Piercing Styles: Monroe Piercing

A Monroe piercing  is a lip piercing placed off-centre, above the upper lip on the left hand side and is meant to resemble Marilyn Monroe's beauty spot.

The Monroe piercing has a recent history, unlike others that were popularized in the late 70s and 80s.the Monroe piercing can also be seen on celebrities like Amy Winehouse. Although more favoured by women, this piercing is seen increasingly on men.

This piercing is typically fitted with a 14, 16, or 18 gauge labret, the bars of which are usually shortened after healing. A variation on this piercing isAngelbites - a double version of a this piercing is with both the madonna and monroe style piercings worn on either sides of the upper lip. This piercing may also be referred to as a Crayfish, Angel Bites, or Anti Bites, being the anti version of snake bites. When long barbells are worn in this piercing, they look similar to the antennae on a crayfish, hence the name. Most people with a Monroe piercing favor a metal ball or a jewel on the outer-end. The lip can often swell considerably after the piercing and will need both facial and oral aftercare to keep both sides of the jewellery clean at all times. Monroes, like all piercings, are prone to infection and it is vital that the piercing is cleaned regularly. Scarring is minimal to none if properly taken care of.

An advantage of a Monroe piercing is that the lip area generally heals faster than other piercings. The estimated healing time given by professional piercers for this type of lip piercing is between 8–12 weeks, but many find it heals in 3–6 weeks.