Inverse Vertical Labret Piercing FAQ
An inverse vertical labret piercing is a type of lip piercing that passes through the lower lip vertically, exiting below the lip rather than inside the mouth. It is distinct from a traditional labret piercing, which exits inside the mouth, and from a vertical labret, which exits through the upper part of the lower lip.
A vertical labret piercing runs through the lower lip vertically, exiting at the top and bottom of the lip. An inverse vertical labret piercing also runs vertically, but instead of exiting above the lip, it exits below the lip, near the chin. Both piercings avoid contact with the teeth and gums, making them less likely to cause dental damage compared to traditional labret piercings.
Healing for an inverse vertical labret piercing typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on aftercare, anatomy, and individual healing factors. Swelling is common in the first few days, and proper cleaning is essential to prevent irritation and complications.
The healing process involves:
- Initial swelling and tenderness in the first few days to a week
- Reduced redness and irritation after a few weeks
- Tissue stabilization by 6 to 12 weeks, though full internal healing can take longer
- Following proper aftercare, avoiding excessive movement, and using high-quality jewelry help ensure a smooth healing process.
Clean your inverse vertical labret piercing twice daily with a pre-packaged sterile saline solution.
- Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and harsh chemicals, as these can irritate the piercing.
- Do not touch or rotate the jewelry unnecessarily, as this can introduce bacteria and slow healing.
- Keep spicy, acidic, or hot foods to a minimum during the first few weeks to reduce irritation and swelling.
To speed up healing:
- Stick to proper aftercare (saline soaks, avoiding irritation).
- Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with the jewelry.
- Eat soft foods initially to minimize movement.
- Ensure your body gets enough rest and nutrients.
You should wait until the piercing is fully healed (6–12 weeks) before changing jewelry. Changing it too soon can lead to irritation, migration, or prolonged healing.
Pain levels are generally moderate (rated around 4–6 out of 10). The needle passes through thick lip tissue, causing a sharp pinch, but the procedure is quick. Most discomfort comes from post-piercing swelling rather than the procedure itself.
Pain is subjective, but most people describe it as a quick pinch, followed by soreness for a few days. Swelling can increase discomfort but typically subsides within a week.
The initial sharp pain lasts only a few seconds, while swelling and soreness may persist for several days to a week.
The recommended jewelry is a curved barbell made of implant-grade titanium, niobium, or surgical steel. The length of the barbell should accommodate swelling during healing.
Hoops are not recommended during healing as they can cause excess movement and irritation. Once fully healed, a custom-fitted hoop may be an option, but curved barbells are preferred.
Rejection is rare with proper placement and aftercare. However, signs of rejection include redness, thinning skin, or migration of the jewelry. Choosing the right jewelry size and material reduces rejection risks.
Signs of infection include:
- Severe swelling and pain beyond the first week
- Pus or green/yellow discharge
- Excessive heat or redness around the piercing
Minimal scarring may occur if the piercing is removed, but proper aftercare helps reduce visibility. Scarring varies based on skin type, irritation, and jewelry quality.
Yes, swelling is common in the first few days. Use cold compresses, drink cold beverages, and avoid spicy or acidic foods to reduce swelling.
- An Ashley piercing passes through the center of the lower lip, exiting inside the mouth.
- An inverse vertical labret piercing exits below the lip, avoiding contact with the teeth and gums.
- Inverse vertical labret piercings heal faster, have lower rejection risks, and do not require extensive aftercare like cheek piercings.
- Cheek piercings are more prone to complications due to salivary gland placement and prolonged healing time.
Yes, but jewelry placement may need adjustments to ensure a proper fit and comfortable wear.
No, an inverse vertical labret piercing should not touch your teeth, as it exits below the lip rather than inside the mouth.