Here's what we will cover:1. Anatomy2. What to expect after piercing3. Aftercare4. Jewelry Options |
So... What is a Jestrum Piercing??
Professionally known as a vertical philtrum, a jestrum piercing is placed at the top of the upper lip and goes through to the underside of the upper lip.
A vertical philtrum piercing is basically the top lip version of a vertical labret. This piercing is similar to a philtrum piercing, where the placement is near the cupid’s bow of the lip. Unlike the traditional philtrum piercing, however, vertical philtrum's are pierced with a curved barbell and exit vertically, rather than horizontally. Because of the exit point, vertical philtrum's are less likely to cause tooth and gum damage.
Anatomy:
Like many piercings, vertical philtrum piercings depend on anatomy. Your piercer should ensure that there is enough flesh in the center of the upper lip to support a piercing. Similar to an eyebrow piercing, this piercing is a surface piercing. Without enough tissue, this piercing may not be stable and have a higher risk of rejection.
Read our Guide to Eyebrow Piercings here.
View of vertical philtrum piercing from side profile.
What to Expect After Piercing:
Your new piercing will be fit with a curved barbell that is extra long to accommodate for swelling. Your piercer should provide a timeline for when it will be appropriate to return to have your bar downsized.
The lip is a sensitive area and will swell in the days following your piercing. If the swelling exceeds the length of your bar (and the jewelry looks like it is being engulfed by your lip) return to your piercer to have a longer bar put in.
Having had a labret piercing and a philtrum piercing, I often compare the two experiences. While my vertical philtrum definitely swelled more than my labret, I actually found the overall healing process easier (I loved the swelling, it was like mini lip injections!) Unlike my experiences with my labret, I didn’t have to navigate the new sensation of metal jewelry in my mouth nor did I worry about accidentally biting down on my jewelry. In either case, the mouth is a fast healing area, so a little swelling or uncomfortability was well worth it for me!
Ruby, Pierced Owl Social Media Girl
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Aftercare:
Lip and oral piercings require a high level of aftercare. In addition to keeping the area clean with saline sprays, it is also imperative that all products used around the area are safe for new piercings. This means that oral products (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.) being used should not contain harsh chemicals (such as whitening ingredients) that could prolong or disrupt your healing.
Read our Aftercare Guide here.
Furthermore, makeup and lip products should be kept away from your piercing while healing. Avoid applying skincare products, foundation, and lipstick near the area. Although your lips may become dry while they heal, do not apply chapstick to your piercing! Stay hydrated instead, and if necessary, apply chapstick to the farside of your lips.
Once your piercing has healed, you can resume use of all your previously used products!
Jewelry Options:
After your piercing has fully healed you have the option to change your jewelry! When shopping, seek out curved barbells that are the correct gauge for your piercing. The standard gauge size for vertical philtrum piercings may vary by piercer. Since it is more advanced to heal, some piercers opt to go in with a larger needle, like a 14 or 12 gauge.
Shop our options for curved barbells here.
