The Madonna piercing is an icon of classic glamour and modern edge—a delicate accent placed above the upper lip to emulate the signature beauty mark of a legend. It is a statement of confidence, a nod to pop culture history, and a stunning way to highlight your smile. At Pink Tatpier, London’s premier piercing studio, we specialise in the artful placement of this iconic piercing, ensuring a perfectly symmetrical, safe, and beautiful result that complements your unique facial features.
Executing a facial piercing with precision is a true skill. It requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy, an artist’s eye for symmetry, and an unwavering commitment to hygiene. Our expert piercers possess all three, providing a professional and reassuring experience from the moment you walk through our doors.
Discover our meticulous procedure, get a transparent cost breakdown, explore our collection of luxury, body-safe jewellery, and book your Madonna piercing online with London’s trusted specialists.

Madonna Piercing
The Madonna Piercing: A Guide to this Iconic Style
Before your appointment, it’s helpful to understand the specifics of this classic piercing.
What is a Madonna Piercing?
A Madonna piercing is a type of lip piercing that is placed off-centre on the right-hand side of the philtrum (the natural groove above the upper lip). It is pierced with a flat-back labret stud, so a decorative gem or ball is visible on the outside, while a flat disc rests comfortably and safely against the inside of your gum.
Madonna vs. Monroe Piercing: What’s the Difference?
This is a very common question, and the answer is simple: it’s all about location and a nod to two different cultural icons.
- A Madonna piercing is on the right side of the upper lip.
- A Monroe piercing is on the left side, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty mark.
The procedure, jewellery, and aftercare for both are identical. We are experts in performing both piercings, and the choice of which side to adorn is entirely a matter of your personal preference and what you feel best complements your face.

Madonna Piercing
Why Choose Pink Tatpier for Your Madonna Piercing in London?
A piercing on your face is a significant feature. Entrusting it to a true professional is essential for a beautiful and safe outcome.
- Expertise in Facial Anatomy & Symmetrical Placement: Our piercers are not just technicians; they are artists with a keen eye for balance and symmetry. We take the time to assess your unique facial features, your smile, and your lip structure to mark a placement that is perfectly flattering for you.
- Uncompromising Hygiene for Oral Piercings: We adhere to the most stringent hygiene protocols. Every piercing is performed with a single-use, sterilised needle in a meticulously clean environment to eliminate any risk of infection.
- Luxury, Body-Safe Jewellery: The health of your piercing starts with the right jewellery. We exclusively use implant-grade, internally threaded or threadless labret studs made from the safest materials, ensuring a smooth healing process free from irritation or allergic reactions.
The Madonna Piercing Process: Precision and Care at Our Studio
To ensure you feel calm and confident, we walk you through every step of our professional process.
- Consultation & Jewellery Selection: The appointment begins with a one-on-one consultation where you will select your initial jewellery from our collection of beautiful, implant-grade flat-back studs.
- Anatomy Assessment & Artistic Marking: Your piercer will assess your oral anatomy and skin thickness. They will then thoroughly clean the area and mark the proposed placement spot with a skin-safe pen. This is a collaborative step—you will check the mark in a mirror and give your final approval to ensure it’s in the perfect position.
- The Swift, Sterile Piercing Procedure: After you rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash, you’ll be asked to take a deep breath. The piercer will perform the piercing in one quick, smooth motion with a sterilised needle.
- Aftercare Briefing: Your chosen jewellery is inserted and secured, and your piercer will provide a comprehensive aftercare plan, explaining both the internal and external cleaning procedures.

Madonna Piercing
Madonna Piercing Cost, Pain & Healing: Your London Guide (September 2025)
Pain Level
The upper lip is a sensitive area, so you can expect a sharp pinch. Most clients rate the pain for a Madonna piercing at around a 5-6 out of 10. The good news is that the procedure itself is extremely fast, and the initial sharp sensation subsides very quickly into a dull ache.
Healing Time
The initial healing period, where swelling is most prominent, lasts for about 2 to 4 weeks. However, the piercing will take 4 to 6 months to be considered fully healed internally. A mandatory downsize of your initial jewellery is a critical part of this process.
Cost of a Madonna Piercing in London
Our pricing is transparent. The total cost is the piercing fee plus the cost of your chosen jewellery.
Service | Price (GBP) | What’s Included |
Madonna Piercing Service Fee | £45 – £55 | Professional consultation, symmetrical marking, sterile procedure, and aftercare guide. |
Initial Jewellery | Starts from £20 | An implant-grade titanium flat-back labret stud. Price varies for solid gold or gems. |
Total Starting Price | From £65 – £75 | The service fee + the cost of your chosen jewellery. |
The Best Jewellery for Your Madonna Piercing
For Initial Healing: The Flat-Back Labret Stud
Fo the entire initial healing period, the only safe and appropriate jewellery is a flat-back labret stud with a slightly longer bar.
- Why? The flat disc on the inside sits flush against your gum, drastically reducing the risk of irritation and preventing damage to your teeth. The longer bar is essential to safely accommodate the initial swelling.
The Mandatory Downsize
After 2 to 4 weeks, once the initial swelling has completely subsided, it is crucial that you return to our studio to be fitted with a shorter bar. This is the single most important step you can take to protect your long-term oral health. Continuing to wear the long initial bar can lead to gum erosion and chipped teeth.
For a Healed Piercing
Once fully healed, you can personalise your look with our wide range of decorative ends. From a sparkling gemstone that truly mimics a classic beauty mark to minimalist discs, opulent gold clusters, and unique shapes, the options are endless. Hoops and rings are generally not suitable for this placement due to the angle and potential for oral damage.

Madonna Piercing
Professional Aftercare for Your Upper Lip Piercing
- External Aftercare (Outside the Lip): Clean the outside of the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. Be very careful to avoid getting makeup, moisturisers, or other skincare products in the fresh piercing.
- Internal Aftercare (Inside the Mouth): Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash for 30-60 seconds after meals, drinks (except water), and smoking.
- General Rules: Avoid playing with the jewellery with your tongue or teeth. Be mindful when eating for the first week. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madonna Piercings
1. Will a Madonna piercing damage my teeth or gums?
When pierced correctly by a professional and, most importantly, fitted with a proper-sized bar after healing, the risk is significantly minimised. The long-term damage people associate with this piercing is almost always caused by wearing jewellery that is too long. This is why the downsize appointment is not optional; it’s essential.
2. How will it affect smiling or talking?
You may feel a slight awareness of the piercing for the first few days, but after the swelling subsides and you adjust to the sensation, it should not affect your speech or smile at all.
3. Can I get a Madonna and a Monroe piercing at the same time?
Yes, this combination is known as “Angel Bites.” While it is possible to get them done at the same time, we generally recommend healing them one at a time to make the initial swelling and aftercare process more manageable.
4. How long will the swelling last?
The most significant swelling occurs in the first 3-5 days. It will gradually decrease over the following one to two weeks. Gently sucking on ice chips can help provide relief.
Embrace Iconic Style at London’s Premier Piercing Studio
The Madonna piercing is a timelessly chic addition to your personal style. Ensure it is done perfectly by choosing a studio that prioritises your safety, perfect symmetrical placement, and a beautiful result.