In the beautifully diverse and ever-evolving world of lip piercings, where symmetrical and asymmetrical placements create dynamic statements, the dolphin bites piercing emerges as a unique, powerful, and stylish choice. It is a style defined by focused, centralised symmetry. While other paired piercings like snake bites create width and frame the mouth, dolphin bites do the opposite: they draw the eye to the very centre of the lower lip, creating a strong, intentional focal point that accentuates the chin and the curve of the mouth. It’s a modern, sophisticated choice for those who appreciate precision and understated impact, a key emerging style for the discerning London client in late 2025.
However, the clean, minimalist aesthetic of a perfect set of dolphin bites belies the exceptional level of precision required to execute them. This is a piercing of close-quarters geometry, where even a fraction of a millimetre can make the difference between a perfectly balanced design and an awkward, off-centre mistake. At PinkTatPier, we approach this piercing with the meticulous artistry it demands. We recently had a consultation with a client named Finn, who loved the idea of a central labret but wanted something with a bit more presence and uniqueness. He was considering getting two separate labrets placed far apart.
During his consultation, our lead specialist introduced him to the dolphin bites concept. We didn’t just describe it; we illustrated it. Using a sterile surgical marker, we showed him how placing two piercings closely together, perfectly centered beneath his lower lip, would create a much stronger and more intentional design than two disparate points. We used callipers to map the two points so they were perfectly symmetrical to his philtrum (the groove in his upper lip) and the central point of his chin, creating a cohesive vertical line that brought a new level of harmony to his facial features. Finn was immediately convinced. “That’s exactly it,” he said. “It’s not just two piercings; it’s one complete design.”
This collaborative, design-led process is the essence of the PinkTatPier experience. This definitive guide is an extension of that philosophy, created for anyone considering the unique dolphin bites piercing London. It is your in-depth resource, covering the art of its precise placement, the crucial safety protocols involved, and how to get a personalised quote from our expert London studio.

dolphin bites piercing
Defining Dolphin Bites: A Study in Centralised Symmetry
To fully appreciate this style, it’s essential to understand exactly what it is and, just as importantly, what distinguishes it from other popular lip piercing configurations.
The Definition: A Close Central Pair
A dolphin bites piercing is defined as two separate piercings placed in close proximity to each other, positioned symmetrically in the centre of the area just below the lower lip. They are designed to be seen and worn as a single, cohesive unit, creating a strong central statement.
Dolphin Bites vs. Snake Bites vs. a Central Labret
The piercing lexicon can be confusing, but the distinctions are key to defining your aesthetic goal.
- Dolphin Bites: Two piercings, placed closely together, and centered on the lower lip.
- Snake Bites: Two piercings, placed far apart, on opposite sides of the lower lip.
- Central Labret: A single piercing, placed in the exact center of the lower lip.
Essentially, you can think of dolphin bites as a “split” central labret. This subtle difference has a major visual impact. While a single labret creates one point of focus, dolphin bites create a slightly wider, more decorated focal point that has more presence without sacrificing the elegance of a central placement.
The Aesthetic Goal: Creating a Strong, Elegant Focal Point
Unlike piercings like snake bites that widen the mouth’s appearance, the primary aesthetic function of a dolphin bites piercing London is to draw the eye inward. This powerful central focus can:
- Accentuate the Chin: The vertical alignment of the two piercings can create a subtle line that enhances the shape of the chin.
- Highlight the Lower Lip’s Curve: The two points of light beneath the lip draw attention to its shape and fullness.
- Create Facial Harmony: When perfectly aligned with the cupid’s bow and septum, it can create a profound sense of vertical symmetry in the center of the face.

dolphin bites piercing
The Specialist’s Touch: Why Precision is Paramount
The success of a dolphin bites piercing rests almost entirely on the skill and experience of your piercer. The unique challenges of this placement leave absolutely no room for error.
The Challenge of Close-Quarters, Centralised Symmetry
Achieving perfect symmetry is the goal of any paired piercing, but with dolphin bites, the challenge is twofold. Your piercer must ensure:
- Internal Symmetry: The two piercings must be perfectly level and evenly spaced from each other. Because they are so close together, even a tiny error is immediately noticeable.
- External Symmetry: The entire pair must be perfectly centered on your facial midline. A pair of piercings that is even a millimetre off-center will throw off the balance of your entire face.
Our specialists at PinkTatPier use meticulous, multi-point marking techniques and often employ surgical callipers to ensure this dual-axis symmetry is flawless. This is the hallmark of a true professional piercing service.
Navigating Anatomy and Protecting Your Oral Health
The area beneath the lower lip contains important structures, and placing two piercings there requires deep anatomical knowledge.
- The “Safe Zone”: Our piercers are trained to identify the safe area for placement, avoiding the major mental nerves and blood vessels that supply sensation to the lower lip and chin.
- Oral Health Commitment: The risk of tooth and gum damage is doubled with two piercings. Our commitment to your long-term oral health is unwavering. We use a specific, slightly angled piercing technique to ensure the flat-back discs of the labret studs “nest” into the soft inner lip tissue, minimising contact with your lower teeth and gum line. This, combined with our mandatory downsizing schedule, is the most effective strategy for preventing long-term damage.
Our Studio’s Philosophy on Precision Piercing:
“With dolphin bites, you have two critical axes of symmetry to consider: the horizontal alignment between the two piercings themselves, and the vertical alignment of the entire pair with the client’s facial midline. It’s a geometric challenge on a three-dimensional, expressive canvas. We’re not just making two holes; we’re building a small, perfectly balanced structure on the most prominent part of the face. That level of precision, that obsession with getting it perfect, is what our clients seek us out for and what defines our work at PinkTatPier.” – Our Lead Specialist at PinkTatPier
The Journey: From Booking Your Consultation to a Beautifully Healed Piercing
We have designed our entire process to be transparent, reassuring, and centred around your unique journey.
The In-Depth Design & Consultation Phase
Your journey begins with a conversation. During your consultation, we will perform the meticulous marking process, checking the proposed placements against your facial movements like smiling and talking. This collaborative design session ensures you are 100% confident and in love with the placement before any piercing takes place.

