Your guide to snake bite piercings

For those who dare to be a little bold with their piercings, snakebite piercings are an attractive alternative to more traditional piercings for Newmarket and Mississauga residents and their surrounding areas.

This striking lip piercing is eye-catching and paired with the right jewelry can be the perfect accent to your look. But before heading to your favorite piercing parlor, check out our handy guide for everything you need to know about this unique piercing.

What is a snake bite piercing?

Named because they resemble a snakebite, snakebite piercings consist of two lip piercings placed symmetrically near the outer corners of the lower lip.

How wide you want to place your snakebite piercing is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer their piercings to be closer to the corners of their mouths, while others prefer them to be a little closer together, almost like vampire fangs.

Snakebite piercings can be pierced with either rings or lip studs and both give a different and unique look.

How is a piercing done after a snake bite?

First of all, you need to discuss placement with your professional piercer. Since this is your face we're talking about, it's important to choose the right spacing to achieve the look you want. Next, you will choose the decorations. Be sure to choose something that you can wear throughout the healing process! Finally, your piercer will sanitize your skin and insert two brand new, sterilized, hollow needles into your lip at matched locations, often using clamps to make sure the needles work properly. Once the piercing is done, the jewelry will be put back in place and you will be ready for some awesome new piercings!

Does a piercing hurt from a snake bite?

While a snakebite piercing can sound intense, the pain is often at the lower end of the threshold. If you've had a cartilage piercing in the past, lip piercing should be easy! Snake bite and other lip piercings are only slightly more painful than earlobe piercings, as the skin in this area is soft and does not contain too many nerve endings. Often people find the clamps more painful than the needle itself.

Caring for a Piercing After a Snake Bite

Once you've walked out of the piercing salon with your new jewelry, it's important to follow a strict post-op care regimen to ensure your piercing heals properly. First, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing. You will then need to use a saline soak on the outside if your piercing is at least twice a day. You can use a ready-made piercing solution or create your own using pure sea salt and warm water. In addition to cleaning the outside of the piercing, you should rinse your mouth with salt water after eating or drinking. It's also best to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and spicy foods during the healing process, as these can irritate the piercing and slow down the healing process. Other possible irritants that you might want to loosen a new lip piercing with are toothpastes or mint candies with a very strong mint flavor. Instead, opt for a milder tasting toothpaste until your piercing heals. You also want to keep makeup or other skin care products out of your piercing, so avoid this lipstick until you're completely healed!

Healing time for snake bite piercings

A snakebite or other lip piercing usually takes two to four months to heal completely. Never attempt to change jewelry before the piercing is completely healed, as this may prolong the healing process or cause other complications. Compliance with the post-operative care regimen will help ensure that snake bites heal properly and as quickly as possible.

What to do if you suspect an infection

Some redness, swelling and discharge are common during the first week after the piercing. However, if you notice that any of these symptoms persist after the first week, it may be worth checking with a piercer or doctor just in case. If you notice that the skin around your piercing has become hot or you have a fever, contact your doctor immediately as this could be a sign of a more serious infection!

Piercing jewelry after a snake bite

Rings, horseshoes, and lip studs are the most popular snakebite piercing options. Whichever one you choose, be sure to check with your piercer when choosing the right size. Incorrectly selected jewelry can irritate or damage your teeth or gums!

As a general rule, darker studs and rings create a more dramatic look, while lighter colors appear more subtle. We have a fine selection of high quality and quality facial piercing body jewelry at Pierced in Newmarket. Check out some of our selections for inspiration!

Facial Piercing Jewelry