Medusa Piercing FAQ - Info by APP Certified Piercers in NYC

Close-up of a nose with a gold septum ring and a philtrum piercing with a decorative jewel.

Clementine Piercing offers “medusa” 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
    “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

    A Medusa piercing is a type of upper lip piercing placed directly in the philtrum—the vertical groove between your nose and the upper lip. Typically, it is done using a flat-back labret stud that sits comfortably inside your mouth while the decorative end is visible above the lip.

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

    The term “Medusa piercing” is a stylistic name coined within the piercing community. Although it shares its name with the mythological figure Medusa from Greek mythology, there is no direct connection; the name was chosen for its edgy, memorable quality.

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

    Healing time for a Medusa piercing is generally between 3 to 6 months. Factors influencing this include:

    • Aftercare practices: Consistent use of sterile saline and avoiding irritants.
    • Individual healing factors: Such as overall health, diet, hydration, and immune response.
    • Jewelry quality and fit: Using implant-grade materials (titanium, niobium, or high-quality gold) can reduce irritation and promote proper healing.

    Note: Even if the piercing appears healed on the surface, internal healing may still be completing, so patience is essential.

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

    The cost of a Medusa 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

    A Medusa piercing is typically done at 16 gauge (1.2mm), though some piercers might opt for a 14-gauge (1.6mm) based on your anatomy or if you plan to stretch the piercing later.

    • 16g is standard for most lip piercings.
    • 14g may be preferred for durability or if planning to stretch.

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

    A Medusa piercing can cause dental issues if improperly placed or if the wrong jewelry is used.

    • Flat-backed labret studs help minimize contact with teeth and gums.
    • Incorrectly sized jewelry can lead to gum recession or enamel wear over time.
    • If irritation occurs, consult your piercer about downsizing your jewelry.

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

    • External Cleaning: Gently cleanse the outside of the piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution.
    • Oral Care: Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free saline rinse or gentle mouthwash after meals to clear food particles and reduce bacteria.
    • General Tips: Avoid touching or rotating the jewelry, and steer clear of harsh products that could irritate the piercing.

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

    • Apply a cold compress externally during the first few days.
    • Reduce talking or excessive lip movement initially.
    • Avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods that might irritate the piercing.

    Swelling is common in the first 3–7 days, but persistent swelling should be evaluated by a piercer.

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

    • Accidental trauma: Biting or bumping the area.
    • Irritation: From certain foods, smoking, or alcohol.
    • Allergic reactions: To low-quality or incompatible jewelry materials.

    If swelling persists beyond the early healing phase, consult a professional piercer.

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

    Most people rate the pain of a Medusa piercing as moderate. The initial procedure feels like a quick, sharp pinch, and while some soreness and tenderness may persist during healing, the pain is generally manageable (often described as a 3–5 out of 10).

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

    • Before handling: Wash your hands thoroughly.
    • Removal: Gently hold the flat back disc inside your mouth while unscrewing the decorative top.
    • If Stuck: If the jewelry does not come out easily, do not force it—visit your piercer for safe removal.

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

    It’s best to wait until the piercing is fully healed—typically between 3 to 6 months—before changing jewelry. Changing too early can cause irritation or disrupt the healing process. If you encounter difficulty removing the jewelry, consult your piercer.

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

    • Initial Jewelry Size: Typically, an 8mm to 10mm post length is used to accommodate initial swelling.
    • After Healing: Many opt to downsize to 6mm to 8mm to reduce irritation and improve comfort.
    • Gauge: Standard is usually 16g (1.2mm), but some people prefer 14g (1.6mm) depending on individual preference.

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

    • Professional Studios: Many reputable piercing studios sell high-quality, implant-grade jewelry on-site.
    • Online Retailers: Look for specialized online stores that offer titanium, niobium, or solid gold jewelry.
    • Tip: Avoid cheap, plated metals like silver, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

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

    • Clear Retainers: Use clear or skin-toned retainers that blend with your natural skin tone.
    • Low-Profile Jewelry: Choose small, flat-backed pieces that do not protrude significantly.
    • Makeup: You can use makeup to camouflage the piercing area, but avoid applying products directly to the healing tissue.

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

    Any piercing has the potential to leave a scar, though with proper aftercare, scarring is usually minimal. Factors that increase scarring include:

    • Premature removal of jewelry
    • Poor aftercare or infection during healing
    • Individual skin type (keloid-prone skin may scar more)

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

    Stretching should only be done gradually and under professional guidance. Use implant-grade jewelry and increase sizes in small increments (e.g., moving from 16g to 14g, then 12g) to avoid tissue damage.

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

    If the jewelry is improperly fitted or too long, it may contact your teeth and lead to enamel wear or gum recession. Selecting a flat-backed labret and ensuring proper fit is crucial for minimizing dental risks.

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

    The Medusa piercing is primarily aesthetic, designed to enhance the natural contours of the upper lip and create a bold, distinctive look. It can be a statement piercing or part of a broader lip piercing set.

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

    Despite its evocative name, the term "Medusa piercing" is simply a popular label within the body modification community. It does not have a direct mythological connection to the Greek figure Medusa; instead, it has become a recognized term for a central philtrum piercing.

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