I have always found facial art to be one of the boldest things anyone can do. I mean, you dared to watch a needle pass through your face for beauty! It’s absurd, yet so beautiful. It is so fascinating how pain can bring so much joy and charm. I bet that is why they say beauty is pain.
The Medusa piercing, in particular, is my favorite so far despite it not being the most popular of other facial piercings. Nowadays, there are so many kinds of facial piercings. There is the nose piercing, the brow piercing, the labret, the dimple, the bridge, the Monroe and the septum.
But today, I will focus on the tiny petite Medusa piercing, everything about it, preparation, the process, aftercare and everything in between.
But before I get into all that, here are a few facts on facial piercings that you should know.
Facts About Facial Piercings
- Facial piercings are not cheap. The procedure may only take a few minutes, but it takes more than just locating a spot and piercing. The artist goes through some paid training, so you compensate for their efforts and training when you get one.
- Not all facial piercings will suit your face. And that is why it is advisable to do a bit of research before settling on one.
- Be ready to answer the question, “did it hurt?” To any curious soul out there.
- Aftercare is the most crucial stage of facial piercings.
- Lastly, people will always assume you have more piercings if you have some on your face.
With that, now let’s get down to the topic on Medusa Piercings.
What is the Medusa Piercing?
The Medusa piercing is officially known as the Philtrum piercing, and it is usually placed on the upper lip right below the nose on the cupid’s bow.
The name Medusa has no historical background as there is a story that traces the name back to a Canadian hairdresser who gave it the name Medusa simply because it did not have a street name yet.
The Process of Getting the Medusa piercing
The first step to getting a medusa piercing is a consultation session with the piercing professional. During this session, the artist will tell you all about the Medusa, how the procedure goes, the side effects, and the expected results if everything goes to plan. They also equip you with knowledge about before, during and aftercare, adding to the dos and don’ts.
They will also carry out a few anatomical examinations to check if the Medusa will look appealing on your face. The artist will also ask if you have any allergies to metals to mitigate any affections or reactions during or after the procedure. You should also disclose any pre-existing conditions like blood disorders and even cardiovascular issues.
If you are just stepping in for a consultation, the actual procedure is set, and you return another day. But if you just stepped in and want the piercing there and then, the piercing expert will proceed following these steps.
The Procedure of the Medusa Piercing
Tools
In this stage, the piercing artist will prepare by sterilizing all the tools. The artist uses a titanium implant-grade labret stud with a 14 gauge or 16 gauge post to begin. This size is usually the best as it leaves room for swelling, which is an expected effect of piercings.
They must have surgical gloves on and perform everything infront of you.
Your Face
The artist will clean the piercing location with a cotton swab dipped in a sterilizer in the preparation stage. They will also instruct you to rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash to remove any food remnants and bacteria.
The next step entails the artist marking the spot they wish to put their piercing. At this point, you will have a mirror to approve of the spot. If you are not satisfied, you tell them to make the changes. The mark should align to come out on the inside of the gum and not lodged inside.
You have to remember that this piercing will be on your face, so this step is crucial.
The Piercing Stage
Once you have approved the marking, the artist clamps the tissue using forceps and pricks the marked spot with a needle. Then they place the jewelry as they remove the needle and screw the balls into place.
After this, they sterilize the fresh piercing with a saline mixture while applying pressure to control the bleeding. You also rinse your mouth with mouthwash and spit out the blood and extra saliva.
Aftercare Instructions
After the piercing process is complete, you will probably feel some throbbing sensation, and this is normal. This indicates an increase of blood flow to that spot since the body responds to the new piercing site as it would a fresh wound.
This procedure may take less than 15 minutes.
The piercing artist will then hand you a written piece of paper that has all the aftercare procedures. Some of those instructions are as follows:
- Always care for the piercing at least twice a day.
- When you do care for the piercing, wash your hands first with soap and clean water.
- To clean the outside of the piercing, spray a saline solution that you can make from mixing water and salt or getting one from the pharmacy. Spray this twice a day.
- Ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth. But be extra gentle brushing your top middle teeth so that you do not disturb the piercing.
- Keep your head elevated when you sleep.
- If there is swelling, use a cold compress to keep it down.
- Eat soft foods that are not hard to chew, such as adding yogurt to your diet.
