Monroe Piercing Face Shape Guide, Pain Level, Healing Tips & Aftercare

Monroe piercing is a trendy facial piercing placed on the upper lip, typically on the left side, inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beauty mark. This piercing adds a touch of elegance and personality. It’s usually adorned with small, stylish Monroe piercing jewellery like flat-back studs, sparkling gems, or even bold options like gold or diamond accents. For a unique twist, some opt for a vertical Monroe piercing, where the jewellery runs vertically through the lip instead of horizontally.

This guide explains whether a Monroe lip piercing fits your face shape, how much it hurts, how to care for it, and what piercing jewellery looks best.

Is a Monroe Piercing Right for My Face Shape?

Since it's quite noticeable, it’s important to ensure it complements your facial features. People with oval or heart-shaped faces, or defined cheekbones, often find that a Monroe piercing enhances their natural features beautifully.

But don’t worry, anyone can rock this piercing with the right placement! For example, placing it slightly off-center can flatter an oval face, while a slightly lower placement can help balance out wider cheekbones on a heart-shaped face.

If you’re unsure about the Monroe, there are other lip piercings you can consider for a similar effect. The Madonna piercing, which is placed on the right side of the upper lip, is essentially a mirror image of Monroe. A Medusa piercing, placed in the centre just above the upper lip (on the philtrum), offers a bold, symmetrical style that’s especially flattering for round or square faces. Pair any of these piercings with simple studs or labret jewellery to match your style and you’ll end up with a look that feels perfect to you!

What Does a Monroe Piercing Feel Like? Understanding the Pain Level

Placed on the upper lip, it is considered less painful facial piercings. Most people describe it as a quick pinch or slight pressure, typically rating the pain around 3 or 4 out of 10. The piercing process is very fast, and any discomfort usually fades within a few minutes.

Since the lip tissue is soft, the pain isn’t as intense as piercings done through tougher areas like ear or nose cartilage. During the procedure, a professional piercer uses a sterile needle to create a small hole in your upper lip and then inserts a labret stud or flat-back post.

Choosing an experienced piercer and high-quality piercing jewellery, such as titanium or surgical steel, can help reduce irritation and promote faster healing. After the piercing, you may experience some soreness or swelling for a few days, but with proper aftercare, it should feel normal again soon.

Always visit a reputable piercer to ensure the experience is as safe, smooth, and pain-free as possible!

Healing Your Monroe Piercing

A Monroe piercing, placed on the upper lip to resemble Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beauty mark, requires proper care to heal smoothly. The outer part typically heals in 6 to 12 weeks, while the inside of the mouth may take longer, around 3 to 6 months.

To prevent complications, avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands, as this can lead to infection. Rinse your mouth with a saline solution (salt water) after eating or drinking anything other than water to keep the area clean. Avoid spicy, acidic, or sticky foods that could irritate the piercing site.

Some swelling in the first few days is completely normal. Your piercer will usually insert a longer labret stud initially to accommodate the swelling. After a couple of weeks, once the swelling has gone down, you can switch to a shorter, more decorative stud, such as a tiny gem or a delicate Monroe-style piercing.

Clean the area 2–3 times daily using a sterile saline spray, and avoid makeup or lip products near the piercing. Be gentle and consistent with aftercare to help speed up the healing process. If you notice persistent redness, discharge, or pain, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional.

Best Jewellery Choices for Monroe Piercings

Choosing the right jewellery for your Monroe piercing is a fun way to express your personal style! This upper lip piercing, inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beauty mark, looks great with both simple and bold pieces.

During the healing phase (6 to 12 weeks), it’s best to use hypoallergenic jewellery like titanium or surgical steel labret studs. These materials are gentle on your skin and help prevent irritation. A flat-back stud or a small, plain post is perfect at this stage, usually 16-18 gauge with a 6 to 8mm length to allow for swelling.

Once your piercing is fully healed, you can explore more exciting options! A gold Monroe piercing, whether yellow, rose, or matte gold, adds a luxurious touch. You can also go bold with a vertical Monroe piercing, using a curved barbell with decorative ends like gems or spikes. With so many choices, from tiny, delicate studs to eye-catching opals or hoops, you can find safe, stylish jewellery that suits your look and keeps your piercing healthy.

With the right placement, a Monroe piercing (or similar ones like the Madonna or Medusa) can look amazing on almost any face. To keep it shining, use quality jewellery like titanium or surgical steel labret studs and follow good aftercare, like cleaning with saline and avoiding irritation. If you’re thinking about getting one, check out collections of safe, stylish Monroe piercing jewellery and aftercare kits to make your healing easy and your look awesome!