A Monroe piercing is a facial piercing above the upper lip resembling Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark. It is an oral piercing that can be placed on either side of the face and requires proper aftercare to prevent infection. Wind instrument players should consider the piercing’s impact on their sound. The piercing process involves sterilization, marking, and piercing. Aftercare includes keeping the site clean and using anti-inflammatory medication.
A Monroe piercing is a facial piercing found in the soft flesh just above the upper lip, exactly like Marilyn Monroe’s classic beauty mark. Often, a Monroe piercing is done with a very small stud, enhancing the resemblance to a beauty mark. This piercing is also known as a Crawford or Madonna piercing, referencing two other famous women with distinctive marks of beauty.
Technically, the Monroe piercing should be considered an oral piercing, which means that aftercare instructions will include steps to maintain oral health. Like other oral piercings, a Monroe will heal very quickly if well cared for, with most healing within six weeks. After the initial healing period, the labret stud used for the initial piercing can be replaced with a shorter stud, which will reduce the amount of projection from the face, making the Monroe piercing look more natural.
Monroes can be placed on either side of the face, depending on personal taste and anatomy. As a general rule, these piercings can be placed on anyone, although wind instrument players may want to consider the fact that the piercing may interfere with the sound of their instruments. Also, the piercing can be more painful, a result of thicker muscle around the upper lips that develops over years of practicing with a wind instrument.
Thanks to widespread adoption by celebrities, the Monroe piercing has become socially acceptable in many parts of the world. However, facial piercings can attract discrimination or unwanted attention, and this is something all piercers should consider before taking the plunge.
The piercing process begins with sterilizing the site to ensure it is clean before being pierced, and then the piercer will don gloves and use a marker to mark the piercing site so the piercee can examine it in the mirror. If the placement seems appropriate, the piercer will grasp the upper lip, pierce it, and then thread the jewelry behind the needle.
As with all puncture wounds, there is always the possibility of infection with a Monroe piercing. The piercing site should be kept clean with antibacterial soap, and regular mouthwash and toothbrushing are recommended to keep the mouth clean. Piercings benefit from free airflow, minimal interference, and periodic sea salt soaks to reduce the risk of infection and swelling; some people also find that the use of anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling as well.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
