Snake bite piercing, a form of body modification, has gained popularity due to its unique and alluring aesthetic. It involves piercing the tongue with a barbell shaped like a snake, with prongs resembling fangs. This intricate piercing requires a skilled and experienced piercer to ensure precision and minimize discomfort.
During the piercing process, the tongue is numbed using a local anesthetic. The piercer then uses a hollow needle to create a hole through the desired location on the tongue. A tapered barbell, slightly longer than the distance between the entry and exit points, is inserted through the hole. The prongs of the barbell are positioned on the underside of the tongue, giving the appearance of snake fangs.
Aftercare of a snake bite piercing is crucial for proper healing. The piercing site should be kept clean by rinsing with a saline solution several times a day. Soft, non-acidic foods are recommended for the first few days to minimize irritation. Regular follow-up appointments with the piercer are essential to ensure healing and assess any potential complications. With proper care, a snake bite piercing can become a safe and stylish adornment.
Choosing the Right Piercing Location
Placement Considerations
The placement of your snake bite piercing is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Here are key factors to consider when choosing the location:
1. Anatomy:
| Feature | Impact |
|---|---|
| Lip Anatomy | Ensure the piercing is placed in an area with sufficient tissue to accommodate the jewelry. Avoid thin or excessively plump areas. |
| Teeth | Avoid piercing too close to the teeth to prevent potential dental issues and interference with eating. |
| Facial Symmetry | Consider the symmetry of your face and ensure the piercing aligns with your natural features. |
| Lip Shape | The shape of your lips can influence the placement and visibility of the piercing. Wider lips may allow for more elaborate designs. |
Note: It’s highly recommended to consult with a reputable piercer who can assess your anatomy and make informed recommendations based on your individual characteristics.
Preparing for the Piercing
Getting a snake bite piercing is a relatively simple procedure, but there are a few things you need to do to prepare. First, you need to make sure that you are healthy enough to get a piercing. This means that you should not have any open wounds or infections, and you should not be taking any blood thinners. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs before your piercing.
Second, you need to choose a reputable piercing shop. Do some research online and read reviews to find a shop that has a good reputation. Once you have found a shop, you should make an appointment for a consultation. During your consultation, the piercer will discuss the piercing with you and make sure that you are a good candidate.
What to Expect During the Piercing
On the day of your piercing, you should arrive at the shop clean and sober. The piercer will start by marking the piercing location on your lip. Once you are happy with the placement, the piercer will use a needle to pierce your lip. The piercing will be done quickly and with minimal pain. After the piercing is done, the piercer will insert the jewelry and give you care instructions.
| Preparation | Why it is important |
|---|---|
| Make sure you are healthy enough to get a piercing. | To avoid complications during the healing process |
| Choose a reputable piercing shop. | To ensure a safe and clean piercing experience |
| Make an appointment for a consultation. | To discuss the piercing with the piercer and make sure you are a good candidate. |
| Arrive at the shop clean and sober. | To ensure the piercing is done in a clean and safe environment. |
Aftercare and Healing
After getting a snake bite piercing, proper care is essential for a healthy healing process. Follow these instructions to minimize discomfort and ensure optimal results:
Aftercare Instructions
- Clean gently: Clean the piercing twice daily with a mild antibacterial soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or alcohol-based solutions.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the piercing thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue.
- Soak in saline solution: Soak the piercing in a warm saline solution (1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water) for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- Avoid touching or twisting: Refrain from touching or twisting the piercing, as this can irritate the wound and delay healing.
Healing Timeframe
The healing time for a snake bite piercing typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. However, individual healing rates may vary.
During the first few days, some swelling and discomfort are normal. Ice packs can be applied to reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate discomfort.
Complications
Rarely, snake bite piercings can become infected. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you suspect an infection, see your piercer or doctor immediately.
Table of Healing Stages
| Stage | Duration | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory phase | 1-2 weeks | Swelling, redness, pain |
| Proliferative phase | 2-4 weeks | Wound fills with new tissue |
| Remodeling phase | 4-8 weeks | Wound matures and strengthens |
Signs of Infection
Keep in mind that some discomfort, swelling, and redness at the piercing site are normal in the initial stages of healing. However, infection can occur and should be addressed promptly. Here are some signs that your snake bite piercing might be infected:
Severe Pain
While some discomfort is expected, severe pain that persists or worsens over time is a red flag.
