makeup and lotions near your healing piercing. These products may irritate the sensitive area. For optimal healing, use a piercing-specific aftercare product like After Inked Piercing Aftercare Spray, which is vegan, alcohol-free, and suitable for all skin types. This spray can reduce healing time and discomfort.

Cleaning The Inside

Clean the inside of your philtrum piercing by rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash for 30-60 seconds after meals to disinfect and remove any trapped food. A non-iodized sea salt mixture or saline solution can also be used. If unavailable, rinse with water immediately after eating and clean thoroughly when possible.

Medusa Piercing Healing: Avoid These Actions

To ensure proper healing of your medusa piercing, avoid:

  • Cleaning with alcohol
  • Applying petroleum-based products
  • Touching with unclean hands
  • Oral sex and deep kissing
  • Harsh chemicals
  • Submersion in water
  • Consuming hot or spicy foods
  • Smoking or using tobacco products

Medusa Piercing Infection Signs and Care

Infections from medusa piercings are rare but possible if not properly cared for. Signs include persistent redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If these occur, seek medical attention promptly. Treatments may involve antibiotics or saline washes. Adhering to medical advice is crucial for a swift recovery. Symptoms of a severe infection can range from worsening redness and swelling to pain and rashes, including bleeding or oozing. Prompt treatment is essential to manage complications.

medusa piercings
medusa piercings

Other Risks

It must be known that all piercing variations come with an element of risk, and this includes medusa piercings. It’s therefore advised that you study the risks associated with philtrum piercings as much as you can before entering a studio in order to negate any risks as best as possible.

Common Risks of Medusa Piercings

The primary risks of medusa piercings include:

  • Infection: Common during early healing, preventable with proper hygiene.
  • Tooth Erosion: Jewelry contact can wear down enamel, potentially causing decay.
  • Gum Recession: Similar to tooth erosion, but the jewelry causes gum wear.
  • Scarring: Can result from poor healing or damage, minimized with careful aftercare.

Medusa Piercing Pain

A medusa piercing, piercing the philtrum or “Jestrum,” can be painful due to the area’s sensitivity and nerve density. Passing through cartilage may increase pain, but many find the aesthetic benefit outweighs discomfort. Consult a professional piercer for proper technique and pain management.

medusa piercings people
medusa piercings people

Medusa Piercing Jewelry Options

A wide variety of medusa piercing jewelry is available, including various shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. The standard labret stud is most common, but options include balls, spikes, rings, and chains. Typical sizes are 16 or 18 gauge. For the best fit, consult with a piercing professional to choose the right size and style for your piercing.

Facial Piercings

Facial piercings are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people. While some facial piercings are more common than others, there are many different types of facial piercings that can be done.

The most common facial piercings are the eyebrow, nose, and lip. However, there are also many less common facial piercings, such as the tragus, conch, and medusa. While some people choose to get a facial piercing for aesthetic reasons, others do it for religious or cultural reasons.

Regardless of the reason, facial piercings can be a great way to express yourself. However, it is important to remember that facial piercings can be painful and can take several weeks to heal.

In addition, there is a risk of infection with any type of piercing. As a result, it is important to consult with a qualified piercer before getting a facial piercing.

Body piercing

Body piercing is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewelry can be worn.

Body piercing has been practiced for centuries by a variety of cultures for religious, spiritual, and aesthetic reasons. Today, body piercing is a popular form of self-expression, with people of all ages and backgrounds adorning their bodies with piercings.

While most body piercings are relatively low-risk, there are some risks associated with the practice. infections, for example, can occur if the piercing is not performed properly or if aftercare is not followed.

As a result, it is important to consult with a professional piercer and to carefully follow all aftercare instructions. With proper care, body piercINGS can be safe and beautiful way to express oneself.

Body Jewelry

Body jewelry is becoming increasingly popular, with people of all ages and backgrounds adorning their bodies with piercings and tattoos. While some body jewelry is purely decorative, others serve a more practical purpose. For example, many people get medusa piercings in order to wear headphones without the wire getting in the way.

However, body jewelry can also be a of infections and other health problems. It is important to clean body jewelry regularly and to avoid sharing it with others. In addition, it is important to consult a professional before getting any new piercings or tattoos.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your body jewelry is safe and healthy.

medusa piercing people
medusa piercing people

Tattoo Artist

Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression, and tattoo artists are the skilled professionals who create these works of art. Tattoo artists must have a steady hand and an eye for detail, as they use needles to inject ink into the skin.

Tattoo artists must also be knowledgeable about the different types of inks and their properties, as each type will behave differently when injected into the skin. In addition, tattoo artists must be able to work with clients to understand their vision for the tattoo, as well as any concerns they may have about the process.

As such, tattoo artists must be both creative and technical experts in order to create beautiful and meaningful tattoos for their clients.

Summary

All variations of lip piercings can look massively impressive if done correctly and matched with a piece of jewelry that suits your own personal style.

As long as you care for your piercing as best as possible throughout the whole aftercare phase and try to avoid as many risk factors as possible, you should have a perfect piece of facial bling for decades to come.

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About Tips Clear

Tips Clear is a seasoned writer and digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience in creating high-quality, engaging content for a diverse audience. He specializes in blogging, SEO, and digital marketing strategies, and has a deep understanding of the latest trends and technologies. Tips Clear's work has been featured on various prominent platforms, and he is committed to providing valuable insights and practical tips to help readers navigate the digital landscape.