Scarring of the Medusa piercing is influenced by:

What Affects Scarring With a Medusa Piercing?

If you’ve decided to get a Medusa piercing, it’s best to know all of the steps from start to finish before going to a piercing parlor. Scarring is different on everybody, so it’s difficult to say how your scar might look after the piercing is removed. 

Those who’ve had one generally report that the scar is minimal and usually a discreet color. That may not be the case for everyone, though. A scar from a Medusa piercing may be more severe because:

• Oral piercings are prone to hypertrophic scarring 
• The gauge that you choose may leave a larger hole to heal
• You neglect proper aftercare for your piercing while it’s healing

Oral Piercings and Hypertrophic Scarring

Hypertrophic scarring is an excessive build-up of scar tissue that isn’t dangerous to your health but may be unsightly. It can occur if you’re genetically predisposed to it, can happen even if you do everything right, but can also occur as a result of chemical irritation and trauma. 

Because your Medusa will be in a place where it rubs against your gums and teeth, you may be risking irritation if it catches on your teeth and scrapes against them. Chemicals in food, makeup, toothpaste, and mouthwash may also contribute to the risk of hypertrophic scarring.

You’re also continually talking, eating, breathing, and moving your upper lip and this piercing. This can lead to irritation, which might increase scar tissue, likely on the inside of the mouth. 

Gauge Size 

Philtrum piercings are usually a 16 or 14 gauge piercing, which is the diameter of the shaft of your piercing. At this size, the scarring should be minimal when you remove it. If you choose to go larger with the size, be aware that this increases the likelihood of a visible lip scar since the hole will be more significant. 

Aftercare for a Medusa Piercing

With any piercing, the professional that did it for you should provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. These instructions take priority. However, in case they didn’t give them to you, or you want to be extra cautious, you can adhere to this exhaustive list of aftercare steps for a Medusa piercing:

Cleansing:

• If you’re going to touch the piercing, ALWAYS wash your hands with antibacterial soap before
• Clean your oral piercing front and back twice a day with a warm water solution. You can pour it on the piercing or dip your lip into, depending on your anatomy 
• You can wash the area with a mild soap; be gentle 
• Dry off your piercing by patting it gently with a clean towel every time

The best aftercare product I’ve personally used is the After Inked Piercing Aftercare Spray. Not only is it vegan, but it’s also completely alcohol and additive-free. The solution works well on all skin types including sensitive skin, and it comes in a generously-sized mist-spraying bottle for easy application. When using it from the very start of the healing process, the spray helps to decrease healing times and aims to eliminate any lingering pain or soreness.​

Eating:

• Eat slowly for the first few days 
• Don’t eat hot, spicy, or sticky foods for the first few days, at least 
• Don’t smoke while healing 
• Don’t drink alcohol while healing 
• Ice cream or a popsicle will reduce the swelling if needed
• After you eat, wash your mouth out with a non-alcoholic mouthwash. This will clean out the bacteria without being too harsh on the newly healing skin

Toiletries:

• Avoid antiseptic mouthwash
• Change your toothbrush to a new one immediately after the piercing. Choose one with soft bristles and pick a mild toothpaste
• Don’t use lotions, cosmetics, or antibiotics around the piercing 
• Don’t spray any aerosols like perfume, hair spray, or setting spray that might land on the piercing

Activities:

• Don’t engage in kissing while healing 
• Abstain from performing oral sex while healing 
• Keep away from pools, lakes, or the ocean for the first few days
• Stay out of baths and/or hot tubs while healing
• Avoid playing with your jewelry

Mild irritation of a piercing can lead to infection, which can be challenging to clear up and may be unsightly. Localized infections often can spread throughout the body, which is very dangerous. Severe infections may even form an abscess, which would require surgery to drain, and may lead to deformity. 

Minimizing the Scarring of A Medusa Piercing

Even with the best intentions and aftercare, you can’t determine in advance how you’ll heal from a piercing. However, if you reduce irritation by being aware of chemicals and following the aftercare instructions, you can do your best to avoid infection. Infection may lead to complications that make scarring worse. 

If you’re anxious about scarring, talk to the professional piercing your lip about the size of the needle they’re using. They may be able to use a more delicate needle to further reduce the potential of visible scarring.