dolphin bites piercing
The Healing Timeline & Aftercare for a Paired Piercing
Healing two piercings at once requires extra diligence. The process is similar to a single lip piercing, but you must be mindful of the compounded swelling and the need to care for two sites.
Table: The Dolphin Bites Piercing Healing & Downsizing Schedule
Timescale | What to Expect | Key Aftercare Actions & Appointments |
Week 1-2 | Significant swelling of the central lower lip is guaranteed. The area will be tender, and you may experience some difficulty with eating and talking. | 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. |
Week 2-8 | The initial, dramatic swelling will subside, but the piercings remain very fragile. The internal channels (fistulas) are actively forming. | MANDATORY DOWNSIZE #1: You must return to PinkTatPier for your first set of shorter labret posts. This is absolutely critical to prevent the longer bars from catching on your teeth or being bitten. |
Month 3-6 | The piercings will begin to feel much more stable, but are not yet fully healed internally. The tissue is still maturing. | MANDATORY DOWNSIZE #2: As the tissue continues to settle and firm up, a second downsizing may be necessary to achieve a perfectly snug, safe fit. 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 curation. | Do not change to decorative ends yourself until a specialist at our studio has professionally confirmed that your piercings are fully healed. |
Jewellery, Pricing, and How to Get Your Quote
One of the most exciting aspects of a healed dolphin bites piercing is the potential for jewellery curation.
Jewellery Options for Healed Dolphin Bites
While you will be pierced and healed with two simple, high-quality implant-grade titanium labret studs, a world of possibilities opens up once the piercings are fully mature.
- The Classic Match: The most popular look is two identical, simple ends—either high-polish beads or sparkling, bezel-set gems.
- The Complementary Duo: For a more unique touch, you can use two different but complementary studs, such as a black and a white gem, or two different tiny gold shapes.
- Hoops/Rings: Due to the very close and central placement, hoops are generally not a recommended or viable style for dolphin bites, as they would overlap and not sit correctly. This piercing is designed to be worn with studs.

dolphin bites piercing
Understanding the Price and Getting Your Quote
The price for a dolphin bites piercing London is typically charged as two separate lip piercings. The final cost will depend on any decorative jewellery you might choose for the initial piercing.
Your journey begins with a conversation. We invite you to Contact Us to start the process.
- Book Your Consultation: Use our online system to book a “Piercing Consultation” with one of our London specialists.
- Design Your Look: During your consultation, we will discuss your vision, assess your anatomy, and map out the perfect placement.
- Receive Your Quote: We will help you choose your initial jewellery and provide you with a detailed, no-obligation price quote for your custom project before we proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is getting two piercings so close together more painful than a single labret?
The first piercing is typically a quick, sharp pinch. Most clients report that the second piercing, performed moments later in the same sensitive area, is slightly more intense as the area is already stimulated. Our specialists work swiftly to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible.
2. Will dolphin bites swell more than other lip piercings like snake bites?
Yes, you can expect the swelling to be more significant and highly concentrated in the center of your lower lip. This is because there are two new wounds in a very small area. The swelling is temporary and can be managed effectively with proper aftercare.
3. What are the long-term risks to my lower teeth and gums?
The risks are the same as any oral piercing—potential gum recession and tooth enamel wear. However, these risks are profoundly minimised by choosing a skilled professional piercer who uses precise, angled placement and by adhering strictly to the mandatory downsizing schedule to ensure a snug, safe fit.
Conclusion: A Statement of Focused, Symmetrical Style
The dolphin bites piercing is a unique and stylish statement of focused symmetry. It’s for the individual who appreciates the power of a central focal point and the artistry of a perfectly executed design. Its success is not accidental; it is born from the perfect alignment of your unique anatomy, your personal vision, and the unwavering precision of a master piercer. At PinkTatPier, we are dedicated to providing the expert guidance and technical skill required to turn this intricate concept into a stunning, safe, and long-lasting reality.

dolphin bites piercing
Your Next Step: Contact Our London Studio for a Quote
Ready to explore this unique, centralized style and how it can complement your features?
Contact Our London Studio today to book your expert consultation. Our specialists will provide a detailed anatomical assessment, help you design your perfect placement, and provide a personalised quote for your professional dolphin bites piercing.