Inverse Vertical Labret Piercing FAQ By APP Piercers in NYC

Close-up of an inverse vertical labret piercing showcasing the jewelry placement on the lower lip.

Clementine Piercing offers “insert piercing here” Piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the worlds top rated and most trusted piercing professionals, holds tenure at Clementine Piercing in NYC—making it an excellent option for trusted piercing services.

  • Look for professional, APP-certified piercing studios with:
    • Experienced piercers familiar with technical piercings
    • Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
    • Positive client reviews and portfolio examples
  • Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.

    • For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    An inverse vertical labret piercing is a type of lip piercing that passes through the lower lip vertically, exiting inside the mouth and on the front or upper crest of the lip. It is similar to from a traditional vertical labret piercing, only placed more inward, facing toward the mouth.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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, exiting inside the mouth and on the front or upper crest of the lower lip. When done well, piercings should avoid contact with the teeth and gums, making them less likely to cause dental damage compared to traditional labret piercings.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    There is no difference between an Ashley piercing and an inverse vertical labret piercing—they are two names for the same lip piercing.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    To speed up healing:
    • Avoid any touching, twisting, or playing with the piercing site or jewelry.
    • Gently rinse with water while you shower. Use sterile saline solution/wound wash spray as needed.
    • Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptics.
    • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    The initial sharp pain lasts only a few seconds, while swelling and soreness may persist for several days to a week.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    The recommended jewelry is either a curved barbell or flat back labret stud made of implant-certified titanium, niobium, or solid gold. The length of the jewelry should accommodate swelling during healing.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    Signs of infection include:
    • Severe swelling and pain beyond the first week
    • Pus or green/yellow discharge
    • Excessive heat or redness around the piercing
    If you suspect an infection, continue saline soaks and consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    Yes, swelling is common in the first few days. Use cold compresses, drink cold beverages, and avoid spicy or acidic foods to reduce swelling.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    There is no difference between an Ashley piercing and an inverse vertical labret piercing—they are two names for the same lip piercing.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    • 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.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    Yes, but jewelry placement may need adjustments to ensure a proper fit and comfortable wear.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    No, when perfomred and placed correctly, an inverse vertical labret piercing should not touch your teeth, however, it is possible when done poorly or unprofessionally.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare

    The cost of an inverse vertical labret piercing ranges from $40-$100 for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry. All of which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g., implant-grade titanium), and piercer expertise.

    For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare