Everything You Need to Know About Medusa Piercings
The medusa piercing sits precisely in the centre of the philtrum groove above the upper lip. This guide covers why exact placement matters more here than almost anywhere else, pain, swelling, the 2 to 3 month healing timeline and the dual inside-and-outside aftercare routine.Everything You Need to Know About Medusa Piercings
A medusa piercing (also called a philtrum piercing) is a single facial piercing placed in the centre of the philtrum, the small vertical groove that runs between the base of the nose and the cupid's bow of the upper lip. A flat-back labret stud passes through from the outside inward, with the decorative end sitting centred on the philtrum and the flat disc resting against the upper gum inside the mouth.
The medusa is named after the figure from Greek mythology whose appearance was so arresting it turned observers to stone: an apt name for a piercing whose perfectly centred placement draws the eye immediately. It frames the upper lip and creates a visual focal point at the centre of the lower face that flatters a wide range of face shapes, from oval to heart to square.
Because the medusa sits dead centre on the face, placement precision matters more here than at almost any other piercing location. Even one millimetre of offset is visible and noticeable at conversational distance. This is a piercing where the skill of your piercer has a direct and permanent impact on the result. A professional piercer will mark the spot, have you check in a mirror at multiple angles and adjust until the placement is exactly right before proceeding.
Medusa vs Monroe vs Other Upper Lip Piercings
Does a Medusa Piercing Hurt?
Most people rate medusa piercing pain at 4 to 5 out of 10. The philtrum area has a higher concentration of nerve endings than some other parts of the face due to its proximity to the nasal nerves, which is why the sensation is slightly sharper than a lower lip labret. The piercing itself takes approximately one second. Watering eyes immediately after are a normal reflex response from the nasal nerve proximity and not a sign of extreme pain.
Swelling in the first 2 to 3 days is the most challenging part of medusa healing. The upper lip swells considerably during this window and the initial long bar protrudes noticeably until the swelling subsides. This is entirely normal and expected. Cold water and ice packs applied externally help manage the swelling during the first few days.
| Stage | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | Days 1–7 | Significant upper lip swelling; long bar visible; ice water and ibuprofen help considerably |
| Downsize window | Weeks 2–4 | Visit piercer once swelling fully resolves to replace long bar with correctly sized shorter post |
| Proliferative | Weeks 4–8 | Comfortable day to day; external site looks healed; internal tissue still maturing |
| Full healing | Months 2–3 | Fistula fully formed; can switch to decorative gem or shaped top with piercer confirmation |
Downsizing at 2 to 4 weeks is critical for the medusa. The flat disc inside the mouth contacts the upper gum thousands of times daily through normal facial movement. A post that is too long after swelling resolves accelerates gum contact and is the main preventable cause of medusa-related dental complications. Do not skip or delay the downsize appointment.
What Jewellery Is Best for a Medusa Piercing?
A flat-back labret stud is the only jewellery type used in a medusa piercing. The flat disc sits inside the mouth against the upper gum and the decorative end sits centred on the philtrum. There is no anatomy at this placement that would allow a hoop or ring. The decorative end can be swapped once healed using a threadless push-pin system without disturbing the post.
| Style | Best For | Size Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-back labret stud | Fresh and healing | 16G, 8–10mm post initially | Only appropriate jewellery for medusa piercings; downsize to 6–7mm at 2–4 weeks |
| Small gem top | Fresh and healed | 2–3mm gem face | Subtle during healing; discreet enough for most workplaces |
| Larger gem or opal top | Fully healed | 4–5mm gem face | Statement look; ensure post length is correctly sized before fitting larger top |
| Flat disc end | Fresh and healed | Match post gauge | Minimal and understated; ideal if you want the medusa placement without a prominent jewel |
Implant-grade titanium throughout healing. Once fully healed solid 14k gold tops are a popular choice for the medusa due to the prominence of the placement: this is a piercing that will be seen and noticed, so high-quality jewellery pays visible dividends here more than almost anywhere else on the face.
For all lip and mouth piercing types including labret, Monroe, snake bites and tongue piercings, visit the Lip and Mouth Piercing Types Explained guide. For every piercing type in one resource, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub.
Book your medusa piercing at OSCO London
Medusa piercings at OSCO London are just £10. Precise centred placement, implant-grade titanium as standard, full aftercare guidance included.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio in Northwood, London. Visit the OSCO London homepage to book your medusa piercing and discuss philtrum placement accuracy with a trained professional.
How to Care for a Medusa Piercing
Medusa aftercare requires attention to both the external face and the internal mouth, just like all labret-family piercings. External: clean the philtrum exit point twice daily with sterile saline spray. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not touch with unwashed hands. Internal: rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal and drink throughout the healing period.
Makeup and skincare around the philtrum must be avoided during healing. The medusa sits directly in the path of foundation, lip liner, contour and setting spray. Keep all products at least 1cm away from the piercing. When washing your face, take care to rinse the philtrum area thoroughly and pat dry. Leaving skincare residue around the exit point is a common cause of medusa piercing bumps.
Do not play with the jewellery or move it with your tongue or lips. Do not smoke during healing if possible. Avoid alcohol for at least four weeks. Avoid spicy and acidic foods in the first two weeks. Monitor the flat disc inside the mouth daily during the first week: it must remain sitting flush against the gum rather than sinking 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 body piercing type, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub at OSCO London, covering all placements from medusa and lip piercings through to ear cartilage, nose and specialist body piercings.