The Medusa Piercing also referred to as philtrum piercing, is a type of piercing located in the philtrum area – on top of your upper lip, under the septum of your nose. Typically, a barbell is used on the area, but a variation may be done, called jestrum, wherein a curved barbell is used so that both balls are visible in the philtrum area.
Medusa Philtrum Piercing Procedure & Pain
Since the Medusa Piercing is penetrating a part of your face, it may be quite painful as layers of skin and tissues have to be perforated. The pain depends on a person’s tolerance, but if you watch Youtube videos where the perforation is shown, you will see that most people who have gone through it have felt discomfort but have immediately recovered when the barbell has been positioned and locked.
If you plan to go through and get a Medusa Piercing, make sure that you brush your teeth well and gargle an antiseptic mouthwash to ensure that bacteria will not infect the area. Your chosen piercer will clean the outer part using alcohol, and mark the area where the jewelry will be positioned.
Preferably, make sure that your piercer wears a pair of gloves so that he won’t have to hold the inside of your mouth using his bare hands. This is an added precaution to prevent probable infection. Your piercer will hold your upper lip for support, and use a sharp needle to penetrate the area from the inside going out on your philtrum where the mark has been made. The jewelry will be attached to the special needle so that it can get through the new hole, and securely lock it so that it won’t be taken off anymore. A barbell is ideal because it is not movable, therefore, proper healing will take place.
Medusa Piercing Price and Costs
Medusa Piercing prices vary depending on your chosen piercer’s expertise. Getting a Medusa Piercing roughly costs between $40 to $85. Remember, since it is a cosmetic procedure, it is not usually covered by your medical insurance unless an infection occurs.
Sexy Medusa Piercing Examples
Here are various different types of jewelry that you can use for your Medusa Piercing. You can change your piercing once it has completely healed, so as to not freshen up the wound. Usually, small barbells are used, but you can do some experiments and choose some of this jewelry available on Etsy.
1. 14K Labret Piercing
2. 14K Solid Gold Cubic Piercing
3. Medusa Monroe Lip Labret
4. Flower Tragus Piercing
5. Gold Brilliant Sparkle Multi-Gem Piercing
6. Hand-Cast Daisy in Sterling Silver
7. Cluster Oval Cz Diamond
8. CZ Diamond Bazel Teardrop Casting
9. Sky Blue Opal
10. Conch Stud Medusa Piercing
11. 16G Fire Opal Teardrop
12. Heart of Brass Surgical Steel
13. Cluster Oval Medusa Lip Piercing
14. 14K Flower Labret Piercing
15. Cz Diamond In Teardrop Shape
16. White Opal In Teardrop Shape
17. Green Crystal Lip Labret
18. 16g Labret Piercing
19.Crystal Teardrop Sugical Steel Medusa
20. 2mm 3mm 4mm Prong Set
21. Cz Diamond Crescent Moon
22. Ying & Yang Stainless Steel Barbell
23. Cz Diamond In Teardrop Shape Casting
24. Brilliant Sparkle Multi-Gem Steel Labret
25. Small 4Mm Stainless Steel Triangle Screw
26. 14K Gold Labret Piercing
27. Mustache Medusa Piercing
28. Lotus Medusa Piercing
29. Tiny Cupcake 4mm
30. Tiny Brass Diamond Piercing
31. Luxury Marquise Piercing
32. 3D Skull in Sterling Silver
Medusa Piercing Aftercare
Since medusa piercing is also considered as a lip piercing, then there are two types of piercing aftercare that you need to follow. First of all, you must use a saline solution in cleaning the outer part of your piercing. Do this twice a day. The next thing to do is to clean the inner part of your piercing. To do this. you must use an appropriate mouthwash and rinse your mouth twice a day. Continue doing this until your medusa piercing is completely healed.
Medusa Piercing Healing Time
The average healing time of your Medusa Piercing usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how careful you are in taking good care of the perforated area. Make sure that you execute appropriate aftercare so that the area will recuperate faster than expected. Choosing the right jewelry also contributes to the healing time.
Medusa Aftercare Instructions
Because your piercing is located on top of your lip, and the lock is usually wet because it’s inside your mouth, you have to understand that proper safety measures must be done so that it will not get infected. You have to do go through two different aftercare procedures – one for the outside and second for the inside.
Cleaning the Outside of a Medusa Piercing
Total Time: 15 minutes
Wash your hands thoroughly
Keeping the area clean is the best way to encourage proper healing od a medusa piercing. Always make sure you clean your hands before touching the area.
Soak the piercing in warm water
Never pick off those crusts around the piercing. Instead, soak it into warm water to soften the dry skin patches.
Apply a saline solution to the area
Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution (preferably a saline solution) on the jewelry and the perforated area and wait for a minute.
Rinse the area
Rinse the pierced area once again using warm water.
Dry the area
Gently pat it dry. Be careful not to snag the piercing with the towel to avoid irritation.
