A facial piercing has been representative for centuries.
Today, facial piercings remain one of the most popular ways to personalise your appearance, whether you prefer something subtle like a nostril piercing or something more distinctive like a bridge or Medusa piercing.
Before choosing a facial piercing, it’s important to understand the different placement options, typical healing times, pain levels and anatomy considerations. While no piercing is completely pain-free, many facial piercings are quicker and easier than people expect.
Before booking your appointment, we recommend reading our complete Piercing Care Guide to understand the healing process and aftercare requirements. You may also find our guide to the Most Painful Piercings Ranked helpful when comparing different piercing options.
Key Takeaway
Facial piercings offer a huge range of styles, from subtle nostril studs to bold lip and eyebrow combinations. But the best choice isn’t always the one trending on TikTok. It’s the one that suits your anatomy, your lifestyle and your ability to look after it properly.
Most facial piercings heal well with good aftercare but understanding healing times, jewellery options and placement suitability before your appointment can make all the difference.
Whether you’re considering a nostril, eyebrow, lip or tongue piercing, a little research now can save a lot of hassle later. Choose a reputable studio, follow your aftercare, and if you’re unsure, speak to an experienced professional piercer who can assess your anatomy and recommend the best option for you.
After all, the goal isn’t just to get pierced — it’s to love the result long after the swelling has gone down.
What Are Facial Piercings?
Facial piercings are any piercings located on the face, excluding the ears. They can be placed through soft tissue, cartilage or oral tissue depending on the location.
Popular facial piercings include:
| Piercing Type | Location |
|---|---|
|
Nostril |
Side of nose |
|
Septum |
Soft tissue beneath the nasal cartilage |
|
Eyebrow |
Through the eyebrow ridge |
|
Bridge |
Across the bridge of the nose |
|
Medusa |
Centre of the upper lip |
|
Monroe |
Upper lip, resembling Marilyn Monroe’s beauty spot |
|
Labret |
Centre below the lower lip |
|
Snake Bites |
Matching piercings on either side of the lower lip |
|
Angel Bites |
Matching piercings above the upper lip |
|
Tongue |
Centre of the tongue |
|
Smiley |
Inside the upper lip frenulum |
What Is a Nostril Piercing?
The nostril piercing is one of the most common facial piercings and often a person’s first facial piercing.
Placed through the side of the nose, it can be fitted with a stud, ring or decorative jewellery depending on the stage of healing.
Why Choose a Nostril Piercing?
Many clients eventually choose double nostril piercings or pair a nostril piercing with a septum piercing.
- Timeless and versatile
- Suitable for most anatomy
- Wide jewellery selection
- Easy to combine with other piercings
- Relatively low pain level
What Is a Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing passes through the soft tissue beneath the cartilage that separates the nostrils.
Contrary to popular belief, a professionally placed septum piercing should not go through the thick cartilage itself.
The septum is popular because jewellery can often be flipped up and hidden when necessary.
What Is an Eyebrow Piercing?
An eyebrow piercing is usually positioned vertically through the outer section of the eyebrow.
Curved barbells are the most common jewellery choice and help reduce pressure on the tissue.
Eyebrow piercings create a striking look while remaining relatively simple to heal compared to some cartilage piercings.
What Is a Bridge Piercing?
A bridge piercing sits horizontally across the bridge of the nose between the eyes.
This is considered a surface piercing and requires suitable anatomy to reduce the risk of migration or rejection.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a bridge piercing.
What Is a Medusa Piercing?
The Medusa piercing sits in the philtrum, the natural groove between the nose and upper lip.
Because it is centrally positioned, it creates a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Many clients choose decorative tops to make the jewellery stand out.
What Is a Monroe Piercing?
The Monroe piercing is placed on one side of the upper lip to resemble Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty mark.
It is a subtle facial piercing that offers a distinctive appearance without dominating the face.
What Is a Labret Piercing?
The labret piercing is positioned directly below the lower lip and above the chin.
It remains one of the most popular lip piercings due to its versatility and suitability for different jewellery styles.
Labret piercings can be worn with studs, rings and decorative attachments once healed.
What Are Snake Bite Piercings?
Snake bites consist of two separate piercings positioned symmetrically on either side of the lower lip.
The name comes from the appearance of two fang-like piercings.
