A Monroe piercing is simply a labret stud on your upper left lip, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty mark. A Madonna piercing is the same thing on the right side, inspired by Madonna’s iconic mole. They look subtle but make a strong statement when done right. Here’s what you need to know about placement, healing, and keeping your teeth safe.
What Are Monroe and Madonna Piercings?
Monroe piercings are named after Marilyn Monroe, who had an iconic beauty mark on her upper left lip. You get a single labret stud placed right on that spot – just above your lip line. Madonna piercings are identical in technique but placed on the right side instead, honoring Madonna’s famous beauty mark. Technically they’re the same piercing; only the placement changes.
Anatomy and Suitability
Not everyone’s lip anatomy works for these piercings. The thickness of your lip, your gum line position, and your jaw structure all matter. This is why we do a thorough anatomical check at Piercings Works before we pierce – if your anatomy isn’t suitable, we’ll tell you honestly. Poor placement can cause gum recession or tooth damage down the line.
Pain and Healing Timeline
Monroe and Madonna piercings are sharp when they go through – it’s over in one second, but you’ll feel it. The main discomfort afterward is swelling in the first few days. Healing takes about 6–12 weeks, though the worst swelling usually subsides after two weeks.
Aftercare essentials: - Salt water or mouthwash rinse twice daily, especially after eating - Avoid hot drinks and sharp foods your first week - No smoking or alcohol during healing - Downsize to a shorter bar once swelling decreases (around week 2–3) - Skip makeup and lipstick near the piercing while healing
Risks and Important Considerations
The biggest risks are gum and tooth contact. If your bar is placed incorrectly or stays too long after swelling goes down, it can rub against your teeth or gums and cause damage. This is why downsizing is critical – around 2–3 weeks in, when initial swelling decreases, you need to switch to a shorter bar.
Mouth hygiene is non-negotiable. Regular rinses prevent infection. Swelling in the first days is normal; excessive swelling or pus isn’t.
Jewelry and Materials
Monroe and Madonna piercings use a labret stud (also called a “lip stud” or “Monroe post”). Standard gauge is 1.2 mm. You’ll start with a slightly longer bar (usually 8–10 mm) to accommodate swelling. Once swelling goes down, you downsize to a shorter bar (6–7 mm).
Always go implant-grade titanium for healing – no cheap alloys. After it’s fully healed, you can experiment with gold, silver, or whatever you like, as long as it’s at least 14k if you choose gold.
Lowbret: The Deeper Variant
A lowbret is technically the same as Monroe/Madonna but placed much lower – near your chin line, deeper inside your mouth. It looks striking, but the risks are higher: gum and tooth contact is more likely, swelling can be more intense, and not everyone has the anatomy for it. If you’re interested in a lowbret, an anatomical check is even more critical.
Visit Piercings Works
Address: Reguliersbreestraat 46, Amsterdam (just around the corner from Rembrandtplein)
Hours: Daily 10:30–22:00 (walk-ins welcome)
We use implant-grade titanium, sterile single-use materials, and our piercers have been working since 1998. Before we pierce, we always do a thorough anatomical check – your health comes first.
Book an appointment or drop by.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I downsize my bar?
Around 2–3 weeks in, when initial swelling has decreased noticeably. Your piercer will tell you, but waiting too long can cause tooth problems.
Can I get Monroe and Madonna at the same time?
Technically yes, but many piercers recommend spacing them out so mouth hygiene is easier and healing isn’t as taxing.
What happens if my bar rubs against my teeth?
It can cause cavities or enamel erosion. Make sure your bar is correctly placed and downsize once swelling goes down. If you feel tooth pain, tell your piercer immediately.
Can I talk, eat, and drink normally?
At first it feels strange and your tongue will constantly want to touch it. Within a few weeks, it feels almost natural. Soft food helps the first week.
How long does it actually take to heal?
6–12 weeks, though your lip might still feel tender after that. Fully stable is usually around 3 months.
What if my anatomy isn’t suitable?
We’ll tell you honestly before you commit. There’s no shame – your health and teeth matter more. We can suggest other lip or facial piercings that work better for you.
Monroe and Madonna piercings are classic and look amazing when placed correctly. The key is honest anatomical assessment, correct placement, and managing your swelling phase well. Visit Piercings Works for a consultation – we’ll make sure you get it right.
