Understanding Spider Bite Piercings
Spider bite piercings place two labret studs close together on one side of the lower lip, mimicking the two puncture marks of a spider bite. This guide covers what makes them different from snake bites, pain, the 2 to 3 month healing timeline, the spacing approval step and dual aftercare.Understanding Spider Bite Piercings
Spider bite piercings are two labret studs placed close together on one side of the lower lip, replicating the paired puncture marks of a spider bite. Both piercings sit on the same side, typically 1 to 2mm apart, creating a tight cluster effect. Each stud passes through the skin below the lower lip with a flat-back disc inside the mouth against the gum and a decorative end visible on the face. The asymmetric one-sided placement is the defining characteristic that separates spider bites from snake bites, which spread one piercing to each side of the lower lip.
The close spacing is central to the aesthetic. Too much distance between the two piercings and the spider bite effect is lost. Your piercer will mark both positions carefully and ask you to approve the spacing before proceeding. Take time with this step: once both piercings are done the relative positions are set. Unlike snake bites where the main concern is left-right symmetry, spider bites require precise vertical and horizontal spacing between two points on the same side.
Spider bites are part of the broader lip bite piercing family. The most commonly searched variations in the same family include snake bites (symmetrical, one per side), dolphin bites (two piercings close together in the centre of the lower lip) and shark bites (four piercings in two pairs, one pair on each side). Spider bites occupy a distinct position: asymmetric, clustered and one-sided.
Spider Bites vs the Lip Bite Piercing Family
Do Spider Bite Piercings Hurt?
Each individual spider bite rates around 4 out of 10 on the pain scale. The lower lip skin is soft tissue with moderate nerve density and the sensation is a quick sharp pinch at each point. Both piercings are done back to back in the same session. The second piercing is typically more intense than the first because the tissue in the same zone is already sensitised and minor swelling has begun. This is normal and expected with any paired lip piercing done in one session.
Swelling in the first 3 to 5 days concentrates on one side of the lower lip rather than spreading across both sides as with snake bites. The one-sided swelling can feel uneven and asymmetric at first. This resolves as both piercings settle during the first week.
| Stage | Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory | Days 1–7 | Swelling concentrated on pierced side; one-sided puffiness; soft foods; both bars initially longer |
| Downsize window | Weeks 3–6 | Both bars shortened at the same piercer appointment once swelling resolves |
| Healing | Weeks 6–10 | Increasingly comfortable; maintain dual aftercare on both piercings simultaneously |
| Full healing | Months 2–3 | Both fistulas mature; confirm with piercer before switching jewellery styles |
What Jewellery Works Best for Spider Bite Piercings?
Matched flat-back labret studs are the standard starting jewellery for spider bites. Matching both piercings in the same gauge, length and decorative top is important: the close spacing means mismatched tops are visible immediately. Initial posts are longer to accommodate swelling and both are downsized at the same appointment with your piercer once swelling resolves.
| Style | Best For | Size Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matched flat-back labret pair (initial) | Fresh and healing | 16G, 8–10mm post initially | Close spacing makes matching tops essential; downsize both at the same appointment |
| Matched gem or ball tops | Fresh and healed | 2–3mm gem face | Small identical tops create the cleanest spider bite cluster effect |
| Matched seamless hoops | Fully healed | 8mm inner diameter | Ring look on both; more dental contact; monitor gum line with regular checks |
| Threadless matched pair | Healed flat-back posts | Match post gauge | Swap both tops simultaneously for a consistent look |
Implant-grade titanium throughout healing. Oversized tops on close-set piercings can make both bars press together or overlap at the skin surface and should be avoided. Keep tops small during healing and for everyday wear.
For all lower lip piercing types including snake bites, labret and dolphin 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 spider bite piercings at OSCO London
Spider bite piercings at OSCO London are just £10 per piercing. Close-spacing marks confirmed before every session, implant-grade titanium as standard.
OSCO London is a professional piercing studio in Northwood, London. Visit the OSCO London homepage to book your spider bite piercings and have the spacing marks confirmed before any needle is used.
How to Care for Spider Bite Piercings
Spider bite aftercare applies the standard dual labret routine to both close-set piercings simultaneously. External: spray sterile saline at both face-side exit points twice daily and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Internal: rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal and drink. One rinse cleans both inner discs at once. Do not use alcohol-based mouthwash.
The close spacing of spider bites means that if one piercing becomes irritated the other is likely to follow. Identify and address the cause at the first sign of a problem on either side rather than waiting. Sleep on the opposite side to the piercings throughout healing to avoid pillow pressure on both exit points at once.
Do not play with either bar using your tongue or teeth. Do not apply makeup or skincare near the mouth corners during healing. Both bars must be downsized at the same appointment with your piercer once swelling resolves. Never attempt to change either labret yourself during the healing period.
For detailed information on every other lip and body piercing type, visit the Piercing Types Explained hub at OSCO London, covering all placements from lip and mouth piercings through to ear cartilage and body piercings.