What is what gauge are lip piercings?

Lip piercings, like other body piercings, use a gauge system to measure the thickness of the jewelry and the piercing itself. Understanding gauge sizes is crucial for comfortable healing and avoiding complications.

Here's a breakdown of common lip piercing gauges:

• Most Common Starting Gauge: The most frequent starting gauge for a fresh lip piercing is 16 gauge (1.2mm). This size offers a good balance between stability and allowing the piercing to heal properly.

• Other Possible Starting Gauges: In some cases, a piercer might use a 14 gauge (1.6mm), particularly if the client desires a slightly thicker piece of jewelry from the outset or has thicker lips. Rarely, some piercers might use 18 gauge (1.0mm), but this is less common due to potential for cheese cutter effect.

• Stretching: After the initial healing period (which can vary), individuals may choose to stretch their lip piercing to accommodate larger jewelry. This process should be done gradually and carefully to avoid tearing or scarring. Common stretched sizes include 12g, 10g, and larger.

• Gauge and Jewelry: The gauge of the piercing dictates the gauge of the jewelry that can be worn. It's important to use jewelry made of biocompatible materials such as implant-grade stainless steel, titanium, or bioplast, especially during the healing phase.

• Considerations: Choosing the appropriate gauge should be discussed with a professional piercer, taking into account the individual's anatomy, desired aesthetic, and pain tolerance. Downsizing the jewelry after the initial swelling subsides is also critical for promoting proper healing.