Lip Piercing
Lip piercing. Swells significantly in the first few days — cold drinks and soft food help.
Healing Time
6–8 weeks
Cleaning
Twice daily
Downsize
2–4 weeks
Jewellery
Implant-grade titanium
Step by step
Healing timeline
Day 1
- Swelling peaks over the first 2–3 days
- Sip iced water; suck on ice if it helps
- Eat soft, cool food — nothing spicy or acidic
Week 1
- Spray the outside with NeilMed Fine Mist twice a day
- Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, drinking or smoking
- No kissing, oral contact, sharing drinks or cutlery
- No smoking, vaping or alcohol
Weeks 2–4
- Book a downsize now — the initial long bar starts hitting the teeth once swelling drops
- Continue rinsing after meals
- Ease back to normal food and drink as it feels comfortable
After healing
- Fully healed at 6–8 weeks
- Long-term jewellery: implant-grade titanium with a flat disc against the gum
Reassurance
Normal during healing
Everyday sensations you can expect during healing.
Watch out for
When to contact us
Know the difference between typical irritation and something that needs attention.
Common issues
- Long bar hitting the teeth once swelling drops
- Trapped food on the disc
- Smoking or vaping delaying healing
- Snagging while eating
Contact the studio
- Bump that isn't settling with a clean routine
- Persistent redness or tenderness beyond week 2–3
- Jewellery feeling tight against the skin
- Anything you're unsure about — send us a photo
Contact us urgently
If you notice any of these, contact us straight away. We'll advise whether to come in for a check-up or seek urgent medical care.
- Spreading redness or a red streak away from the piercing
- Hot skin with throbbing pain that worsens by the day
- Thick yellow or green discharge with a foul smell
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
Helpful tips
Extra advice for your lip piercing
Lip tips
- Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, drinking or smoking
- No smoking, vaping or alcohol for the first two weeks
- Book a downsize once swelling drops or the long bar can damage teeth
- No kissing or oral contact for at least 2 weeks
- Eat soft, cool food for the first few days
FAQs
Healing Checker
Answer a few quick questions tailored to the treatment you're viewing. We'll help you understand whether your healing appears normal and what you should do next.
Takes less than 60 seconds
Still need help?
Send us a clear photo and one of our experienced team members will review it and advise on the next steps. If appropriate, we'll recommend a studio check-up or seeking medical advice.
Studio Recommended · Aftercare
NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray
Professional aftercare recommended by our piercers. Sterile saline fine mist that keeps new piercings clean without burning or stinging.
- Sterile saline
- Drug free
- Any-angle mist
- 177ml bottle
Free UK delivery over £40