
Snakebite Piercing
Snakebite are two symmetrical piercings on both sides of the lower lip. Together they resemble a snake bite mark and hence the name. This is one of the most recognizable arrangements in lip piercing: with rings it looks expressive, with flat nuts it looks subtle.
Technically, a snakebite is two Side Labrets, most often performed in one visit. Both canals pass through to the oral cavity, so healing requires the same discipline as the classic Labret, only twice. In Piercing Planet we have gathered everything you need to know before the procedure and during the healing process.
What is Snakebite Piercing?
Each of the two piercings passes through the tissue under the lower lip: from the skin on the outside to the mucous membrane inside the mouth. The most important thing is symmetry. Piercer marks both points before the procedure so that the earrings are equidistant from the center of the lip.
Snakebite is easily confused with other arrangements such as bites:
- Snake Bites: one piercing in each corner of the lower lip. lips.
- Spider Bites: two piercings close together on one side of the lower lip.
- Shark Bites: two piercings on each side of the lower lip, four total.
- Angel Bites: two symmetrical piercings above the upper lip. More about them in the guide to Monroe
Does a Snakebite piercing hurt?
A Snakebite is two piercings, one after the other. Each one feels similar to the classic Labret, most often at 3–4 on a 10-point scale. The second one can be felt a bit more strongly because the tissue reacts to the first one.
The first days after the procedure are more difficult:
- Swelling of the entire lower lip: the swelling covers both sides, so the lip may be visibly enlarged for a few days. Therefore, piercer puts on longer rods to start with.
- Two discs in the mouth: at the beginning, both flat discs from the inside can be felt with the tongue and may rub against the lower teeth. This goes away after replacing the rods with shorter ones.
Snakebite healing time
Both channels heal simultaneously and in two different environments: from the outside on the facial skin, from the inside in the constantly moist mucous membrane.
- The initial stage of healing (swelling): from 2 to 4 weeks.
- Complete healing of the canals: from 2 to 4 months.
It happens that one side heals faster than the other, and this is normal. Do not change to decorative jewelry until the slower side has fully healed.
How to care for a fresh snakebite?
- Do not touch: do not move the piercings with your fingers or play with them with your tongue or teeth.
- Clean the outside: Apply saline 2-3 times a day with a microbrush around each piercing. Do not pour salt straight from the ampoule onto the wound.
- Rinse your mouth from the inside: after each meal, drink other than water and cigarette, rinse your mouth with water or a liquid without alcohol.
- Avoid irritation: limit alcohol, cigarettes and hot and spicy foods for the first weeks. They irritate the mucous membrane and prolong healing.
- Brush your teeth gently: use a soft toothbrush and be careful with the discs on the inside of the lip.
If you are concerned, consult the piercer who performed the procedure.
What jewelry to go with Snakebite?
On time healing: in both piercings Labret with flat disc on the back.
- Material: Titanium ASTM F136 (G23). It does not corrode in contact with saliva and works well for people allergic to nickel, which is important for two healing canals in the mouth.
- Rod thickness: most often 1.2 mm.
- Starting length: even 10-12 mm, depending on the swelling.
Downsize in both earrings is mandatory.
After about 3-4 weeks, when the swelling has gone down, return to the piercer and replace both rods with shorter ones that fit the lip (usually 6 mm or 8 mm). Bars that are too long hit the lower teeth and gums. With snakebite, the risk of gum recession and enamel damage affects both sides at the same time.
After healing: you can wear lip rings, decorated caps or pairs of identical decorations that will emphasize the symmetry of the arrangement.
Check out our jewelry for Snakebite
Snakebite Piercing - Questions and Answers
Does snakebite damage teeth and gums?
Does snakebite damage teeth and gums?
The risk exists, but it can be almost completely reduced. Enamel damage and gum recession mainly result from wearing bars that are too long after the swelling has gone down or from the habit of biting on earrings. If you downsize both piercings and the earrings are placed by a professional at the correct angle, the risk is reduced to a minimum.
Can I do one piercing now and the other later?
Can I do one piercing now and the other later?
Yes, but then it is more difficult to achieve perfect symmetry and you have to undergo healing twice. If you want an even layout, get both piercings done in one visit. Piercer will then mark both points at the same time.
When can I put on snakebite rings?
When can I put on snakebite rings?
Only after both canals are fully healed and after consultation with the piercer. The ring in a fresh piercing moves and catches more easily, which irritates the wound and prolongs healing.
What can I eat after getting a snakebite?
What can I eat after getting a snakebite?
For the first 7-14 days, choose cool, soft meals: yogurts, smoothies, cream soups. Avoid hot, spicy, sour and very salty foods because they irritate a fresh wound in the mouth. Also, be careful with hard food and chewing gum to avoid catching your teeth on the bars.