The Medusa piercing is a statement of perfect symmetry and understated elegance. Placed in the philtrum, the delicate groove above the upper lip, it creates a striking and beautiful focal point that is both bold and sophisticated. It is a piercing that requires a true artist’s eye, as its beauty lies in its perfect, central placement. At Pink Tatpier, London’s premier piercing studio, our specialists are masters of the precise, artful placement that this iconic piercing demands.
We understand that a central facial piercing is a significant decision. It requires absolute trust in your piercer’s skill, the studio’s hygiene, and the quality of the jewellery. Our entire service is built to earn that trust, providing a safe, professional, and reassuring experience from start to finish.
Discover our meticulous process for achieving perfect placement, get a transparent cost breakdown for your Medusa piercing, explore our collection of luxury body-safe jewellery, and book your appointment online with London’s trusted experts.
Medusa Piercing
The Medusa Piercing Explained: The Art of the Philtrum
Before your appointment, understanding the nuances of this piercing will help you feel confident in your choice.
What is a Medusa Piercing? Clarifying the Terminology
The “Medusa” is the popular, common name for a piercing that is placed in the philtrum—the vertical groove that runs from the base of your nose (the columella) to the top of your upper lip, often called the Cupid’s bow.
In the professional piercing world, you will hear it referred to as a Philtrum Piercing. Medusa and Philtrum Piercing are the exact same thing. We are specialists in this piercing, whichever name you prefer to use.
Why Expert Placement is Everything
As a central facial piercing, perfect symmetry is non-negotiable. An off-centre Medusa can disrupt the balance of your entire face. This is why you must choose an expert piercer.
- Our piercers are not just technicians; they are artists with a deep understanding of facial anatomy. We don’t just find the centre of your philtrum; we assess your unique lip shape, your smile, the structure of your Cupid’s bow, and the overall flow of your facial features. We then mark the one perfect spot that creates balance and enhances your natural beauty.
Why Trust Pink Tatpier for Your Medusa Piercing in London?
- Uncompromising Hygiene for Oral Piercings: We operate under the strictest, hospital-grade hygiene protocols. Every piercing is performed with a single-use, sterilised needle and internally threaded, implant-grade jewellery in a meticulously clean environment.
- The Professional Needle Advantage: We never use piercing guns. A needle creates a clean, precise channel with minimal tissue trauma, which is essential for a piercing in such a sensitive, mobile area.
- Luxury, Body-Safe Jewellery: The health of your piercing and your mouth is paramount. We exclusively use high-quality, flat-back labret studs made from implant-grade materials to ensure a safe, comfortable healing process.
Medusa Piercing
The Medusa Piercing Process: Precision from Start to Finish
Our process is calm, professional, and focused on precision.
- Consultation & Jewellery Selection: Your appointment begins with a one-on-one consultation. You’ll choose your initial jewellery from our beautiful collection of implant-grade, flat-back labret studs.
- In-Depth Anatomy Check & Artistic Marking: Your piercer will assess your philtrum and oral anatomy. They will then thoroughly clean the area and meticulously mark the placement. This is a crucial step where we check for perfect symmetry from every angle. You will always have the final approval of the mark in a mirror.
- 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.
- Aftercare Briefing & Downsizing Info: Your chosen jewellery is inserted and secured. Your piercer will then provide a comprehensive aftercare plan, explaining both internal and external cleaning, and stressing the importance of the mandatory downsize appointment.
Medusa Piercing Cost, Pain & Healing: Your London Guide (September 2025)
Pain Level
The philtrum is a very sensitive area with numerous nerve endings. As a result, the Medusa piercing is considered to be moderately painful. Most clients rate the pain at a 6-7 out of 10. It is a very sharp and quick pain that subsides almost immediately into a dull ache. The swelling afterwards is the main source of discomfort.
Healing Time
The initial healing period, where swelling is most significant, typically lasts for 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 healing journey.
Cost of a Medusa Piercing in London
Our pricing is transparent and reflects the high level of skill required for this precision placement.
| Service | Price (GBP) – As of Sept 2025 | What’s Included |
| Medusa (Philtrum) Piercing Fee | £45 – £55 | A professional consultation, in-depth anatomy and symmetry check, sterile procedure, and a comprehensive aftercare guide. |
| Initial Jewellery | Starts from £20 | An implant-grade titanium flat-back labret stud. Price varies for solid gold or genuine gemstones. |
| Total Starting Price | From £65 – £75 | The service fee + the cost of your chosen jewellery. |
Medusa Piercing
The Best Jewellery for Your Medusa Piercing
For Initial Healing: The Flat-Back Labret Stud
For 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, most importantly, preventing damage to your teeth and gum line. The longer bar is essential to safely accommodate the initial, significant swelling.
The Mandatory Downsize
After 2 to 4 weeks, once the initial swelling has completely subsided, it is absolutely crucial that you return to our studio to be fitted with a shorter, more snug-fitting bar. This is the single most important step in protecting your long-term oral health. Continuing to wear the long initial bar will lead to the jewellery catching and can cause significant dental damage.
For a Healed Piercing: Express Your Style
Once fully healed, you can personalise your Medusa piercing with our vast collection of decorative ends. From a tiny, sparkling gemstone that catches the light, to a minimalist polished disc, or an opulent solid gold cluster from the world’s best jewellery designers, the options are endless. Hoops are not suitable for this piercing.
Professional Aftercare for Your Philtrum Piercing
- External Aftercare (Outside): Clean the outside of the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. Be very careful to avoid getting makeup or facial products in the fresh piercing.
- Internal Aftercare (Inside): Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash for 30-60 seconds after every meal.
- General Rules: Avoid playing with the jewellery with your tongue or teeth. Be mindful when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth for the first few weeks. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase swelling.
Medusa Piercing
Frequently Asked Questions About Medusa Piercings
1. Will a Medusa piercing damage my teeth or gums?
When pierced correctly by a professional and, most importantly, fitted with a proper-sized (downsized) bar after healing, the risk is significantly minimised. Long-term damage is almost always caused by wearing jewellery that is too long or by playing with the piercing with your teeth.
2. How long will the swelling last?
The upper lip is prone to significant swelling. You should expect the most noticeable swelling in the first 3-5 days. It will gradually decrease over the following one to two weeks. Gently sucking on ice chips can help.
3. Can I get a Medusa piercing if I have a prominent Cupid’s bow?
Absolutely. An expert piercer will see this as a beautiful feature to work with. The piercing can be placed to perfectly accentuate the shape of your Cupid’s bow, making it even more of a feature.
4. What’s the difference between a Medusa and a Jestrum piercing?
A Medusa (Philtrum) is a single piercing that goes straight through the tissue and has a flat back inside the mouth. A Jestrum (or Vertical Medusa) is a vertical piercing that goes through the philtrum and the upper lip itself, with both ends of a curved barbell visible externally. It does not enter the mouth.
Find Your Perfect Centrepiece at Our London Studio
A Medusa piercing is a beautiful and elegant way to express your style. Ensure it’s done perfectly by choosing a studio that prioritises your safety and understands the art of symmetrical, facial piercing.
