Jestrum (Vertical Philtrum) Piercing
Also known as a vertical Medusa, the Jestrum starts like a philtrum but passes vertically through the upper lip, showing both ends of the jewellery. It's a bold variation on a classic placement. We pierce with a 16 gauge curved barbell, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will confirm the placement with you first.
- Pain level
- 4 to 5 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 13 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Curved barbell View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 2-4 weeks
- Fully healed:
- Minimum 4 months
Two Piercings From $80
Get two of your favourite standard piercings for just $80 when pierced with selected surgical steel jewellery. Read more
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
* Available from 13 years with parental consent, 16 years and over without. Check our ID and consent requirements here.Note: in WA you must be 18 years to get pierced without parental consent.
What Is A Jestrum (Vertical Philtrum) Piercing?
A Jestrum, also called a vertical philtrum, starts in the same spot as a standard philtrum but passes vertically through the upper lip, so both ends of the jewellery are visible. It's a bold variation on a classic placement.
Because both ends sit visibly on the surface, this piercing suits fuller upper lips especially well. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your anatomy first. Read more on our piercing info page.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
We pierce every Jestrum with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're looked after from consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.
Choosing Your Jewellery
Every Jestrum is pierced with a 16 gauge curved barbell. Browse our philtrum jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Jestrum (Vertical Philtrum) Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will mark the entry and exit points above your top lip with you.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise vertical channel.
- A 16 gauge curved barbell is fitted so both ends sit visibly on the surface.
- You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, plus advice on when to come back for downsizing.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Ready to book in? Check our age, ID and consent requirements before your visit so you know what to bring.
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Aftercare
Healing takes time, and oral care matters just as much as skin care for a Jestrum piercing.
Your Daily Routine
Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.
- Clean with sterile saline twice daily, especially after meals.
- Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Be mindful of smoking, alcohol, makeup and skincare.
When Can I Change My Jewellery?
We recommend downsizing between 2 to 4 weeks once the initial swelling has settled, with full healing taking a minimum of 4 months.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- 2-4 weeks
- Fully healed:
- Minimum 4 months
Jewellery For Your Jestrum (Vertical Philtrum) Piercing
The right barbell makes all the difference to comfort while your Jestrum heals, and to how balanced it looks.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every Jestrum with a 16 gauge curved barbell in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full philtrum jewellery collection for more styles.
Not Sure What Metal Suits You?
If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.
FAQs
What is a Jestrum piercing?
A Jestrum, also called a vertical philtrum, passes vertically through the upper lip so both ends of the jewellery are visible.
Does a Jestrum piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 4 to 5 out of 10, a little more than a standard philtrum since it passes through more tissue. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
How is a Jestrum different from a philtrum?
A philtrum sits as a single point above the top lip, while a Jestrum passes vertically through the lip so both ends show.
How long does a Jestrum piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 4 months. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares.
What jewellery is used for a Jestrum piercing?
We pierce with a 16 gauge curved barbell.
When can I downsize my Jestrum piercing?
We recommend downsizing between 2 to 4 weeks once the initial swelling has settled. Read why downsize your piercing for more on timing.
Will a Jestrum suit my lips?
It tends to suit fuller upper lips especially well. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will check your anatomy at your appointment. See our lip piercing guide.
Can I get a Jestrum piercing as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
Yes, this piercing qualifies for our two piercings from $80 deal when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.
Explore More Lip Piercings
A Jestrum pairs well with other lip placements. Check our lip piercing guide for more on choosing your placement, or explore some of our most popular lip piercings below.
