I got my lip ring pierced a week ago, on the my right side with a 16 gauge ring. I've got a couple of questions, forgive my lack of knowledge.
1. When can i get a smaller ring put in?
2. My ring falls to the side of my lip, which I know is normal, but it falls the corner of my mouth (it looks like if I've got a hook in the side of mouth!) is this because of the size of the ring? it wouldn't be so bothersome if it leaned to the center of my lip, but it refuses to go that way.
Thanks
We are a little concerned with your piercing being done with a 16g captive bead ring. We use only 14g because it is thicker and reduces the risk of migration. The lip area is very labile and if you play with it, you can damage the tissues and this will start a process of migration.
You did not tell us what diameter the ring was for the piercing. Generally we will use a 5 16" or 3 8" ring and will drop one down from the initial piercing after 6 weeks when the swelling has completely dissipated.
You ring will lean in a manner of least resistance. Depending on the angle that you were pierced at, this situation may never change. Its difficult without being able to see the actual piercing so note the direction that the ring is in. When you insert the smaller diameter, this should reduce some the problem.
I'm not sure of the diameter of the ring I have. Would I be able to get it changed to 14g?
At our shop, we would use a 5 16" diameter 14g ring to do the lip on the side. We may use a 3 8" ring if the lip was extremely thick to accommodate for swelling.
At about 6 weeks, when the swelling would be completely dissipated, you can get a smaller diameter ring as long as a smaller diameter will be comfortable. Your piercer should be able to evaluate when he she looks at it.
With regards to changing the gauge of the piercing, we would suggest switching over when the piercing is 6 weeks. If you upgauged now, you would have to get a larger ring and then pay again for the smaller diameter. If you wait, you may have a little swelling for a couple of days but then it will be fine.
We would ask you to confirm that you were pierced with a 16g as many believed it to be the thicker when in fact 14g is thicker (as the numbers go higher, the thickness becomes thinner).
Keep in touch
Thanks so much!
Would you happen to know of a place I could go to here in Toronto? I got my lip pierced in Edmonton.
We really do not know any of the shops in Toronto. You should be able to do a search for body piercing in Toronto and then you can check them out and choose one you trust.
Good luck
