While many lip piercings create a bold, beautiful frame for the lower lip, the angel bites piercing offers a more celestial, uplifting accent to the face. It is a style defined by elegance, balance, and a nod to classic Hollywood glamour, reimagined for the modern era. Consisting of two symmetrical piercings placed just above the upper lip, angel bites frame the cupid’s bow, draw attention to the smile, and create a focal point that is both captivating and sophisticated. As we move into the stylish autumn season of 2025, it’s a piercing choice that speaks of deliberate design and refined taste.
However, the perfect symmetry and effortless grace of a healed set of angel bites are the result of immense technical skill and a deep, artistic understanding of facial harmony. This is a piercing where precision is not just a goal, but a requirement. At PinkTatPier, we treat this placement with the reverence of a master jeweller setting a pair of diamonds. We recently had a consultation with a client, a makeup artist named Isabelle, who was looking for a piercing to accentuate her favourite feature: her cupid’s bow. She had considered a central Medusa piercing but was worried it felt too singular and wanted something that created more of a “frame.”
Our lead specialist introduced her to the concept of the angel bites piercing London. The consultation quickly became a dynamic design session. We didn’t just talk about placement; we explored how the light would catch the gems, how the piercings would interact with her smile, and how they would align with the peaks of her cupid’s bow and the flare of her nostrils. Using a sterile marker, we mapped the proposed placements, allowing Isabelle to see in real-time how the two points would create a perfect, symmetrical frame. Her face lit up. “That’s it,” she said. “It doesn’t distract from my features; it enhances them.”
This collaborative, art-led approach is the essence of the PinkTatPier experience. This definitive guide is an extension of that philosophy, created for anyone considering this elegant piercing. It is your most comprehensive resource, covering the critical details of symmetrical placement, oral safety, the healing journey, and how to book online with London’s best specialists to achieve your own perfect placement.

angel bites piercing
What is an Angel Bites Piercing? The Art of Upper Lip Symmetry
To fully appreciate this style, it’s essential to understand its precise definition and how it fits within the lexicon of facial piercings.
The Definition: A Symmetrical Pair Above the Lip
The angel bites piercing is a specific set of paired piercings. It consists of two separate piercings performed symmetrically on opposite sides of the upper lip, in the fleshy area between the lip line and the nose. It is, in essence, a Monroe piercing (on the left) and a Madonna piercing (on the right) worn together as a deliberate, balanced pair.
Angel Bites vs. Other Upper Lip Piercings
Understanding the terminology helps in communicating your vision clearly with your piercer.
- Angel Bites: Two piercings, placed symmetrically on opposite sides of the upper lip.
- Medusa (or Philtrum): A single piercing, placed in the central groove of the upper lip (the philtrum).
- Monroe/Madonna: A single piercing, placed on one side of the upper lip to mimic a classic beauty mark.
While a Medusa creates a central focal point, and a Monroe an asymmetrical accent, the angel bites piercing is all about creating a harmonious, balanced frame.
The Aesthetic Goal: Framing the Cupid’s Bow and Enhancing the Smile
The primary artistic purpose of the angel bites piercing London is to create a beautiful, symmetrical frame for the philtrum and the cupid’s bow. When done correctly, the two gems should draw the eye upward, complementing the natural curves of the upper lip. The placement must be in perfect harmony not just with the lips and nose, but with the entire “smile zone” of the face, looking balanced and beautiful both at rest and in motion.
The Specialist’s Touch: Why Precision is Everything for a Perfect Placement
The human face is a landscape of subtle, natural asymmetries. Achieving a look of perfect, mirrored symmetry with two separate piercings is one of the greatest challenges a piercer can undertake. It is a test of their eye, their hand, and their deep understanding of facial anatomy.
The Intricate Challenge of “Mirrored” Symmetry
A truly expert piercer knows that creating visual symmetry isn’t always about using a ruler. The left and right sides of a person’s face are rarely identical. Our specialists at PinkTatPier are trained to create the illusion of perfect symmetry. This may mean that the piercings are not placed at the exact same millimetre measurement from the centre of the lip, but are instead placed where they appear perfectly balanced in relation to the nostrils, the cupid’s bow, and the client’s smile. This is a high-level artistic skill that separates a good piercer from one of London’s best specialists.
Navigating the “Canine Triangle”: A Commitment to Anatomical Safety
The area of the upper lip where angel bites are placed is known anatomically as the “canine triangle” or “danger triangle of the face.” This area has a rich and complex network of blood vessels, including the superior labial artery, and nerves that control facial expression. While serious complications are rare in the hands of an expert, it highlights the absolute necessity of choosing a piercer with profound anatomical knowledge. A professional piercer is trained to assess the tissue, understand the underlying structures, and choose a placement path that is as safe as possible.
Our Studio’s Philosophy on Facial Harmony:
“With angel bites, we are working directly below the nose and directly above the smile—two of the most expressive and character-defining parts of the face. The placement has to be flawless. It’s not just about being ‘even’; it’s about complementing the client’s unique features at rest and in motion. A perfectly executed set of angel bites doesn’t just add sparkle; it enhances and elevates the person’s natural beauty. That is the artistic standard we hold ourselves to, and it is a standard of millimetres.” – The Lead Specialist at PinkTatPier

