Lips that heal
Question
I want to get my lip pierced with a vertical labret, but I am going to be travelling about a week after I get it done. I was wondering how long I would have to wait after the piercing until I can drink alcohol and kiss?
Also, does this piercing heal quickly and is it more prone to infection than a regular lip piercing? Should I just wait until I get back?
Answer
An oral piercing generally heals quite quickly and usually takes anywhere between four to 12 weeks.
You should be OK to drink alcohol the day after you have had the piercing done. But it's best to avoid kissing until after your piercing has healed. You should also try to cut back on smoking, and avoid chewing gum and playing with your piercing whilst it's healing.
Where are you planning to go travelling? Your destination may play a part in helping you decide if you should wait or not. If you're travelling to a developed country where you have access to good medical services, you should be OK to have it done before you go. However, if you are travelling to a developing country where medical treatment may be harder to find or if you are travelling off the beaten track, you may wish to wait until you return.
If you are still unsure, talk your options through at the piercing salon you are planning to go to, or visit your local doctor (GP), who should be able to advise you about the healing process and safety aspects of piercings.
Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.
