Editing Lip piercing (section)

== Procedure and healing ==
[[File:Snakebites.png|thumb|Lip piercings are sometimes worn in pairs or sets.]]

Approximate healing time for most lip piercings is between 1 and 3 months; however, there is a possibility of serious infection if the piercing is not properly taken care of.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3201389.stm | work=BBC News | title=Body piercing rules announced | date=2003-09-02}}</ref> After healing is complete, other jewelry may be used. After this time, some [[scar|scar tissue]] may be present, but the [[fistula]] is normally fully developed and mostly healed. Aftercare consists of hot saline soaks two to three times daily. Soaking the wound for three to five minutes with a weak saline solution softens any blood and [[lymph]] discharge attached to the jewelry. Afterwards, taking a hot shower and using clean hands and a small amount of a mild soap such as castile soap removes excess matter from the site. Turning or otherwise moving jewelry on a fresh piercing is not advised, as it can irritate and lengthen swelling and healing time. Diluted mouthwash or salt water solution can also be used after meals along with toothbrushing to help remove debris and flush the piercing and is recommended by practitioners.

Initial jewelry is usually a [[labret]] stud or a [[captive bead ring]], manufactured from implant-grade [[titanium]] or similar lightweight and inert metal. No matter which type of jewelry is used, the jewelry's diameter and length will be intentionally oversized to allow room for initial [[Swelling (medical)|swelling]]. After healing, the jewelry can be replaced with a closer-fitting piece.
A home-made [[saline solution]] made from non-iodized sea salt and hot distilled or filtered water is a common way to heal a lip piercing and avoid infection. This solution can be used to rinse out the mouth after eating (or the mouth can be rinsed with non-alcoholic, non-antimicrobial mouth wash) and to soak the outside of the piercing. Anything with alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or any strong soaps should be avoided because they may irritate the fresh piercing, and cause additional swelling and trauma during the healing process. Using peroxide, iodine, teatree oil, conventional antibacterial soap, or dish soap can damage or kill the skin in and around the piercing, extending the healing process. The use of Hydrogen peroxide can damage the piercing site more, resulting in irritation of the piercing. The ornament should be periodically cleansed to prevent bacterial plaque accumulation.