What Are Shark Bite Piercings?
Shark bite piercings are two sets of double piercings on either side of the lower lip.
How Does the Process Work?
Getty/Design by Cristina Cianci
Once the needle is pushed into the skin, its followed by the labret or barbell backing.
Having multiple piercings in one location doesnt lower the healing time in comparison to just one.
However, it does require more attention during aftercare.
Just how much it hurts depends on your pain tolerance, as everyones body processes pain differently.
Applyinga numbing creamprior to your appointment can help with the pain.
How your piercer works is also a factor, saysEileen Cabral,an experienced piercer atDark Rose Tattoo Studio.
So its important to talk about the procedure before booking.
If the piercer uses a clamp for pressure, it usually helps with the pain, says Cabral.
If the piercer is more aggressive, a needle is just inserted without a clampthat hurts.
Johnson, for example, is located in Utah and charges about $40 per piercing.
On the other hand, Cabral charges about $60 for a set of two.
Ultimately,expect to payabout $40$75 per hole.
The other stipulation is that your piercer may charge separately for the jewelry.
Basic jewelry is included in the price.
However, there is an option to spend more to upgrade, says Johnson.
Aftercare
Its important to care for your piercings attentively until they are fully healed.
To do that, youll have to clean your piercings three times a day, says Johnson.
You have to consider that its a wet and dry environment, says Cabral.
First, clean the outside of the piercings with a sterile saline solution.
For the inside of the piercings, using mouthwash is essential.
Side Effects of Piercing
Infection:Infection[is the] most common, says Liu.
However, be sure that the piercings are fully healed.
Otherwise, they could cause irritation and potentially even an infection.
How to change out the jewelry depends on what throw in you were pierced with.
If youre not sure, just reach out to a professional, says Liu.
Somebody very experienced with piercings may be able to change it themselves, agrees Johnson.
However, getting help is never a bad idea.
What punch in of Jewelry Is Used for Shark Bite Piercings?
Typically, labrets [are used], says Johnson.
Standard barbells are used for people with thick lips.
This is the most typical kind of jewelry for lip piercings.
What Jewelry Material Is Used for Shark Bite Piercings?
I recommend sticking to less allergic ones, says Liu.
Nickel and, less commonly, goldare metalsthat can commonly cause contact dermatitis.
Its imperative that, if you go for gold, it is 14 karat or higher.
Otherwise, your jewelry could harbor harmful bacteria.
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2019 Aug 19;5:2059513119868659. doi: 10.1177/2059513119868659.