angel bites piercing
Our Unwavering Commitment to Your Long-Term Oral Health
As with any piercing that enters the oral cavity, the long-term health of your teeth and gums is our primary concern. The backs of the angel bites jewellery will rest against your upper gum line. Our specialists mitigate the risk of damage by:
- Precise Angling: We use a specific angle that allows the flat-back disc of the labret stud to “nest” or settle into the soft, immobile tissue of the upper gum line.
- Mandatory Downsizing: We insist on a schedule of downsizing appointments to ensure the jewellery posts are shortened to a perfectly snug fit once swelling has subsided, preventing unnecessary movement and rubbing.
- Exclusive Use of Quality Materials: We only use internally threaded, implant-grade titanium labrets with a mirror-smooth polish to ensure the surface that rests against your gums is as non-abrasive as possible.
The Journey: From Booking to a Beautifully Healed Piercing
We have designed the entire journey for your angel bites piercing London to be as transparent, comfortable, and professional as possible.
Step 1: Easy Online Reservation for Your Appointment
Your journey begins with our simple and convenient online reservation system. You can view our services, check our transparent pricing, and book online for a consultation or the piercing appointment itself, 24/7, from the comfort of your home.
Step 2: The In-Depth Design & Consultation Phase
When you arrive at our London studio, we will begin with the most important part: the consultation. This is a collaborative design session where we will perform the meticulous marking process, check the proposed placements against your facial movements, and ensure you are 100% happy and confident before we proceed.
Step 3: The Healing Timeline & Aftercare
Healing upper lip piercings requires diligence. The area is highly mobile and comes into contact with food, drink, and skincare products. Patience and a strict aftercare routine are essential.
Table: The Angel Bites Piercing Healing & Downsizing Schedule
Timescale | What to Expect | Key Aftercare Actions & Appointments |
Week 1-2 | Significant swelling of the upper lip is expected. Tenderness and some difficulty with certain facial expressions and eating are normal. | Adhere to a soft food diet; use gentle cold compresses on the lips; perform meticulous oral (alcohol-free mouthwash) & external (sterile saline) cleaning after every meal and twice daily. Avoid all makeup and harsh skincare on the area. |
Week 2-8 | The initial, dramatic swelling will subside, but the piercings remain very fragile. The internal and external tissues are healing at different rates. | MANDATORY DOWNSIZE #1: You must return to PinkTatPier for your first set of shorter labret posts. This is absolutely crucial to prevent the longer bars from catching on your teeth and gums. |
Month 3-6 | The piercings will begin to feel much more stable, but are not yet fully healed internally. The fistula (tissue channel) is still maturing. | MANDATORY DOWNSIZE #2: As the tissue continues to settle, a second downsizing may be necessary to achieve a perfectly snug, safe fit against the tissue. This will be assessed by your piercer at your check-up. |
Month 6-9+ | The piercings are approaching full maturity and should feel comfortable. The channels are becoming robust and ready for final jewellery. | Do not change the decorative ends yourself until a specialist at our studio has professionally confirmed that your piercings are fully healed and ready for the slight trauma of a jewellery change. |

angel bites piercing
Jewellery, Pricing & Booking Information
The final touches make all the difference. Let’s talk about the beautiful options available for your healed angel bites.
Jewellery Options for Healed Angel Bites
While you will heal with simple, elegant ball or disc ends made of implant-grade titanium, a world of beauty awaits once your piercings are fully mature. The classic look is a pair of perfectly matching, sparkling gems. However, you can also explore different but complementary ends for a more unique look, or simple, high-polish beads for a more understated aesthetic. Our studio carries a curated collection from the world’s finest jewellery makers.
Transparent Pricing for a Specialist Service
Our prices for a angel bites piercing London are structured transparently and can be viewed on our website. The cost is charged as two separate lip piercings and includes the expert piercing service, two standard, implant-grade titanium labret studs, and the essential downsizing appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much do angel bites swell compared to lower lip piercings?
Swelling is very individual, but generally, the upper lip can swell quite significantly, sometimes more so than the lower lip. You should expect noticeable puffiness for the first 3-7 days. Following our aftercare advice and using cold compresses will help manage this normal healing response.
2. Will they affect my ability to talk or smile?
Initially, yes. Due to the swelling and the new objects in your lip, you may find that you have a slight lisp or that certain facial expressions feel strange for the first week or two. This is temporary and will resolve as the swelling subsides and your body adapts to the new jewellery.
3. What are the long-term risks to my upper gums?
The primary long-term risk is gum recession. This risk is dramatically minimised by choosing a skilled professional piercer who understands angled placement and by adhering to the mandatory downsizing schedule. With a perfectly fitted labret, the back disc should “nest” safely in the tissue with minimal contact with your gums.
Conclusion: A Statement of Perfect, Symmetrical Elegance
The angel bites piercing is a statement of elegance, symmetry, and refined taste. Its success is a direct result of a specialist’s artistic eye, their deep understanding of facial anatomy, and their unwavering commitment to technical precision. At PinkTatPier, we combine our passion for aesthetic harmony with a medical-grade approach to hygiene and safety to provide an experience that is second to none.

angel bites piercing
Your Next Step: Book Online for a Perfect Placement
Are you ready to enhance your look with this beautifully symmetrical and elegant piercing? The journey begins with a simple click.
We invite you to book online today for a consultation or appointment with London’s best specialists. Let us work with you to design and execute your perfect angel bites piercing.