Lip piercings are popular because they look great, come in many styles, and offer many jewellery choices. One eye-catching style is the Dahlia Piercing.
Dahlia piercings are horizontal piercings placed near the outer corners of the lips. They get their name from the Black Dahlia Murder, but we won’t go into that here—you can look it up if you’re curious. Dahlia piercings are special because of their unique position and how they heal.
If you’re considering getting Dahlia piercings, it’s essential to know how they heal and what risks are involved. Knowing these details will help you take care of your piercings properly.
Healing Dahlia piercings
Healing Dahlia piercings are more complicated than standard lip piercings. Typically, a new piercing swells, the swelling goes down, and eventually, it heals. But Dahlia piercings follow a different pattern:
- Intense Swelling: Dahlia piercings swell much more than regular lip piercings. Because of this extreme swelling, the initial jewellery needs much longer. As the swelling gradually decreases, you’ll need to switch to shorter jewellery multiple times. However, changing the jewellery can worsen the swelling, and other factors like spicy food, allergies, the weather, and skincare products can also contribute to increased swelling.
- Jewellery Needs: Due to the prolonged swelling and frequent jewellery changes, you might need several pieces, some of which might be custom-made to fit your needs. Be prepared for these potential costs.
- Jewellery Style: Dahlia piercings usually require flatback style straight posts to avoid catching on your teeth. Using ball ends inside your mouth, except for tongue jewellery, can lead to problems.
If you’re considering getting Dahlia piercings, be ready for the commitment and extra costs. Proper planning and understanding of the healing process will help you manage this distinctive piercing effectively.
Placement of the Dahlia Piercing
Another thing to remember with Dahlia piercings is that they might end up differently than you intended. The inside of your cheeks is packed with essential structures like large blood vessels, muscles, salivary glands, and ducts. Your piercer has to carefully choose a spot that avoids these areas to prevent damage. They also need to ensure the jewellery won’t harm your teeth or get in the way when you eat.
Remember that swelling can affect the placement of the piercing, and Dahlia piercings are prone to migrating, which means they might shift from their original position over time. Migration can lead to noticeable scarring, especially since Dahlia piercings are typically done at a larger gauge (14 or 12 gauge). While this larger size helps with stability, it makes any migration-related scarring more apparent. So, be prepared for these potential issues and consider them before getting a Dahlia piercing.
Another essential factor to consider with Dahlia piercings is their long healing time. It can take up to two years for these piercings to fully heal. Even after they are healed, they might still experience occasional swelling and irritation due to the constant movement of your mouth throughout the day.
This means getting Dahlia piercings is a significant commitment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Dahlia piercings have the same potential issues as regular lip piercings, such as gum damage and dental problems.
We’re not trying to stop you from getting Dahlia piercings. They look fantastic, and it’s your choice what you do with your body. We want to ensure you know everything before you get these piercings and start healing them. Understanding what’s needed to care for them and what challenges you might face is essential. Ensure your piercer checks your anatomy carefully to see if it’s right for Dahlia piercings. This helps avoid problems and ensures the best results. Dahlia piercings need a lot of time to heal, and they also require a lot of care and money.
If you’re ready for the time, care, and cost involved, Dahlia piercings can be a great choice. Enjoy your piercing and the unique look it gives you. Rock on, and happy piercing!