Monroe Piercing FAQ - Info by APP Certified Piercers in NYC
A Monroe piercing is a facial piercing located above the upper lip on the left side, designed to mimic Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beauty mark. It is typically adorned with a small labret stud for a subtle yet stylish look.
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It is named after Marilyn Monroe because the placement resembles her signature beauty mark above her upper lip.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
A Marilyn Monroe piercing is another name for a Monroe piercing, referring to the same placement above the left side of the upper lip.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
The Monroe piercing symbolizes beauty, confidence, and individuality. It is inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s timeless beauty and remains a popular choice in modern body art culture.
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The Monroe piercing is traditionally placed on the left side of the upper lip, mirroring Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty mark.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Healing typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, though some people may experience longer healing times depending on aftercare, jewelry quality, and individual healing factors.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Healing includes:
- Swelling and redness in the first few days
- Decreased tenderness after the first couple of weeks
- Tissue stabilization by 6 to 12 weeks
- Downsizing jewelry after initial swelling subsides to reduce irritation
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
- Clean twice daily with a sterile saline solution
- Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with the jewelry
- Stick to soft foods in the first few days to minimize movement
- Monitor for signs of irritation or infection
- 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
Use a pre-packaged sterile saline solution or wound wash to rinse the outside of the piercing. Avoid harsh products like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can delay healing.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
- Continue cleaning with saline solution
- Avoid removing the jewelry, as this can trap infection inside
- Seek professional help if symptoms worsen
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Signs of infection include:
- Excessive redness, swelling, or throbbing pain
- Pus or yellow/green discharge
- Heat or tenderness around the piercing
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Redness is common for the first few days to a week. If redness persists beyond two weeks, it may indicate irritation or an infection.
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, typically around 8 to 12 weeks, before changing jewelry. Changing it too soon can cause irritation or complications.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Pain levels vary, but most people experience moderate discomfort similar to other lip piercings. The procedure is quick, and soreness usually subsides within a few days.
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The pain is typically rated moderate (4–6 out of 10). The sharp pinch lasts only a second, with mild soreness for a few days post-piercing.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
The initial pain is brief, but some swelling and sensitivity to movement may last several days.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Monroe piercings are typically done with a 16-gauge (1.2mm) needle, though some piercers may use 18-gauge jewelry depending on anatomy.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
The standard size for initial jewelry is 16-gauge, with a labret stud length of 8mm to accommodate swelling. After healing, downsizing to 6mm is recommended to prevent gum damage.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
The best jewelry for a Monroe piercing is a labret stud made of implant-grade titanium, niobium, or solid gold to reduce irritation and promote healing.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Gently unscrew the ball end of the jewelry
- Slide the post out carefully
- If you have difficulty, visit a professional piercer for assistance
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Yes, if improperly placed or if large jewelry is worn, Monroe piercings can cause gum recession due to constant friction against the gums. Downsizing jewelry after healing reduces this risk.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
If placed too close to the gum line or if large jewelry is worn, a Monroe piercing can wear down enamel over time. Choosing flat-back jewelry reduces this risk.
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Yes, Monroe piercings can close quickly, especially if removed during healing. Even after years, the hole may shrink or close without jewelry.
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Some scarring is possible, particularly if the piercing is removed prematurely or if significant irritation occurs during healing. Using proper aftercare can minimize scarring.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Swelling typically lasts 3 to 5 days but can vary based on individual healing and aftercare.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Style preferences vary, but Monroe piercings remain popular within the body modification community.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
- Use a clear or flesh-toned retainer designed for piercings
- If fully healed, cover with makeup
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
A Monroe piercing is placed above the upper lip on the left side, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
The cost of a Monroe 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
- The area is prepped thoroughly via alcohol or povidone iodine.
- A professional piercer marks the appropriate entry and exit points with a single-use sterile surgical marker.
- The area is pierced using a sterile, single-use, disposable needle, sometimes braced by a NRT or other various instruments.
- The piercer will then install sterile, implant-certified titanium or solid gold barbell through the newly created piercing channel and threads on the bead.
- Extreme precision is required.
For more information on oral piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/oral-piercing-aftercare
Clementine Piercing offers Monroe 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 genital 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