The Monroe piercing is a timeless tribute to classic Hollywood glamour—a delicate stud placed elegantly above the left side of the upper lip to emulate the iconic beauty mark of Marilyn Monroe. It is a statement of sophistication and confidence, a subtle yet striking accent that enhances the smile and adds a touch of star quality to your look. At Pink Tatpier, London’s premier piercing studio, our specialists are masters of the artful placement this sophisticated piercing requires, ensuring a safe, perfectly symmetrical, and stunning result.
A facial piercing that is so integral to your look requires a true expert’s eye. It demands a deep understanding of facial anatomy, a commitment to perfect symmetry, and an unwavering dedication to hygiene. Our professional piercers embody these principles, providing a reassuring and luxurious experience from start to finish.
Discover our meticulous procedure, get a transparent cost breakdown, explore our collection of the best body-safe jewellery, and book your Monroe piercing online with London’s trusted specialists.
Monroe Piercing
The Monroe Piercing: A Guide to this Iconic Style
Before your appointment, understanding the specifics of this classic piercing will help you feel confident in your choice.
What is a Monroe Piercing?
A Monroe piercing is a type of off-centre lip piercing placed on the left-hand side of the philtrum (the natural groove above the upper lip). It is performed with a flat-back labret stud, resulting in a decorative gem or ball being visible on the outside, while a smooth, flat disc rests comfortably and safely against the inside of your gum.
Monroe vs. Madonna Piercing: What’s the Difference?
This is a very common question, and the answer is simply a matter of placement and paying homage to two different cultural icons.
- A Monroe piercing is on the left side of the upper lip, channelling the glamour of Marilyn Monroe.
- A Madonna piercing is on the right side, inspired by the pop icon Madonna.
The procedure, jewellery, healing process, and aftercare for both are absolutely identical. Our expert piercers can even help you decide which side would best complement your unique facial features, smile, and any existing piercings during your consultation.
hy Trust Pink Tatpier for Your Monroe Piercing in London?
A piercing that becomes a signature part of your face deserves the highest standard of care.
- Expertise in Facial Anatomy & Flattering Placement: Our piercers are artists with a keen eye for balance. They don’t just pierce a spot; they assess your unique lip shape, smile, and facial structure to mark a placement that is perfectly flattering for you. Perfect symmetry and placement are our obsessions.
- Uncompromising Hygiene for Oral Piercings: We adhere to the most stringent, hospital-grade 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 for Oral Health: The health of your piercing and mouth is paramount. We exclusively use high-quality, flat-back labret studs made from implant-grade materials to ensure a safe, comfortable healing process free from irritation or allergic reactions.
Monroe Piercing
The Monroe 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: Your appointment begins with a one-on-one consultation where you will select your initial jewellery from our beautiful collection of implant-grade, flat-back studs.
- In-Depth Anatomy Check & Artistic Marking: Your piercer will assess your oral anatomy and skin thickness. They will then thoroughly clean the area and meticulously mark the placement. 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 & Downsizing Info: Your chosen jewellery is inserted and secured. Your piercer will then provide a comprehensive aftercare plan, explaining both internal and external cleaning protocols, and stressing the importance of the mandatory downsize appointment.
Monroe Piercing Price, Pain & Healing: Your London Guide (September 2025)
Pain Level
The upper lip is a sensitive area with many nerve endings. As such, you can expect a definite, sharp pinch. Most clients rate the pain for a Monroe piercing at around a 5-6 out of 10. The positive aspect 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, 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 process to ensure long-term oral health.
Cost of a Monroe Piercing in London
Our pricing is transparent and reflects the high level of skill required for this precision placement.
| Service | Price (GBP) | What’s Included |
| Monroe 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. |
Monroe Piercing
The Best Jewellery for Your Monroe 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 preventing damage to your teeth and gum line. 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 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 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. A sparkling gemstone to truly mimic a classic beauty mark is the most popular choice, but we also offer minimalist discs, opulent solid gold clusters, and unique shapes from the world’s best jewellery designers. Hoops are generally not suitable for this placement.
Professional Aftercare for Your Upper Lip 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, moisturisers, or other skincare products in the fresh piercing.
- Internal Aftercare (Inside): 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, drinking, and brushing your teeth for the first few weeks. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase swelling.
Monroe Piercing
Frequently Asked Questions About Monroe Piercings
1. Will a Monroe 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 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. Which side should I choose, Monroe or Madonna?
This is a purely aesthetic choice! Some people choose the side of their face they prefer in photos, or the side with fewer other features like beauty marks. We can place a small dot with a skin-safe marker on both sides during your consultation to help you visualise and decide.
3. Can I get a Monroe piercing if I have a fuller upper lip?
Absolutely. An expert piercer will simply use a slightly longer initial bar to accommodate the tissue and will help you choose a decorative end that is in proportion with your features.
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 during the initial period.
Channel Classic Glamour at London’s Premier Piercing Studio
The Monroe piercing is a timelessly chic addition to your personal style. Ensure it is done perfectly by choosing a studio that prioritises your safety and understands the art of symmetrical, facial piercing.
