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The Monroe and the Madonna

The Monroe and the Madonna are arguably two of the most well known lip piercings that we are seeing going out of fashion, and it’s such a shame! But what are they? Well they are both individual upper lip piercings that sit either on the left or the right side. They are famously known for representing the beauty marks that were located on both Marilyn Monroe and Madonna. Although Monroe’s beauty mark was situated more on her cheek than above her lip.

Madonna
Right hand side beauty spot
Marilyn Monroe
Left hand side beauty spot

These piercings rose in popularity throughout the late 90’s and early 00’s. They quickly gained traction due to their unique placement, and their famous counterparts. Over recent years we are seeing and piercing less and less of these piercings, however we are seeing a slow introduction of them in various subtly different placements.

These piercings should always be pierced with a flat back labret stud initially. Typically these will be pierced at 16g or 14g (1.2mm or 1.6mm). The length will always vary on anatomy, but can range between 10-14mm with a downsized and healed length of 6-12mm on average. Downsizing is typically performed at the 2-3 week mark for oral piercings, and it is really important that you downsize the length of the jewellery. Wearing oversized bars incredibly increases your risk of tooth and gum damage. This is because you are more likely to catch/bite/pull the bar with your teeth, and with the excess length it is quite common for it to rest and rub at your gum lining. Downsizing and wearing appropriately snug fitting jewellery can help decrease your risk. Some people even find they may have more than one downsize.

Aftercare is super easy for these guys! Follow your 3 basic rules!
1. Keep it clean. Clean the outside 2x a day (morning/evening when you brush your teeth) using a bottle of sterile saline solution and clean kitchen paper. Clean the inside 5x a day (morning/evening and your 3 main meals) with non-alcoholic mouthwash.
2. Keep it dry. Avoid soaking/submerging for 4 weeks. Pat dry with clean kitchen paper after showering.
3. Leave it alone. No twisting/turning/fiddling with your jewellery and don’t use your teeth to pull or play with the bars.
During the healing time it is important your avoid smoking, snacking and any sexual intercourse (which does include kissing. However, if you do decide to do any of these things, be smart and group it together with a mouthwash or rinse with plain cool water afterwards.
If you would like to read a full in depth aftercare and healing times head over to our website here!

We currently have 5 piercers across 2 studios in Birmingham and Nottingham who can offer a huge range of oral piercings. This includes the infamous Madonna and Monroe, as well as the classic philtrum’s and labrets, to more unique verticals and eve the trickiest oral piercings: Cheeks.
If you want to book in for any of these piercings or have a more in depth chat in person feel free to book in or contact us!

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