Vertical Labret piercings are one of the most popular lip piercing choices because they are so eye-catching and unique. A vertical labret goes vertically through the centre of the lower lip - one end sits on top of the lower lip and the other exits just below the lip where a standard labret would sit. Unlike a traditional labret, it doesn't go through into the mouth, which means no contact with your teeth or gums.

This is a very anatomy dependent piercing, so your piercer will check your lip thickness and placement to make sure it's suitable for you. Discuss the options with your piercer and decide what's best for you.

Will it hurt? Vertical labret piercings are reported to be a potentisply painful piercing, most people rate it around a 7/10. It is important to remember that piercing pain is always entirely subjective and that each individual will have a different experience. Placement and your own anatomy matters. The procedure should only take a minute to do which most people find quite reassuring. The lip can be a sensitive area due to nerves located in the area, but it varies from person to person and you can take comfort in the fact that this type of piercing is really quick.

Healing: Vertical Labret piercings usually take 6 - 8 weeks for initial healing, but can take up to 6 months to be fully mature. This can vary depending on aftercare and your own body. Like all lip piercings they can shrink or close really quickly so keep the jewellery in at all times if you want to keep the piercing.

When caring for your Vertical Labret piercing, ensure that you:

• Clean both the top and bottom entry holes of your piercing twice a day. 

• Refrain from touching the piercing to allow the tender tissue to heal and to reduce the risk of inflammation and pain. 

• The jewellery must be kept in at all times, or you can risk the piercing closing over. • Avoid spicy, acidic or very hot foods as this could irritate the piercing. 

• Don't smoke or drink alcohol as this could make your healing time last a lot longer. 

• Don't apply any cosmetics, lip balms, oils or lipstick to this area to avoid any irritation. 

• Don't fiddle with the piercing and make sure your hands are clean when you touch the piercing. 

• Regularly check the threaded ends of the jewellery for tightness due to how much we move our lips. 

• You can dramatically reduce the risk of any problems by following this advice. 

Jewellery: For a vertical labret a curved barbell is the only safe jewellery for this type of piercing. For your initial piercing you will be pierced with a high-quality titanium curved barbell in your choice of silver or gold finish. This jewellery is a lot longer than needed. This is to accommodate any swelling you may encounter post piercing, however rare it happens, it is always best to play it safe.

Book your appointment here: www.bookapiercing.co.uk 

Read aftercare info here: www.ljaze.co.uk/aftercare

Read healing info here: www.ljaze.co.uk/healing