Excessive Swelling
Mild swelling is normal, but excessive swelling that spreads beyond the piercing site indicates infection.
Pus Discharge
Clear or yellow pus coming from the piercing hole is a clear sign of infection.
Fever
A fever is your body’s response to infection, and it can accompany an infected snake bite piercing.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes in your neck or underarms may swell if the infection has spread.
Additional Signs
* Redness that spreads beyond the piercing site
* Warmth to the touch
* Chills
* Dizziness
* Confusion
| Symptom | Possible Indication |
|---|---|
| Redness | Inflammation or infection |
| Swelling | Normal healing process or infection |
| Pus | Infection |
| Fever | Infection |
How to Clean a Snake Bite Piercing
Cleaning a snake bite piercing is important to prevent infection and keep the piercing looking its best. Here are some steps on how to clean a snake bite piercing:
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water.
- Moisten a cotton ball or gauze pad with a saline solution.
- Gently clean the piercing by wiping away any crust or discharge.
- Rinse the piercing with clean water.
- Pat the piercing dry with a clean paper towel.
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the piercing.
It is important to clean your snake bite piercing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. You should also clean your piercing more often if it becomes dirty or if you notice any signs of infection.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning a snake bite piercing:
- Do not use harsh chemicals or soaps to clean your piercing.
- Do not use alcohol to clean your piercing.
- Do not remove the jewelry from your piercing until it is fully healed.
If you have any concerns about cleaning your snake bite piercing, please consult with a piercer or physician.
Cleaning a Snake Bite Piercing with Saline Solution
Saline solution is a sterile, isotonic solution that is ideal for cleaning snake bite piercings. You can purchase pre-made saline solution at a pharmacy or drug store, or you can make your own saline solution at home. To make your own saline solution, mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water.
Applying Antibiotic Ointment to a Snake Bite Piercing
Antibiotic ointment can help to prevent infection in a snake bite piercing. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the piercing after cleaning it. You can use a cotton swab or a clean finger to apply the ointment.
| Type of Product | How to Use | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Saline Solution | Use a cotton ball or gauze pad moistened with saline solution to clean the piercing. | Removes crust and discharge, reduces swelling, and helps prevent infection. |
| Antibiotic Ointment | Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the piercing after cleaning it. | Prevents infection and promotes healing. |
What to Do if Your Piercing Gets Infected
If your piercing becomes infected, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can take the following steps to help reduce the infection:
1. Clean the Piercing
Gently clean the piercing with a mild soap and water solution. Do not use any harsh chemicals or perfumes, as these can irritate the skin and make the infection worse.
2. Apply a Warm Compress
Apply a warm compress to the piercing for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will help to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Take Pain Relievers
If you are experiencing pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
4. Avoid touching the Piercing
Avoid touching the piercing with your hands, as this can introduce bacteria into the wound.
5. Keep the Area Clean
Keep the area around the piercing clean and dry. Change your bedding and towels regularly, and avoid wearing tight clothing that may rub against the piercing.
6. Soak the Piercing in Salt Water
Soaking the piercing in a solution of warm water and salt can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Use a half teaspoon of salt per cup of water.
7. See a Doctor
If the infection does not improve within a few days, or if it becomes more severe, it is important to see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.
Can Snake Bite Piercings Grow Together?
Snake bite piercings are two separate piercings that are placed side by side on the lower lip. While it is possible for snake bite piercings to grow together, it is not very common. If the piercings are not properly cared for, they may become irritated and infected, which can lead to them growing together. To avoid this, it is important to keep the piercings clean and free of infection and to follow the piercer’s instructions for aftercare.
8. What to Do If Snake Bite Piercings Grow Together?
If your snake bite piercings do grow together, there are a few things you can do. First, try to gently separate the piercings using a sterile saline solution. If this does not work, you may need to see a piercer to have them separated. In some cases, it may be necessary to have the piercings removed and repierced.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent snake bite piercings from growing together:
* Keep the piercings clean and free of infection.
