These days, bites piercing and several lip piercings and bite piercings are trendy. Spider bite piercing has taken the whole lip piercing aesthetics to another level.
It mimics the appearance of a real spider bite by having two piercings close to one another beneath the lower lip, to one side or the other. It’s the ideal option for people seeking a more understated pierced appearance than other lip piercing styles, such as the shark bite or the cyber bites piercing.
But there are many things to consider regarding having spider bite piercings before visiting the piercing workshop. This guide will describe all you have to know about spider bite piercings.
What is a Spider Bite Piercing?
A spider bite piercing involves the piercing of the lower lip twice, one on each side, just below the corner of the mouth, creating the appearance of two spider bites. They resemble a spider bite because they are close to one another.
How is it Done?
Your piercer will do the following for you to get this piercing:
- Use a medical-grade disinfectant and warm, clear water to clean the exterior of your lips.
- Clean and sterilize the tools used to perform the piercing, including the jewelry and needles.
- Mark your lips with a marker or pen meant for use on the skin to know where the jewelry will be placed (to avoid sensitivity reactions or contact allergies).
- The first piercing is made by swiftly but delicately inserting a sterile needle into your skin.
- Put some jewelry in the newly opened piercing.
- If any blood was drawn during the piercing, stop and clean it up.
- Steps 3 to 5 must be repeated for the second piercing.
- To lessen the possibility of infection, clean the outside of your lips once more.
Pain
Everyone experiences pain differently. Some people may experience severe stinging or discomfort during or following the treatment. Some individuals might have no issues with this piercing and find the whole process fun.
People with this piercing have often stated that it feels comparable to receiving an immunization, such as a flu shot. You might feel a little sting or pinch, followed by nothing except minor sensitivity or discomfort.
If you’ve had your ears or your nose pierced previously, many individuals say it hurts more than getting your ears pierced but less than getting your nose pierced.
Healing time
It usually takes between 4 to 12 weeks for healing. Everyone’s healing time is different, but following aftercare procedures throughout the healing process can speed up your recovery.
You should have your piercer check your piercing before discontinuing aftercare procedures because your piercing will seem healed before it is.
No matter how well you take care of yourself afterward, sometimes the body needs more time to heal.
Cost
Remember that everything is multiplied by two when estimating the cost of spider bite piercings. Therefore, be aware that you must pay for the piercing treatment and the jewelry twice if your business charges you individually for each.
Although the cost of the piercing may seem within your means, you should examine the jewelry you receive or confirm that it is included in the price if that was the arrangement. Well, the cost of a spider bite piercing, including the jewelry, is about $50. On the low end, expect to pay above $20 to $40 plus the price of your jewelry.
Depending on location and preference, there is no standard price for the two piercings and the two pieces of jewelry. You may pay up to $50 or more for exclusive piercers and jewelry costs. However, your bill increases if you want expensive jewelry. Some studios may charge separately for the procedure and jewelry.
Aftercare
Follow these simple aftercare dos and don’ts so your piercing heals well and maintains its aesthetic appeal over time.
Do’s
- Keep the piercing bandaged and change it at least once a day. Before touching your piercing, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Rinse your piercing twice daily with saline solution and water.
- When you bathe or shower, make sure the piercing stays dry.
- Carefully put on and remove any clothing, hats, or helmets that come in contact with the piercing.
Don’ts
- Do not touch your piercing with unclean hands or after eating
- As long as the piercing is not healed, don’t engage in oral sex, especially if your partner has any STDs (STIs)
- When the piercing is fully healed, which takes about 1 to 2 months, do not fidget or remove your jewelry
- Avoid getting your facial hair tangled in your jewelry.
Cleaning Guide
Just like every other type of piercing, it is best to clean both spider bites piercings with sterile salt water twice daily. You should also avoid mouthwash or toothpaste that might irritate the pierced area. Taking enough water can also help keep the piercing clean.
How to Change Out spider Bite Piercings
Make sure to revisit your piercer to discuss the best jewelry that will fit you. You can assume that the jewelry will be larger when you first acquire spider bite piercings to accommodate the first swelling while it heals. You should switch the jewelry for something thinner after about eight weeks. Snug jewelry won’t touch your teeth or other oral structures, which promotes good oral hygiene and is healthy for the piercings.
You can start changing the jewelry on your own once the piercing area has fully healed, which should take 3 to 6 months. To do this, use your other hand to twist the ball at the opposite end while holding onto the flat base on the inner lip. Before attempting to change the jewelry, you must wait until it has fully healed. Not waiting could cause different issues and a delay in the healing process.
Before gently switching out jewelry, ensure your hands, the jewelry, and the area around your lips and mouth are all clean. Also, don’t press too hard; any resistance or discomfort experienced when changing your jewelry should trigger a visit to your piercer.
Side Effects
There are several risks associated with spider bite piercing. However, by using a professional piercer and proper aftercare, you can minimize the risk. Some of the common risks include:
- Infection: It can be caused by bacteria that enter the body while eating, touching your mouth, kissing, or engaging in oral sex. Bloodborne diseases like tetanus or HIV may be contracted if the piercing specialist uses filthy equipment.
- Swelling: This is normal within the first few days. Some people’s swelling may be more than the rest. Sleeping with your head raised and applying ice should help.
- Tooth or gum damage: The jewelry makes contact with your gums and teeth as you talk or eat. This may cause gum irritation and dental enamel damage.
- Trauma or tearing: it’s easy to accidentally snag lip jewelry when doing everyday things like wearing a sweater or styling long hair.
- Nerve disruption: Although the risk is extremely low, one study connected face piercings to nerve disturbance that caused four study participants to experience chronic back pain and eye misalignment.
Jewelry Styles
The most common type of jewelry used for spider bite piercing is Hoops. However, other options you can try are:
- Circular barbell: A thick ring with a horseshoe form and removable round beads at each end is a circular barbell.
- Captive bead ring: A thick, completely circular ring with a spherical bead in the center, where the two ends of the circle connect.
- Curved barbell: a bar piercing with spherical beads on each end that is slightly curved
What Jewelry Materials Should You Choose From?
The type of material used in piercings is important. It’s essential, especially for mouth piercings where the jewelry may come into contact with your teeth and gums.
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) advises using 14-karat gold or implant-grade metal jewelry for initial mouth piercings. These are some of the best materials to choose your jewelry from:
- Surgical steel: Surgical steel jewelry consist of other alloys like nickel. However, it often releases little, making it safe for most people.
- Titanium: Anybody can use implant-grade titanium because it is nickel-free. Although it is more expensive than stainless steel, it is a better choice if you are allergic to other metals.
- Niobium: This is a cheap, lightweight metal, similar to titanium but lacks the “implant-grade” design.
- 14-karat or higher gold: If you want gold, make sure it’s real gold, not gold-plated or filled. Watch out for gold overlay or vermeil with other alloys hidden beneath a thin gold layer that can flake or wear away.
Summary
Spider bite piercings are affordable, require little skill, and heal quickly. Just make sure you find a skilled and experienced piercer. This piercing might be an excellent way to express yourself with facial jewelry because they’re a bit less common than other lip piercings.
You need to consider a few more factors for healing lip piercings. As long as you follow aftercare recommendations, they’re usually safe. Like every other piercing, some risks are attached to it. Call your piercer or medical expert right away if you see any indications of an infection.
