All About Monroe Piercings
A Monroe piercing sits above the upper lip on the left side, replicating Marilyn Monroe's famous beauty mark. This guide covers placement, how it differs from a Madonna and medusa, pain levels, the 6 to 8 week healing timeline, jewellery and the dual inside-and-outside aftercare routine.All About Monroe Piercings
A Monroe piercing is a single facial piercing placed above the upper lip on the left side, in the position of Marilyn Monroe's iconic beauty mark. A flat-back labret stud passes from the outer skin through to the inside of the mouth, with the decorative end visible on the outside and the flat disc resting against the upper gum inside. The right-side version of the same placement is called a Madonna piercing. One Monroe and one Madonna together form angel bites.
The Monroe is named after Marilyn Monroe, whose beauty mark above her left lip became one of the most recognisable facial features of the twentieth century. The piercing replicates that look deliberately: an off-centre upper lip stud that draws the eye and adds a note of old Hollywood glamour to the face. It is one of the more enduringly popular facial piercings precisely because it is simultaneously bold enough to notice and subtle enough for everyday wear.
The Monroe is a asymmetric piercing by design. The deliberate off-centre placement mimics a natural beauty mark rather than creating facial symmetry. People considering the Monroe sometimes debate which side to place it on: the traditional left side follows Marilyn Monroe's mark, while a right-side placement is technically a Madonna. The choice is personal and entirely based on which side of the face you prefer to draw attention to.
How the Monroe Compares
Does a Monroe Piercing Hurt?
Most people rate Monroe piercing pain at 4 out of 10. The upper lip area has more nerve endings than the earlobe but the piercing itself takes only a few seconds from needle to jewellery insertion. The sensation is a sharp pinch followed by brief pressure. Swelling in the first few days is typical and most noticeable in the first 24 to 48 hours. The area settles considerably by day 5 for most people.
Initial healing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Full internal tissue maturation continues to around 3 months. The external wound looks healed well before the internal channel is complete, so confirming with your piercer before making any jewellery changes is important.
| Stage | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | Days 1–5 | Swelling above the upper lip; some bruising possible; longer initial bar accommodates the swelling |
| Downsize window | Weeks 3–6 | Replace initial long bar with shorter fitting bar once swelling resolves; reduces dental contact risk |
| Proliferative | Weeks 6–10 | External site looks healed; internal disc side still maturing; keep up dual aftercare routine |
| Full healing | Months 2–3 | Confirmed by piercer; can switch to decorative gem or shaped top; skin-tone retainer possible for low-visibility periods |
What Jewellery Is Best for a Monroe Piercing?
A flat-back labret stud is the standard jewellery for a Monroe piercing at all stages of healing and after. The flat disc rests against the upper gum inside the mouth and the decorative end sits above the upper lip on the outside. Threadless push-pin tops allow the decorative end to be swapped without removing the post. Internally threaded labrets are equally appropriate for those who prefer a more secure mechanical hold.
| 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 swelling resolves |
| Small gem top (1–2mm) | Fresh and healed | Match post gauge | Most natural beauty-mark effect; subtle enough for most workplaces |
| Medium gem top (3–4mm) | Fully healed | Match post gauge | More visible sparkle; popular choice for evenings |
| Bioplast or glass retainer | Fully healed only | Match post gauge | Near-invisible option for occasions requiring discretion; not for use during healing |
Implant-grade titanium throughout healing. The Monroe sits in a prominent location above the lip where jewellery is seen at close range in conversation. The quality of the gem or top is more noticeable here than at most other placements, making this a piercing where investing in a well-finished top pays visible dividends. A clear or skin-tone retainer can be used once fully healed for high-formality occasions.
For all upper lip and facial piercing types including medusa, Madonna 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 Monroe piercing at OSCO London
Monroe piercings at OSCO London are just £10. Precise off-centre 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 Monroe piercing and discuss left vs right placement with a trained professional.
How to Care for a Monroe Piercing
Monroe 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. Avoid touching the stud with unwashed hands. Internal: rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal and drink throughout the healing period. A single rinse covers the gum-side disc effectively.
Makeup and skincare near the Monroe site must be avoided throughout healing. Foundation, concealer, contour and setting spray all fall within range of this piercing for most application routines. Keep all products at least 1cm clear of the stud during healing. When washing your face rinse the upper lip area thoroughly and pat dry rather than rubbing.
Avoid alcohol for at least four weeks. Do not smoke during healing. Avoid spicy and acidic foods in 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 to ensure it remains 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 facial piercing type, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub at OSCO London, covering all placements from Monroe and medusa piercings through to ear cartilage and body piercings.