Monroe Piercing FAQ
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.
It is named after Marilyn Monroe because the placement resembles her signature beauty mark above her upper lip.
A Marilyn Monroe piercing is another name for a Monroe piercing, referring to the same placement above the left side of the upper lip.
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.
The Monroe piercing is traditionally placed on the left side of the upper lip, mirroring Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty mark.
Healing typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, though some people may experience longer healing times depending on aftercare, jewelry quality, and individual healing factors.
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
- 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
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.
- Continue cleaning with saline solution
- Avoid removing the jewelry, as this can trap infection inside
- Seek professional help if symptoms worsen
Signs of infection include:
- Excessive redness, swelling, or throbbing pain
- Pus or yellow/green discharge
- Heat or tenderness around the piercing
Redness is common for the first few days to a week. If redness persists beyond two weeks, it may indicate irritation or an infection.
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.
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.
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.
The initial pain is brief, but some swelling and sensitivity to movement may last several days.
Monroe piercings are typically done with a 16-gauge (1.2mm) needle, though some piercers may use 18-gauge jewelry depending on anatomy.
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.
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.
- 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
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.
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.
Yes, Monroe piercings can close quickly, especially if removed during healing. Even after years, the hole may shrink or close without jewelry.
Some scarring is possible, particularly if the piercing is removed prematurely or if significant irritation occurs during healing. Using proper aftercare can minimize scarring.
Swelling typically lasts 3 to 5 days but can vary based on individual healing and aftercare.
Style preferences vary, but Monroe piercings remain popular within the body modification community.
- Use a clear or flesh-toned retainer designed for piercings
- If fully healed, cover with makeup
A Monroe piercing is placed above the upper lip on the left side, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark.