Mantra² Tattooing & Piercing

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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.

Noticeable swelling in the first 3–5 days
Mild bruising around the site
Clear crust on the outside and pale film inside the mouth
Slight tenderness when eating for the first week

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

What's normal

The initial bar is long to allow for swelling. Long-term it damages teeth and gums.

💬 Need some reassurance?

If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You've left the long bar in and are noticing gum recession or tooth wear.

What's normal

Soft, cool foods for the first few days. Avoid spicy and acidic.

💬 Need some reassurance?

If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: Eating remains painful after week one.

What's normal

No kissing or oral contact for at least 2 weeks.

💬 Need some reassurance?

If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You've resumed early and it's now sore, weeping or bumpy.

What's normal

Best avoided for 2 weeks — both slow healing dramatically.

💬 Need some reassurance?

If you're unsure whether everything is healing as expected, send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and our experienced team will happily take a look. We'd always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.
Worth a quick message if: You've smoked heavily and the site is now weeping or very sore.

Healing Checker

Answer a few quick questions tailored to the treatment you're viewing. We'll help you understand what is commonly seen while healing and what to do next. This is guidance, not a diagnosis.

Takes less than 60 seconds

Start Healing Check

Where to go for help

Common healing signs
Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, light flaking or a little clear fluid early on.
Ask the studio
Irritation that is not settling, snagging, jewellery questions or anything unclear.
Seek medical advice today
Increasing pain, heat, spreading redness, yellow or green discharge, fever or feeling unwell. Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111, without waiting for our reply. Seek emergency care if you are seriously unwell.

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.

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NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray bottle

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
Add Aftercare Spray — £13

Free UK delivery over £40