The labret is one of the most versatile and enduring lip piercings. Centred below the lower lip, it sits at the natural focal point of the chin — close enough to the mouth to read as a lip piercing, far enough to be considered a chin piercing in some traditions. A flat-back stud in titanium is understated and professional; a ring once healed is a bolder statement. Many people wear it as a single piece; others layer it with a medusa or snake bites for a fuller lower-face composition.
A labret piercing sits below the lower lip at the centre. It rates around 4/10 on pain, takes 3–4 months to heal fully, and uses a 16G flat-back titanium labret (8–10mm initial length) as starter jewellery. The internal disc sits against the gum — correct sizing prevents long-term gum recession.
Labret Placement Options
"Labret" technically refers to any piercing of the lower lip area. In common usage, it most often means the centred placement directly below the lip. Variations include:
Labret placement variations Switch to HTML view ( <> button ) and paste the block below.
| Placement | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Centre labret | Directly below lower lip, in the chin dimple | Most common; symmetrical; suits most face shapes |
| Side labret | Below lower lip, off-centre left or right | Asymmetric look; pairs well with a Monroe on the opposite upper side |
| Lowbret | Lower on the chin than standard | More visible; greater gum recession risk — discuss with your piercer |
| Vertical labret | Through the lower lip (separate piercing type) | Both ends visible on the face; no internal disc |
Labret Piercing Pain
The labret rates around 4/10 on pain. The skin below the lip is thin and pierces quickly. The sensation is a sharp pressure followed by a brief sting. Most people describe it as comparable to a nostril piercing — manageable, brief, and over before it registers fully.
One unique aspect: as the needle passes through the inner lip, you may feel slight pressure against the inside of your mouth. The piercer will place a cork or backstop inside the lip to protect the inner surface.
| Stage | Timeline | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Weeks 1–3 | Tenderness, mild swelling, clear discharge on the external skin |
| Active healing | Weeks 3–8 | Swelling reduces; internal disc may feel tight as tissue firms |
| Maturing | Months 2–3 | Mostly settled; occasional sensitivity to cold or contact |
| Fully healed | 3–4 months | No discharge, no tenderness, ready for jewellery change |
The external skin settles faster than the internal channel. The tissue around the internal disc is oral mucosa it heals quickly but the full depth of the channel takes longer.
Labret Jewellery: Sizes and Styles
Starter Jewellery
A 16G flat-back labret, 8–10mm length, in implant-grade titanium. The initial bar is longer than the healed measurement to accommodate swelling. The flat back disc (typically 3mm) sits inside the mouth against the gum. Your piercer will downsize to a 6–7mm bar at the 6–8 week check.
Internal Disc Size Matters
The disc that sits inside the mouth should be as small as safely possible typically 3mm. A larger disc creates more contact with the gum, which over years can cause localised gum recession. This is one of the most important reasons to downsize promptly and choose correctly sized jewellery.
Healed Jewellery Options
• Flat-back labrets with decorative tops — the most popular healed look; enormous variety of tops available
• Small seamless hoops — 8–10mm inner diameter; gives the classic lip ring aesthetic
• Clicker rings — hinged for easy daily wear
• Captive bead rings — secure, classic
Browse: Labrets Collection
Labret Aftercare: Inside and Outside
External (skin surface)
• Saline spray twice daily on the front and back of the piercing
• Pat dry with paper towel
• Avoid lip balm, makeup and skin products directly on the site
Internal (inside the mouth)
• Rinse with alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash after every meal
• Rinse with clean water after the mouthwash rinse
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash it damages healing tissue
Food and Drink During Healing
• Avoid spicy, acidic and very hot foods for the first 2 weeks
• Avoid alcohol it thins the blood and delays healing
• Drink plenty of cold water reduces swelling and flushes bacteria
• Avoid chewing gum sticks to jewellery and causes movement
Full guide: Body Piercing Aftercare
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a labret piercing take to heal?
3–4 months for full healing. Initial swelling and tenderness resolve within 3–6 weeks. The external skin heals faster than the internal mucosa channel.
Does a labret piercing damage your teeth?
A correctly fitted labret with a small (3mm) internal disc and correct bar length is very unlikely to cause tooth damage. Discs that are too large or bars that are too long can contact the gum and cause recession over time. Downsize promptly at 6–8 weeks.
What size labret bar do I need?
Initial labret bars are typically 16G (1.2mm) × 8–10mm. Once swelling resolves, your piercer will downsize to 6–7mm. The final healed length depends on your lip thickness your piercer measures this.
Can I wear a ring in my labret straight away?
A flat-back labret is strongly recommended for healing rings move more and cause more irritation. Once fully healed (3–4 months confirmed by your piercer), a seamless hoop or clicker is a great option.
Will a labret scar if I take it out?
Most labret piercings leave a small mark when removed usually a tiny indentation or dot that becomes less visible over time. The longer the piercing has been worn and the larger the jewellery, the more noticeable the mark.