The smiley piercing, formally known as the superior labial frenulum piercing, is situated in the thin membrane connecting the upper lip to the upper gum. This piercing is popular because the jewelry is often only visible when the wearer smiles. Safely retiring this piercing requires a focused, careful approach to prevent irritation or injury to the delicate mucosal tissue. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for removing the jewelry yourself once the site is completely healed.
Preparing for Safe Removal
Before attempting removal, confirm the piercing is fully healed, which typically takes a minimum of four to twelve weeks for the frenulum tissue. Removing jewelry from a non-healed site can lead to tearing, irritation, or the introduction of bacteria into the wound. A fully healed piercing will show no signs of persistent redness, swelling, or discharge, and the surrounding tissue should appear normal.
Begin by gathering all necessary supplies in a clean, well-lit area, such as a bathroom with a mirror. You will need clean, disposable gloves, sterile gauze or paper towels, and a gentle, alcohol-free oral rinse. Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap for at least twenty seconds before donning the gloves to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into your mouth. The frenulum is a sensitive area, making stringent hygiene a necessary prerequisite for self-removal.
Step-by-Step Jewelry Removal
The removal process depends on the jewelry style, most often a Captive Bead Ring (CBR) or a Circular Barbell (horseshoe). For a threaded Circular Barbell, first unscrew one of the end balls, usually by turning it counter-clockwise. Applying firm, steady pressure with a gloved thumb and forefinger can be difficult because the ball is small and slick with saliva.
A small piece of sterile gauze or a paper towel can be wrapped around the ball to improve your grip and loosen the threading. Once the first ball is removed, stabilize the jewelry and the surrounding frenulum tissue to prevent tugging. Gently pull your upper lip upward to expose the piercing site clearly and apply light tension to the frenulum itself.
For a Captive Bead Ring, the central bead is held in place by the tension of the ring, with small dimples on the bead fitting into the ring’s openings. To remove it, slightly widen the ring just enough for the bead to pop out. This often requires specialized piercing pliers, but it can sometimes be achieved by gently pushing the ring apart with your fingertips while stabilizing the lip.
After the bead or ball is detached, carefully slide the remaining jewelry out of the piercing channel. The jewelry should pass through the hole smoothly without resistance; if you feel a snag or discomfort, pause and adjust the angle. Once the jewelry is free, immediately place it on a clean towel and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Immediate Aftercare and Site Healing
Immediately after removal, rinse your mouth to cleanse the piercing channel of any debris or bacteria. Use a sterile saline solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash, swishing gently for thirty to sixty seconds, focusing the rinse on the upper lip area. The frenulum is mucosal tissue, known for its rapid healing capabilities compared to external skin piercings.
For a well-healed piercing, the channel can begin to close almost immediately, sometimes shrinking within an hour of the jewelry being taken out. For the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours, continue to rinse your mouth with a mild solution after every meal and before bed. This consistent cleaning helps the small wound site seal cleanly.
To promote healing, avoid anything that could irritate the delicate tissue, such as consuming spicy, acidic, or very hot foods for the first two days. The hole will typically close completely within a few days for most individuals. Refrain from touching the area with your tongue or fingers while the site is actively healing.
Recognizing Complications
While self-removal is often straightforward, recognize signs that the attempt has gone wrong or that a complication exists. If you notice spreading redness, excessive pain, or thick, discolored discharge (yellow or green), these are signs of a possible infection. An infection may also be accompanied by a persistent foul odor or a low-grade fever.
In the event of suspected infection, resist the urge to remove the jewelry, as this action can cause the channel to close and trap the bacteria inside the tissue. This could lead to an abscess or spread the infection to surrounding areas. Instead, leave the jewelry in place and seek immediate consultation with a professional piercer, dentist, or physician.
If the jewelry breaks during removal, or if the ball is stripped and cannot be loosened, do not attempt to force the piece out, which could tear the frenulum. If jewelry is stuck or if bleeding becomes excessive and does not stop with light pressure, stop the procedure and visit a professional piercer. They possess the correct tools and can safely remove the piece without causing further damage to the sensitive oral tissue.