Things to Avoid Doing During The Healing Process
- The first big thing to avoid is touching your piercing. I know it is exciting that you finally have your Medusa, but it is against all hygienic rules to keep touching your piercing. First of all, when you keep touching the piercing, you are disturbing the wound. And secondly, you may introduce harmful pathogens while you touch it.
- You must also refrain from twisting and turning the piercing while it is still fresh. Give it a few weeks before you do this. If you twist the jewelry too early, you might open up the wound and initiate bleeding.
- You must also refrain from any oral sexual activity, kissing or oral sex.
- It would be best to quit some habits that may trigger bleeding and lip infection, like smoking, drinking alcohol. Eating spicy and too salty foods is also a no-no.
The Healing Process of the Medusa Piercing
To completely heal, expect to have a sore lip for about two to three months, but it could very well heal sooner depending on your immunity. Also, the better you take care of your piercing, the faster it will heal.
After the swelling and soreness subside, you will notice that the stud is a bit longer. When this happens, you may now head back to the piercing experts and have them change it to something smaller and better.
The Best Jewellery For The Medusa Piercing
Unlike other piercings, the Medusa may need a particular structure, especially on the side that is inside the mouth. The best type to wear is flatbacks on the inside and a post and stud on the outside part. This is the labret style stud that is best for the healing process.
If you want to be experimental with other jewelry, you should do it after the piercing has completely healed.
The best material for medusa studs is either solid gold—14-karat gold or implant-grade titanium. On the flip side, you must avoid nickel at all costs.
The Potential Downsides of the Medusa Piercing
Swelling, Redness and Soreness
This is the most prevalent downside to the Medusa piercing which may be a bit annoying than the ear lobe piercing because it is right in the middle of the face. Talking and eating in the first few days may be a challenge because of this.
Discharge
You should also expect some yellowish discharge that hardens and settles on the outer part of the jewelry. This is usually called crusting. There might also be a white ring of tissue and some yellow strings coming from the inside part of the piercing.
Cause of Alarm
The signs above are typical if the pain and soreness are manageable. But in case you feel the pain getting worse, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Especially if this pain is shooting or travels from one location to the next
Other warning signs are when the redness and swelling are unbearable, there is a bluish or black discoloration, pus, and you have a spiking fever. If you experience any of the above, you might have caught an infection and visiting the doctor should be the next step.
Why Getting The Medusa Piercing Is A Good Idea
Everyone has their reason for getting a piercing. Others do it for sentimental reasons, while others simply because they feel it will make them look better. Regardless, I believe that the Medusa is entirely an aesthetic addition to your visage.
Firstly, the Medusa is a petite piercing, and so it does not have an overbearing appearance on your face. It sits comfortably on the cupid’s bow. Actually, it seems like this spot is special just for the Medusa.
Secondly, the Medusa ring emphasizes the shape of the lips, making them appear thicker than they are. The dip you just created gives that illusion.
Does the Medusa Piercing Fit Everyone?
Unfortunately, the Medusa is not for everyone. So if you have any of the below facial structures or conditions, you are better off looking for an alternative lip or face piercing.
- If you have a small cupid’s bow, the ring may appear more prominent than it should, and this will make your face look funny.
- If you have a receding gum line or any other oral issues, you may put yourself in more danger of infections if you get the Medusa. Instead, go for the brow or bridge that does not correlate with your mouth.
Does the Medusa Piercing Hurt?
All piercings do hurt the moment the needle goes in, but I bet you your concern must be after the pricking, right. Well, in that case, yes, the Medusa is painful during and after and may also have a bit of swelling and redness after. But then again, everyone has a different tolerance to pain; one may find it excruciating while another just a breeze.
The good news is that if you have a tongue or nose ring already, you can handle the Medusa with no worries.
How Much Does A Medusa Piercing Cost?
Since it is not your typical piercing that everyone has, the Medusa costs approximately $40 to $80. The price is usually dependant on the artist’s experience plus the type of jewelry you select for the procedure.
Take Away
Getting a medusa seems like a better idea now that you know everything about the procedure, before and after. So do you think you are up for the challenge knowing that it hurts and costs quite a bit?
If you still are, I bet you will be ecstatic to get one finally. Just ensure that it is what you want and get a professional to do it for you. And after the procedure, be vigilant to follow through with the aftercare routine to heal completely. Then and only then can you shine in your solid gold stud that you have been dying to wear. Trust the process to enjoy the results.
