25/08/2026
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One thing I always explain with a vertical labret is that your initial bar will look longer than the finished piercing — and that’s completely intentional!
Why the long bar?
Lips can swell a lot after piercing, especially during the first few days. We need to leave enough room for that swelling without the jewellery becoming tight or putting unnecessary pressure on the piercing.
So yes… your starter bar might feel a little long once the swelling begins to disappear. That’s exactly what we want.
When do we downsize?
Once the initial swelling has properly settled, contact me and I will check the piercing and decide when it’s ready for a shorter bar. This is commonly around 2–4 weeks, but everybody heals differently — so don’t change it yourself just because it looks long.
What should you expect?
• Swelling and tenderness during the first few days
• The lip may feel tight or slightly bruised
• A little redness around the piercing initially
• Small amounts of clear/whitish healing fluid or crusting can be normal
• The starter jewellery will begin to look noticeably longer as your swelling disappears
• Once downsized, the piercing will sit much neater and feel more comfortable
A vertical labret can take around 6–8 weeks or longer to heal, and looking healed on the outside doesn’t always mean it’s completely healed internally.
And pleaseeee… don’t skip your downsize!
Leaving an unnecessarily long bar in can mean more movement, catching, irritation and potential problems with your teeth/gums or the piercing itself.
Your long bar is temporary.
Your cute little lip piercing is the goal.
DM to book your vertical labret or use my booking link in the bio
I am based in Carlisle - ca1 2JU
