Marilyn Monroe knows sexy, and that’s why the Monroe piercing was named after her! The Monroe piercing lives on the upper left lip, mimicking her iconic beauty spot. Thinking about getting one? You’ve come to the right place. In this Monroe piercing guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this subtle and sexy lip piercing, including piercing aftercare guidelines, Monroe piercing jewelry types, piercing pain tolerance, the Monroe piercing procedure, and so much more. Ready to get started?

Monroe Piercing

What is a Monroe Piercing?

Monroe Piercing Location:

As we mentioned above, the Monroe piercing sits on the skin above your top left lip. It’s located in the same location as Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beauty mark.

Monroe Piercing Process:

This piercing is typically performed with a sterile 14-gauge or 16-gauge hollow piercing needle. Ask a professional for more information on the Monroe piercing procedure before getting your piercing.

Healing Time:

These piercings heal in about 6-12 weeks. Note: the healing process varies from person to person.

Recommended Monroe Piercing Jewelry:

Labret jewelry like flat back labret lip rings.


Now that you know the basics, let’s dig a little deeper with some popular piercing FAQs and learn more about this stylish body piercing:

Monroe Piercing Pain, Healing Times, Piercing Aftercare Tips, and More

How long does it take a Monroe Piercing to heal?

Monroe piercing healing times will vary from person to person and will depend on your body. Typically, a Monroe piercing takes about 6-12 weeks to completely heal. To ensure proper healing for your oral piercing, be sure to follow proper aftercare routines, practice proper oral hygiene (like brushing your teeth), and keep the original piece of jewelry in the piercing until it’s completely healed.

Do Monroe piercings hurt?

Piercing pain depends on your pain tolerance. We recommend talking with a piercing professional about pain management during the piercing process and healing process.

How much does a Monroe piercing cost?

Piercing prices vary from city to city. We recommend calling your local piercing shop to get an accurate estimate for a Monroe piercing.

How do I clean my piercing?

Piercing aftercare is essential! Be sure to follow the aftercare practices provided by your piercer to ensure proper healing. We recommend using H2Ocean aftercare spray and using a cotton swab for hard-to-reach areas after the piercing procedure. Remember to wash your hands before touching your piercing, and be sure to clean any new jewelry thoroughly with warm, soapy water before insertion. Since this piercing is an oral piercing, be sure to practice proper oral hygiene (like brushing your teeth at least twice daily). For more information on piercing care and body jewelry care, read our piercing aftercare guide!

What should I do if my Monroe piercing gets infected?

If you experience any pain, discomfort, redness, or swelling at the piercing site, we recommend removing your jewelry immediately and contacting a healthcare professional. To help reduce the risk of infection, it’s essential to follow all aftercare directions and avoid touching your piercing during the healing process. If you have to touch your piercing, be sure to wash your hands with warm soapy water. It’s also essential to rinse your mouth thoroughly and frequently.

What is the difference between a Monroe piercing and a Madonna piercing?

Great question! It’s important to remember that a Monroe piercing mimics Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark, so it sits on the left side of the top lip. The Madonna piercing mimics Madonna’s beauty mark, which is on the right side of her upper lip. Though very similar, the difference lies in which side of the face you get your piercing.

Why shouldn’t I get a Monroe Piercing?

If you’re not sure if this piercing is right for you, we recommend doing your research and speaking to a professional piercer. There are many lip piercing types to choose from, so it’s important that you consider all piercing ideas before committing.


Snug Piercing Jewelry

How much does a Monroe piercing cost?

It depends on where you’re shopping, the types of jewelry you choose, and the jewelry materials. Surgical steel or titanium jewelry may have a higher price than a lower-quality jewelry material. It’s important to keep in mind that some labret lip rings and labret studs are more expensive than others, so be sure to factor in jewelry types when planning for your piercing.

When can I change my Monroe piercing jewelry?

Once your piercing is completely healed, you can change your jewelry and decorate with labret studs. If you’re not sure whether or not your piercing is completely healed, we recommend contacting your piercing professional. As always, be sure to clean any new jewelry with warm, soapy water before insertion, and clean your piercing every time you change your jewelry. Once your piercing is healed, Spencer’s has all the labret jewelry you need!

Can I get an allergic reaction?

Allergic reactions to certain jewelry materials are possible, resulting in rash, redness, or bumps, which means you will have to change the jewelry. Most of our collection includes surgical steel or titanium jewelry. Contact an experienced piercer and make sure that getting a piercing is the right move for you. Be sure to discuss types of jewelry prior to getting your piercing. Check with a doctor beforehand to learn more about your allergies and your overall health.

How do I care for my body jewelry?

For information on body jewelry care, please read our piercing aftercare guide!


More Piercing Info

Check out some of our favorite facial piercing guides, including our labret piercing guide, medusa piercing guide, nose piercing guide, and septum piercing guide. We also have plenty of ear piercing and cartilage piercing guides, including the helix piercing and forward helix piercing guides.


Want to learn more about lip piercings? Check out our lip piercing guide for the 411 on all the different types of lip piercings you could imagine. Want more general piercing FAQs and more info about body piercings, body jewelry, piercing types, and piercing ideas? Check out all the jewelry guides The Inspo Spot has to offer!

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