How to Insert and Fit Internally Threaded Labret Studs: Piercing Tips

Selecting the Right Length Internally Threaded Labret Stud

Getting the right length and gauge internally threaded labret stud is essential for comfort and preventing damage to your piercing. When selecting an internally threaded labret, you'll need to consider the thickness of your lip and the placement of the piercing.

Measuring Lip Thickness

The first step is to measure the thickness of your lip where the labret piercing is or will be. You can do this easily using a ruler or calipers. Place the measuring tool perpendicular to your lip and measure from the inside of your lip to the outer surface. This will give you the lip thickness measurement in millimeters.

A good rule of thumb is to add 1-2mm to your lip thickness measurement when selecting the labret length. This allows for any swelling when the piercing is fresh. For example, if your lip measures 5mm thick, a 6-7mm long labret post would be appropriate.

Piercing Placement

Piercing placement also impacts labret length. Whether your piercing is centered on your lip or positioned to one side, you’ll need to account for the additional distance the post needs to travel through your lip tissue.

For a center lip piercing, your lip thickness measurement will suffice. But if your labret piercing is offset to one side, you may need to add another 1-2mm to allow the post to angle through your lip.

Your piercer should be able to help determine the post length needed if you are uncertain.

How to Insert Internally Threaded Labrets

Putting in an internally threaded labret takes a gentle hand and proper technique to avoid damaging your piercing.

Wash Your Hands and Jewelry

Before handling your new labret stud, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. Germs from your hands can introduce infection to your piercing.

You’ll also want to clean your labret with an antiseptic piercing cleaner before inserting it. Spray or soak the stud to disinfect it.

Insert the Post End into Your Piercing

Start by angling the post end of your labret into the piercing hole on the inside of your lip. Slowly guide it through the fistula until the end pokes through the outer opening of the piercing.

Take your time and be gentle. Forcing the post through Too quickly can cause injury and swelling.

Secure the Labret Backing

Once the post protrudes from your lip, you can begin securing the labret backing. For threadless labret studs, this simply involves pushing the labret top into the post until it clicks into place.

For internally threaded labret jewelry, you’ll need to screw on the labret back. Line the backing up with the post’s threads. Turn clockwise to screw the backing onto the post until snug. Don’t over tighten!

Your new labret stud should now be securely in place. Check that the post and backing are aligned evenly and not putting pressure on your lip tissue.

Tips for Comfortable Internally Threaded Labrets

Allow for Swelling

Your lip will likely swell and become tender when you first get it pierced. To accommodate swelling, have your piercer fit you with a longer barbell for the initial healing period.

Once healed, usually 2-3 months, you can downsize to a properly fitted labret stud.

Pick the Right Material

Metals like surgical steel and titanium are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause sensitivity or allergic reactions. Avoid cheaper nickel and mystery metals.

The smooth finish of polished metal labret studs will also be more comfortable versus rough beads or gem ends.

Care for Your Piercing

Clean your labret piercing twice daily using a sterile saline spray or soak. This removes dirt, oil, and buildup that can lead to infection and irritation.

Avoid letting any makeup, lotions, or hair products get on or around your piercing until fully healed.

Don't Play with Your Labret

It’s tempting to fiddle with your new piercing, but avoid touching, rotating, or removing the labret unnecessarily. This will prolong healing and make your piercing more prone to complications.

What to Do if Your Labret Stud Doesn't Fit

Size Up If Too Short

A labret that is too short will embed into your lip tissue, cause thinning of the piercing hole, and increase risk for rejection. Remove it immediately and replace it with a longer stud.

Size Down If Too Long

A labret post that is too long can lead to swelling, irritation bumps, and excess movement that inhibits healing. Have your piercer fit you with a shorter length when swelling has subsided.

Consult Your Piercer

Your piercer is an excellent resource if you are having trouble finding the right size labret for your piercing. They can measure your lip anatomy and recommend the ideal length and gauge.

Never try to force a labret stud into your piercing if it clearly is not fitting right. See your piercer to determine if you need a different size.

With the proper length internally threaded labret selected for your piercing, you can enjoy stylish lip jewelry tailored to your anatomy for happy healed piercing!

FAQs

How do I know what length labret I need?

Measure the thickness of your lip where it's pierced and add 1-2mm. Also factor in if the piercing placement is centered or offset to one side. Your piercer can help determine the ideal length labret stud for your anatomy.

What metals are best for labret studs?

Titanium and steel labret studs are recommended as they are hypoallergenic and nickel-free. Avoid cheap mystery metals that may cause reactions.

Should my initial labret jewelry be a barbell or stud?

Your piercer will likely insert a labret barbell initially to accommodate swelling. Once healed after 2-3 months, you can replace it with a properly fitted threaded or threadless labret stud.

Why does my labret stud hurt?

Pain or tenderness could mean your labret is too short and embedding into your lip tissue or you may have an irritation bump from improper sizing. See your piercer to be fitted with a longer, more comfortable stud.

How do I clean my new labret piercing?

Clean your labret stud twice daily by spraying sterile saline or soaking in a saline solution. Gently dry with non-woven gauze or paper towel. Avoid touching, rotating, or handling your piercing unnecessarily.