The Monroe piercing, which is also known as the Madonna or Crawford piercing, is named after Marilyn Monroe, Madonna and Cindy Crawford because it is located in the same area as their beauty marks. The Monroe piercing is located above the upper lip. Of course, the side where it is put defines the name of the piercing. A labret stud, which is also used to pierce the chin area, is used for a Monroe piercing. And, some people choose to have this type of piercing because of its uniqueness and extraordinary appeal. With a black, rounded stud, it looks like a beauty mark. And, with a sparkling gem, it looks like a star on your face.

The good thing about getting a Monroe piercing is the fact that it heals faster than most piercings. Also, because the mouth contains enzymes that can kill bacteria, the chances of getting an infection are lesser. But, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t any risks of getting one. Also, if placed the wrong way, a Monroe piercing can ruin your teeth and gums. Here are some things that you should remember when you get a Monroe Piercing.

Treating the Swelling

After getting your Monroe Piercing, you will experience some swelling. You can alleviate the pain by putting some ice or eating some ice cream, frozen yoghourt or anything cold. If you are very sensitive to pain, you can also take some Ibuprofen. These measures will definitely cause the swelling and the pain to let up.

Keep it Clean

Because a piercing is not very different from a wound, the process of its healing will include the secretion of a yellowish fluid which consists of dead cells and blood plasma. After this fluid has dried, it will leave a crusty substance on the surface of the area that was pierced. You should brush this off using a soft bristle tooth brush. Some of the crust may also appear on the skin above your upper lip. If that’s the case, you can wash it with some warm water and anti-bacterial soap.

In order to avoid exposing your piercing to pieces of food and bacteria, do brush your teeth after every meal. You should also keep this clean by gargling a medical-grade oral rinse like Tech 2000 or Biotene for 30 to 60 seconds after eating. This should be done for three to six weeks or until the piercing has fully healed. If you cannot find a medical grade oral rinse, you can always opt for a solution that consists of water and oral antiseptic.

In order to make your piercing heal faster, you should soak it in sea salt water solutions. This can be prepared by mixing eight ounces of water with one-fourth teaspoon of salt. You can also do this if you decide to smoke or drink during your healing period although you’re supposed to stay away from alcohol and tobacco during this time. These substances might irritate your piercing.

Following these instructions will help you prevent infections and cause your piercing to heal properly. After acquiring your Monroe piercing, you should visit your dentist regularly since this type of piercing can damage your gums and teeth if you are not careful.