An In-Depth Guide to the Different Types of Face Piercings

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Are you thinking of getting a facial piercing? That’s pretty cool, but even better is knowing all your options. Some face piercings are permanent, so it’s worth finding out all the information you need to make the right decisions. 

It’s good that we’ve put together this comprehensive guide about the different types of face piercings. You’ll learn about them and the possible risks involved. We’re also sharing tips on how to get a safe piercing done.


8 Types of Face Piercings 

The various types of face piercings are categorized based on their position on the face.

Nose Piercings 

nose piercing

A nose piercing is one of the most common piercing types. In the Eastern (Oriental) culture,  women had nose piercings as a social or tribal symbol. Today, it is considered fashionable and done by both men and women, especially in the western world. 

The different types of nose piercings are named based on the part of the nose that is pierced. They include: 

  • Nostril piercing: It goes through the nostril cartilage. 
  • Nasallang piercing: It goes horizontally through both nostrils and the septum.
  • Rhino piercing: It goes through the tip of the nose. It’s similar to a rhino’s horn.
  • Septum piercing: It goes through the nasal septum (thin cartilage between your nostrils).
  • Septril piercing: It’s a combination of a rhino and septum piercing.
  • Austin bar piercing: It goes through the tip of the nose without traversing the nostrils or septum

The pain level of these piercings varies based on the piercing site and an individual’s pain tolerance. Healing time will also differ but can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. 


Lip Piercings

woman with a pierced lip

You can have a lip piercing done on either the upper or lower lip. Although the lips are sensitive, it typically doesn’t hurt much. It usually takes about 2 to 3 months to heal completely. 

The different types of lip piercings include:

  • Labret: It goes through the center of the lower lip.
  • Medusa: It appears below the septum, above the upper lip.
  • Monroe: It appears above the upper lip on the left side. It’s named after Marilyn Monroe’s birthmark above her lip.
  • Madonna: It appears on the right side of the upper lip.
  • Ashley: It goes through the center of the lower lip exiting at the back of the lip into the mouth.
  • Snakebite: It’s a double lip piercing at both corners of the lower lip.
  • Angel bite: It’s a symmetrical double piercing on both sides above the upper lip.
  • Smiley: It goes through the thin piece of skin (frenulum) that connects the inside of your upper lip with your gum.
  • Frowny: It goes through the frenulum connecting your lower lip with your lower gum.

Third Eye Piercing

Third eye piercing

Source 

The third eye piercing is a vertical piercing located between the eyebrows. It derives its name from the fact that it resembles a third eye. 

The piercer makes a perforation by pinching the skin of the forehead, and both ends of the jewelry are typically visible. However, when only one part of the jewelry is visible, it is known as a microdermal third eye. 

Although it is popular among women, men can also rock this piercing. It usually takes 4 to 6 months to heal. 

💡 Caution: With the third eye piercing, your body might reject the piercing, leaving you with a scar in the middle of your forehead.


Eyebrow Piercing 

eyebrow piercing

The eyebrow piercing is one of the most popular face piercings. It is a vertical piercing made along the brows and takes about 2 to 3 months to heal. It is more likely to be rejected than other piercings, especially when the wrong type of jewelry is used. 

Curved barbells and rings are a popular choice for this piercing. Straight barbells or heavy jewelry can increase the risk of rejection. You can choose to have more than one eyebrow piercing and then mix and match the jewelry.


Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing

horizontal eyebrow piercing

The horizontal eyebrow piercing is placed horizontally above, beneath, or within the eyebrow. It’s not as painful as other facial piercings. You’ll feel a little pressure or a pinch. However, like all surface piercings, it’s at risk of rejection. 

The most common type of jewelry for horizontal eyebrow piercings is the curved barbells. 


Bridge Piercing 

bridge piercing

The bridge piercing, also known as an Erl piercing, is a surface piercing made on the bridge of the nose. It has a higher chance of rejection than some other types of piercings, but it hurts less since it’s a surface piercing. 

