Philtrum (Medusa) Piercing
The philtrum, also called a Medusa, sits in the groove between the top lip and the nose, right on the centre line. It's a centred, balanced statement piece that draws the eye without overwhelming your look. We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will confirm the exact placement with you.
- Pain level
- 3 to 4 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 13 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Flatback post 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 Philtrum (Medusa) Piercing?
A philtrum piercing, often called a Medusa, sits centred in the groove between the top lip and the nose. Its central placement makes it a naturally balanced piece that suits most face shapes.
Because it sits on the centre line, symmetry is important, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will mark the exact spot with you before piercing. 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 philtrum 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 philtrum is pierced with a 16 gauge flatback post. Browse our philtrum jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Philtrum (Medusa) Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will mark the centre of your philtrum with you to confirm symmetry.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise channel.
- A 16 gauge flatback post is fitted with a small gem or ball 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.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing takes time, and oral care matters just as much as skin care for a philtrum 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, oral hygiene, 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 Philtrum (Medusa) Piercing
The right jewellery makes all the difference to comfort while your philtrum heals, and to how centred the finished look sits.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every philtrum with a 16 gauge flatback post 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 top 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 philtrum piercing?
A philtrum, also called a Medusa, sits centred in the groove between the top lip and the nose.
Does a philtrum piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 3 to 4 out of 10. You'll feel a quick pinch through the lip 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.
Why is it called a Medusa piercing?
Medusa is another common name for the philtrum piercing, referring to its central placement above the top lip.
How long does a philtrum 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 philtrum piercing?
We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post.
When can I downsize my philtrum 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 my philtrum piercing be perfectly centred?
Our piercing specialists mark the placement with you before piercing to check it's centred and symmetrical to your features.
Can I get a philtrum 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 philtrum pairs well with other lip and facial placements. Check our lip piercing guide for more, or explore some of our most popular lip piercings below.
