The most visible piercings
Facial piercings are noticed more than almost any other kind. That visibility is part of their appeal, and also part of why they deserve extra thought: they affect how others see you at work, school and home, they are hard to hide, and they are exposed to makeup, touching, skincare products and constant movement.
This article covers the sites people commonly choose on the nose, lips and brow, along with general considerations. It is not medical advice. A licensed professional can assess your anatomy and a doctor can answer health questions.
Nose piercings
Nostril. One of the most common facial piercings, usually placed on the side of the nostril. Healing is often described as taking a few months, sometimes longer, and varies from person to person. Bumps and irritation near the site are common complaints. Possible contributors include touching, pressure from clothing, makeup or products, jewelry that does not fit well, and colds that lead to frequent nose blowing. Jewelry choices include small studs, hoops and shaped posts; studs and similar pieces are often used first because hoops can move more and irritate the channel, but the best option depends on your anatomy and your piercer’s advice.
Septum. The septum piercing passes through the thin tissue between the nostrils at the front of the nose, not through the cartilage itself. Whether a given nose has the right tissue depends on the person, which is a matter for assessment of suitable anatomy. Some people find the piercing heals relatively quickly, but a deviated septum, nasal conditions or allergies may complicate matters. One appeal is that the jewelry can be flipped up and hidden, though this should only be done as advised by the piercer.
Bridge and other nose sites. Piercings across the bridge or elsewhere on the nose travel through flatter tissue and are more likely to shift over time. They have more in common with surface piercings than with nostril piercings.
Lip piercings
Lip piercings include placements at the center of the lower lip, to the side of it, and above the lip. Most use a flat-backed stud rather than a ring, with the flat disc sitting inside the mouth. The inside surface contacts the gums and teeth. Long-term friction can lead to gum irritation and receding gums in some people, and teeth can be chipped if jewelry knocks against them. Dentists can advise on risks, and the broader topic is covered under oral piercings.
Lip piercings swell noticeably early on, and a longer stud is commonly used at first to allow for this, followed by a shorter one once swelling goes down. Eating, talking, kissing, brushing teeth and sipping hot drinks are all affected during healing. The mouth is full of bacteria, so oral hygiene matters, though professionals differ on exactly what to recommend; follow your piercer’s instructions rather than combining routines from different sources.
Brow piercings
Eyebrow piercings pass through the skin above or beside the eye, usually at an angle. They are often considered surface-like, because the tissue is thin and the jewelry runs close to the skin’s surface. As a result brow piercings are known for shifting, sometimes slowly, and for being rejected by the body in some people. The mechanism is described in the articles on surface piercings and piercing rejection.
Because the site is on the face and near the eye, accidents and snagging are a particular concern. Glasses, hair and towels can catch jewelry, and sports with equipment such as helmets can press on it. Jewelry that is too small can embed, while jewelry that is too large can snag.
Shared considerations
- Visibility and rules. Facial piercings can conflict with workplace policies, dress code rules or school regulations. Some people use clear retainers to make a piercing less noticeable, although they are not always suitable for fresh piercings. It is worth finding out your situation before you pierce.
- Moisture and products. Skincare, sunscreen, makeup and hair products may collect around jewelry. Be cautious with new products and ask your piercer which are safe to use near the site.
- Sleep and touching. Pillowcases and fingers are common culprits for irritation. Avoid twisting or fiddling.
- Allergies. Facial skin tends to be sensitive, and jewelry containing nickel can cause itching, redness or rashes. Anyone with sensitive skin, eczema or allergic reactions to jewelry should discuss it with their piercer and doctor first.
- Sun and swimming. Sun protection and water exposure matter for fresh piercings, as heat, chlorine and open water can irritate or introduce bacteria. Ask for specific instructions.
- Infection signs. Increasing pain, spreading redness, heat, swelling that does not settle, discharge with a bad smell or fever are warning signs that call for medical advice.
Thinking before you decide
Because the face is so visible, the consequences of a poor result are also visible. Scarring, a visible mark after removal, or a piercing that migrates and leaves a track can be harder to live with here than elsewhere. Anyone with a tendency toward raised scars should ask a doctor about keloid scarring first.
Choose a licensed professional who assesses your face, uses sterile, single-use needles, explains aftercare and does not pressure you. Check portfolios and ask how they handle healing problems. Be wary of any suggestion to do it yourself or to use a piercing gun on the nose or lip; the reasons are explained in the article on piercing guns versus professional needles. As with any piercing, outcomes vary and cannot be promised.