Upper Lip / Lower Lip Piercing
Also known as a Monroe, Madonna or side labret depending on placement, upper and lower lip piercings sit between the centre line and the corner of the mouth. It's a flexible style that lets you choose exactly where the jewellery sits. We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will help you choose the perfect spot.
- 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 An Upper Lip Or Lower Lip Piercing?
Upper lip and lower lip piercings sit between the centre line and the corner of the mouth, and go by different names depending on the exact spot, including Monroe, Madonna and side labret. It's a flexible style you can position to suit your face.
Placement is entirely personal, so our SK Certified piercing specialists will talk through your options and mark the 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 lip 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 upper or lower lip piercing is pierced with a 16 gauge flatback post, though 14 gauge may be used depending on your anatomy. Browse our lip jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Upper Lip / Lower Lip Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will talk through placement options and mark the spot with you.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle for a clean, precise channel.
- A 16 gauge flatback post is fitted with a flat disc on the inside to protect your teeth and gums.
- 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 lip piercings.
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 eating.
- 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 Upper Lip / Lower Lip Piercing
The right jewellery makes all the difference to comfort while your lip piercing heals, and to how it looks once it's settled.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every lip 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 lip jewellery collection, including premium titanium and gold tops.
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 an upper lip or lower lip piercing?
Upper and lower lip piercings sit between the centre line and the corner of the mouth, and include styles such as the Monroe, Madonna and side labret.
Does a lip 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.
What's the difference between a Monroe and a Madonna piercing?
Both sit above the upper lip, with placement varying slightly by side and position. Our piercing specialists can talk you through the exact spot at your appointment.
How long does a lip 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 lip piercing?
We pierce with a 16 gauge flatback post. 14 gauge may be used depending on your anatomy.
When can I downsize my lip 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 lip piercing affect my teeth?
A flatback post with a flat disc on the inside helps protect your teeth and gums, but oral hygiene matters throughout healing. See our lip piercing guide for more.
Can I get a lip 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
An upper or lower lip piercing 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.
