What Is a Madonna Piercing?
A Madonna piercing is a single stud above the upper lip on the right side, mirroring the beauty mark associated with Madonna. This guide covers exactly how it differs from a Monroe, pain levels, the 6 to 8 week healing timeline, jewellery options and the dual inside-and-outside aftercare routine.What Is a Madonna Piercing?
A Madonna piercing is a single facial piercing placed above the upper lip on the right side, in the position associated with the beauty mark of the singer Madonna. A flat-back labret stud passes from the outer skin through to the inside of the mouth, with the decorative end visible on the right side above the upper lip and the flat disc resting against the upper gum inside. The left-side version of the same placement is called a Monroe piercing. One Madonna and one Monroe together form angel bites.
The difference between a Madonna and a Monroe is solely the side: left for Monroe, right for Madonna. The procedure is identical, the jewellery is identical, the healing timeline is identical and the aftercare routine is identical. Choosing between them comes down entirely to which side of the face you prefer to draw attention to with an off-centre beauty mark accent.
The Madonna is an asymmetric piercing by deliberate design, replicating a natural off-centre beauty mark rather than creating facial symmetry. It is placed high enough above the lip to read as a beauty mark accent rather than as a lip piercing, which gives it a different feel to the medusa or labret despite using the same flat-back labret stud jewellery format.
How the Madonna Compares
Does a Madonna Piercing Hurt?
Most people rate Madonna piercing pain at 4 out of 10. The upper lip area has more nerve endings than the earlobe and the sensation is a sharp pinch followed by brief pressure. The needle passes through the skin above the upper lip in a few seconds. Swelling in the first 24 to 48 hours is typical and the area settles considerably by day 5 for most people.
Initial healing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Full internal tissue maturation continues to 3 months. The external wound looks healed well before the internal channel is fully stable, which is why confirming with your piercer before any jewellery change is important.
| Stage | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | Days 1–5 | Swelling above the upper lip on the right side; longer initial bar accommodates the swelling |
| Downsize window | Weeks 3–6 | Replace initial long bar with correctly sized shorter bar once swelling fully resolves |
| Proliferative | Weeks 6–10 | External site looks healed; internal disc side still maturing; continue dual aftercare |
| Full healing | Months 2–3 | Confirmed by piercer; can switch to decorative gem or shaped top; retainer possible for formal occasions |
What Jewellery Is Best for a Madonna Piercing?
A flat-back labret stud is the standard jewellery for a Madonna piercing at every stage. The flat disc rests against the upper gum inside the mouth and the decorative end sits above the upper lip on the right side. A threadless push-pin system allows decorative tops to be swapped without removing the post. Internally threaded labrets are equally appropriate for a more secure hold. Rings and hoops are not suitable for this placement due to the upper lip angle and the potential for increased gum contact.
| Style | Best For | Size Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-back labret stud (initial) | Fresh and healing | 16G, 8–10mm post initially | Longer bar accommodates swelling; downsize to 6–7mm once resolved |
| Small gem top (1–2mm) | Fresh and healed | Match post gauge | Most natural beauty-mark effect; appropriate for most workplaces |
| Medium gem top (3–4mm) | Fully healed | Match post gauge | More visible sparkle for evenings and occasions |
| Skin-tone retainer | Fully healed only | Match post gauge | Near-invisible for high-formality occasions; not appropriate during healing |
Implant-grade titanium throughout healing. The Madonna sits in a prominent position on the face where jewellery is seen at close conversational distance. Investing in a well-finished, correctly sized top pays off at this placement more than at many others. Monitor the flat disc inside the mouth weekly during the first two weeks to ensure it remains sitting flush against the gum.
For all upper lip and facial piercing types including Monroe, medusa and angel bites, visit the Lip and Mouth Piercing Types Explained guide. For every piercing type in one resource, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub.
Book your Madonna piercing at OSCO London
Madonna piercings at OSCO London are just £10. Precise right-side placement confirmed before every piercing, implant-grade titanium as standard.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio in Northwood, London. Visit the OSCO London homepage to book your Madonna piercing and discuss left vs right side placement with a trained professional.
How to Care for a Madonna Piercing
Madonna aftercare manages both the external upper lip surface and the internal mouth side. External: clean the skin exit point twice daily with sterile saline spray and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not touch the stud with unwashed hands. Internal: rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal and drink throughout the healing period. A single rinse cleans the gum-side disc effectively.
Makeup and skincare near the Madonna site must be avoided throughout healing. Foundation, concealer and setting spray are applied across this area for most people and must be kept at least 1cm clear of the stud. When washing your face rinse the upper lip area thoroughly and pat rather than rub dry.
Avoid alcohol for at least four weeks. Do not smoke during healing. Avoid spicy and acidic foods for the first two weeks. Do not play with the stud using your tongue or teeth. Monitor the flat disc inside the mouth weekly during the first two weeks: it must sit flush against the gum rather than beginning to sink into the upper lip tissue. If the disc begins to embed contact your piercer immediately for a longer post.
For a complete resource covering every oral and facial piercing type, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub at OSCO London, covering all placements from Madonna and Monroe piercings through to ear cartilage and body piercings.