This style creates a bold look while allowing flexibility in jewellery choices.
What Are Angel Bite Piercings?
Angel bites are positioned above the upper lip, creating a mirrored appearance on either side.
They are effectively the upper lip equivalent of snake bites and are often chosen by people looking for a balanced facial piercing arrangement.
What Is a Tongue Piercing?
Tongue piercings pass through the centre of the tongue and are among the fastest healing body piercings.
The procedure itself is often less uncomfortable than people expect. However, swelling during the first few days can make eating and speaking more difficult.
Professional piercers typically fit a longer bar initially and replace it with a shorter bar once swelling has reduced.
What Is a Smiley Piercing?
A smiley piercing passes through the small piece of tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the gums. It is only visible when smiling, giving it its nickname.
Not everyone has suitable anatomy for a smiley piercing, and some dental considerations must be discussed beforehand.
Which Facial Piercings Hurt the Most?
Pain is highly individual. What feels uncomfortable for one person may feel very mild for another. Facial piercings rank lower than many body piercings.
Lower Pain
Moderate Pain
Higher Pain
Most clients describe facial piercings as a brief sharp pinch followed by pressure.
For a broader comparison across all body piercings, see our Most Painful Piercings Ranked guide.
How Long Do Facial Piercings Take to Heal?
Healing times vary depending on location, jewellery and individual health factors.
Although piercings may appear healed externally, internal healing can take significantly longer.
Following professional aftercare advice remains the best way to avoid complications.
For detailed aftercare instructions, download our Piercing Care Guide.
Piercing healing times:
Eyebrow 6–8 weeks
Tongue 4–6 weeks
Labret 6–8 weeks
Monroe 6–8 weeks
Medusa 6–8 weeks
Septum 6–8 weeks
Nostril 3–6 months
Bridge 2–4 months
How Do You Choose the Right Facial Piercing?
A consultation with an experienced piercer can help identify the best options for your face shape and anatomy. The best facial piercing depends on three important factors.
A consultation with an experienced piercer can help identify the best options for your face shape and anatomy. The best facial piercing depends on three important factors.
Your Anatomy
Certain piercings require specific facial structures and tissue depth.
Bridge, smiley and eyebrow piercings are particularly anatomy dependent.
Your Lifestyle
Consider factors such as sports, workplace dress codes, glasses, headphones and personal grooming habits.
For example, bridge piercings may not be ideal for people who wear certain styles of glasses.
Your Style Goals
Some people prefer a subtle look with a single nostril stud. Others may build a more extensive collection featuring lip, nose and eyebrow piercings.
Can Facial Piercings Affect Your Teeth or Gums?
Some oral piercings can potentially cause issues if incorrect jewellery is worn. Professional jewellery sizing can reduce these long-term risks. Lip and tongue jewellery that constantly rubs against teeth or gums may contribute to:
- Gum recession
- Tooth wear
- Enamel damage
Are Facial Piercings Suitable for Everyone?
Not always. While nostril and labret piercings suit most people, others may depend on anatomy.
A responsible piercer will always assess whether a piercing is suitable before proceeding. Sometimes the best decision is waiting or choosing an alternative placement better suited to your anatomy.
FAQs - About Facial Piercings
Which facial piercing heals the fastest?
Tongue piercings are among the fastest healing facial piercings, often healing within four to six weeks.
Which facial piercing hurts the least?
Many clients report that nostril and eyebrow piercings are among the least painful facial piercings.
Which facial piercing takes the longest to heal?
Nostril piercings can take three to six months to heal fully.
Can I wear glasses with a facial piercing?
Most facial piercings do not interfere with glasses, although bridge piercings may require additional consideration.
Can facial piercings leave scars?
Any piercing can leave a small scar when removed, but proper placement, jewellery choice and aftercare help minimise scarring.
Ready to Plan Your Next Facial Piercing?
Whether you’re considering a subtle nostril stud, a classic eyebrow piercing or something that makes your mum ask “why?”, choosing the right piercing starts with good advice.
At Area 51 Basingstoke, we’ve been professionally piercing clients since 1998. We’ll assess your anatomy, explain the healing process and help you choose a piercing you’ll still love long after the swelling disappears.
Book your consultation today and let’s find the facial piercing that’s right for you.
Under 16s cannot get facial piercings without consent from a parent or guardian.
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