Cleaning the Inside of the Piercing
- Step One
Use an antiseptic mouthwash and gargle it for about a minute. - Step Two
You can also use a saline solution instead or in conjunction with your mouthwash. - Step Three
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush while the wound is still fresh. - Step Four
Carefully brush your teeth to avoid plaque build-up.
Suggested Aftercare Products For Medusa Piercing
Below our favorite products to take care of your philtrum piercing and make sure to cut your piercing healing time in half.
H2Ocean Arctic Ocean Mouthwash
Even if you have a medusa piercing, it is still important that you must always clean your mouth with a mouthwash like H2Ocean Arctic Ocean Mouthwash after eating. H2Ocean arctic rinse mouthwash can heal and protect your medusa piercing. It is safe to use since it does not contain any harmful chemical solutions. This mouthwash is free from alcohol and fluoride, so you can use it regularly.
Recovery Piercing Aftercare Jojoba Oil
Hypertrophic scars can likely form around oral piercings, lip piercings, and cheek piercings. If you develop a hypertrophic scar around your medusa piercing, then you could treat it with a jojoba oil like Recovery Piercing Aftercare Jojoba Oil. But you should only apply it after your medusa piercing has been completely healed. Get a small amount of jojoba oil and massage it into the scar tissue. Do this twice a day until such time that your scar has disappeared.
Oral-B Complete Deep Clean Soft Bristles Toothbrush
When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as Oral-B Complete Deep Clean Soft Bristles Toothbrush. It deeply cleans while massaging your gums. Since it uses power tip bristles then it is capable of reaching hard-to-reach areas.
H2Ocean 4oz Piercing Aftercare Spray
A saline solution such as H2Ocean is highly recommended for cleaning your medusa piercing. Use this on your piercing, two times a day, in the morning and before going to bed. H2Ocean contains natural ingredients, so it’s safe to use on all skin types.
Medusa Lip Piercing Aftercare Tips
The first week of healing is very important. Here are some tips that you need to follow:
- You have to make sure that you eat and drink carefully in order to prevent any irritation on your medusa piercing.
- It is generally recommended that you should avoid smoking most especially during the first week in order to prevent delayed healing.
- Aside from smoking, alcohol consumption must also be avoided. Aside from making your wound dry, it can also damage the tissue of the wound.
- While the piercing area is still healing, you should avoid swimming.
- Finally, kissing must be avoided for at least for a week.
Do you get a scar from the Medusa Piercing?
If you no longer want your Medusa Piercing, you just have to take off the jewelry so that the hole will completely close. Unfortunately, it does leave a small scar.
The Medusa Piercing is certainly aesthetically beautiful! It accentuates your lips even better especially if you have chosen the best jewelry on it. There’s no limit at all! You can use a big or small barbell, whichever you think will look better on you.
If you want to add more piercing on your lip area, you can also check out Monroe Piercing, a type of perforation located on the sides of your upper lip, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s mole. You can also check out different types of Nose Piercings.
Medusa Piercing Q&A
So, you have decided to get a medusa piercing. You probably have some lingering questions. To help you, we have included some frequently asked questions below.
Will a medusa piercing ruin my teeth?
As is the case with all lip piercings, a risk of tooth and gum erosion is present. It wholly depends on the person – some people never experience a problem and some people do.
Will a medusa piercing leave a scar?
The area that was pierced will generally leave a small scar. It shouldn’t be very noticeable, though, as long as you are pierced with a small gauge.
Do medusa piercings swell?
It is normal for a medusa piercing to swell while it is healing. This shouldn’t last long, though; most swelling should recede within one to two weeks when properly cared for.
How often do I need to clean a medusa piercing?
A medusa piercing should be cleaned at least twice a day inside and out. You should use an antibacterial mouthwash each time you finish eating, as well.
What kind of jewelry should you wear with a medusa piercing?
A fourteen or sixteen gauge labret stud is the best jewelry to wear with a medusa. Once it heals, you can switch to a hoop if you wish.
How long must I wait to switch my medusa jewelry out?
You should be fully healed within six to twelve weeks of getting a medusa piercing. Waiting the recommended time to switch your jewelry ensures that it heals correctly and doesn’t close up prematurely.
Medusa Piercing Final Thoughts
There are a plethora of different jewelry options to choose from when you get a philtrum piercing. Once you have selected the right one for you, piercing aftercare is the most important thing to focus on. When you choose the right products, this process and easy and fast. You now have all the information that you need to rock a medusa piercing – now it’s time to go get one!
Hello! My name is Emily and I obsessed with piercings (and tattoos) since I was a little girl of 6 years old. I was fortunate enough to make my passion my work after meeting my amazing husband Jeffrey who owned his own tattoo shop. I just recently finished my internships at some of America’s most famous piercing shops and a dream to start something together was born. After falling in love with each other (and each other’s piercings and tattoos) we decided to expand his tattoo shop and I got to manage my own piercing shop in the same space! I’ve never been so happy being able to share my love for piercings through my shop and this blog I started back in 2013. We love to share models and inspiration, so feel free to email me your suggestions, pictures or if you just want to say hi!