* Follow the piercer’s instructions for aftercare.
* Do not play with or pull on the piercings.
* Avoid sleeping on your face.
* If you have any concerns about your snake bite piercings, see a piercer or doctor immediately.
How to Change Your Snake Bite Piercing
Changing a snake bite piercing is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid infection or other complications. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Gather Your Materials
You will need the following materials:
- New snake bite piercing jewelry
- Piercing cleaner
- Cotton balls or gauze
- Gloves (optional)
2. Clean Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help to prevent the spread of infection.
3. Put on Gloves
If desired, put on gloves to protect your hands from the piercing jewelry.
4. Remove the Old Jewelry
Gently unscrew the ball or bead at the end of one of the snake bite studs. Once the ball or bead is removed, the stud should slide out easily.
5. Clean the Piercing
Use a cotton ball or gauze soaked in piercing cleaner to gently clean the piercing hole. Be sure to remove any crusties or debris.
6. Insert the New Jewelry
Insert the new snake bite stud into the piercing hole. The stud should slide in easily. Once the stud is in place, screw on the ball or bead to secure it.
7. Repeat Steps 4-6 for the Other Side
Repeat steps 4-6 for the other side of the piercing.
8. Clean the Piercing Again
Use a cotton ball or gauze soaked in piercing cleaner to gently clean the piercing again. This will help to remove any remaining debris or bacteria.
9. Aftercare
After changing your snake bite piercing, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your piercer. This may include cleaning the piercing regularly with a piercing cleaner, avoiding harsh soaps or chemicals, and not sleeping on the piercing.
By following these steps, you will be able to safely and easily change your snake bite piercing.
Removing a Snake Bite Piercing
Snake bite piercings are two piercings placed symmetrically on the lip or lip frenulum that resemble the fangs of a snake. Each piercing passes through the lower lip in a way that the jewelry curls inward and protrudes from the inside of the mouth. Snake bite piercings can be removed the same way as other oral piercings, following these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. |
| 2 | Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash or saline solution. |
| 3 | Locate the balls or ends of the jewelry on the inside of your mouth. |
| 4 | Using a pair of pliers or a piercing removal tool, gently unscrew or remove the balls or ends. |
| 5 | Carefully slide the jewelry out of the piercing holes. |
| 6 | Rinse your mouth again with an antibacterial mouthwash or saline solution. |
| 7 | Clean the piercing holes with a cotton swab soaked in saline solution or piercing aftercare solution. |
| 8 | Apply a small amount of antibiotic cream or ointment to the piercing holes. |
| 9 | Dispose of the jewelry properly. |
| 10 | Monitor the piercing holes for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary. |
How to Get a Snake Bite Piercing
A snake bite piercing is a type of double piercing that is placed on the upper lip. It is named after its resemblance to the fangs of a snake. Snake bite piercings are usually done with two separate piercings, one on each side of the lip. The piercings are then connected with a single piece of jewelry, which is typically a barbell or a hoop.
Snake bite piercings can be done on both men and women. They are a popular choice for those who want a unique and edgy look. However, it is important to note that snake bite piercings can be more difficult to heal than other types of piercings. This is because the lip is a thin and delicate area of skin. It is also important to keep the piercings clean and free of infection.
People Also Ask About How to Get a Snake Bite Piercing
Does it hurt to get a snake bite piercing?
The pain level of a snake bite piercing varies from person to person. Some people report feeling only slight discomfort, while others experience more intense pain. The pain is typically worse during the piercing itself, and it can take several days or weeks for the piercings to heal completely.
How long does it take for a snake bite piercing to heal?
The healing time for a snake bite piercing is typically 6 to 8 weeks. However, it is important to note that everyone heals at a different pace. It is important to keep the piercings clean and free of infection during the healing process.
What are the risks of getting a snake bite piercing?
There are a few risks associated with getting a snake bite piercing. These include:
It is important to discuss the risks with your piercer before getting a snake bite piercing.