It takes about 2 to 3 months to heal. If you’re up for looking edgy, it’s the perfect piercing as it draws attention to your eyes. Barbells are a great choice of jewelry for a bridge piercing, particularly curved barbells. 


Anti-eyebrow Piercing

anti-eyebrow piercing

Source 

The anti-eyebrow piercing, sometimes called a butterfly piercing, is located on the upper cheek, usually in line with the eyebrow’s tail. It is a surface piercing and takes about 2 to 3 months to heal. This type of piercing has a massive chance of rejection and scarring. A surface barbell is a suitable jewelry type for this piercing. 


Cheek Piercing

cheek piercing

A cheek piercing is also called a dimple piercing. It goes through the cheeks into the mouth and gives the illusion of dimples in individuals without them. It further highlights dimples in people that have them. Labret stud jewelry is popular for cheek piercings. 

Of all the types of face piercings, cheek piercings come with the highest risks. For example, you risk damaging your teeth when the jewelry continuously rubs against them. Also, you’re more prone to infections with pus swellings and pain. 

Cheek piercings have a lengthy healing period, taking as long as six months and sometimes even up to a year. If you’re not up for taking special care of your piercing for that long, this is probably not the piercing for you. 

💡 Take Note: Seek the services of a verified professional. If your cheek piercing is done unprofessionally, the piercer could damage your salivary duct, causing complications like saliva running down your cheek.


Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you have general information about the different types of face piercings you can get, you may have specific questions in your mind. That’s why we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions. 

What is a cheekbone piercing called? 

A cheekbone piercing is also known as a dimple piercing. This is because it gives the illusion of a dimple, as the piercing appears where a dimple typically would.

Do cheek holes grow back?

Cheek holes can grow back, especially if you remove the jewelry before it heals. The time it will take differs among individuals. Take note that while the hole closes, it typically causes scarring.

Do you need dimples to get cheek piercings?

No, you don’t need dimples to get cheek piercings. People without dimples can get cheek piercings. The jewelry gives the illusion of a dimple.


Tips to Note for Face Piercings 

Piercings are cool and fun to have only when they’re without complications. If you’ve decided to get a facial piercing, keep these tips in mind to look as edgy as you want while remaining healthy.

Tips for Getting Face Piercings Safely

Some of the tips for getting safe face piercings include:

  • Go to a professional piercer.
  • Ensure the piercer practices a high level of hygiene, such as wearing gloves and sterilizing non-disposable equipment.
  • After piercing, follow your piercer’s instructions for aftercare to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Avoid swimming while your piercing is still healing to reduce the risk of infection.

Who should avoid face piercings?

Avoid face piercings if:

  • You’re prone to keloid formation – any trauma to the skin, such as piercings, can cause them. 
  • You have a chronic medical condition that might increase your risk for infections. 
  • You’re on immunosuppressants which also put you at risk for infections.

💡 Take note: If you have any underlying health conditions, speak with your healthcare provider before getting any piercings.

Dangers of Face Piercing

Some of the dangers of face piercing include:

  • Allergic reactions to jewelry that contains nickel
  • Jewelry may get caught up with clothes which can cause a minor or major tear 
  • Piercing rejection, which leads to scarring
  • Infection at the piercing site is particularly common with piercings such as cheek piercings
  • Nose jewelry can be potentially sucked in

How to Hide Face Piercings

If you need to hide your face piercings, here are some tips you may find helpful:

  • Use a piercing retainer instead of flashy jewelry.
  • Buy the tiniest jewelry possible.
  • Use concealer and foundation to hide the pierced hole, but first, cover the hole with a trimmed bandage.
  • Use a blister bandage to cover the piercing with or without jewelry.

Even better, consider piercing other parts of your body that are not visible, like your navel or wearing a fake piercing you can easily remove.


Get Edgy

There are many types of face piercings to try out. Nose piercings are the most common type, but lips and eyebrow piercings are increasing in popularity. The more types of face piercings you get, the edgier you’ll look. So, if that’s your style, go for it. 

Remember to get your piercing done by a professional in a hygienic environment. Also, follow aftercare instructions to avoid any complications.

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