In the vibrant lexicon of body art, few terms are as evocative or as instantly recognisable as “snake bites.” This iconic pair of piercings, placed symmetrically below the lower lip, carries a legacy of rebellious spirit, from the heart of London’s punk scene to the forefront of modern alternative fashion. Yet, in 2025, the snake bites piercing has evolved. It is no longer just a symbol of counter-culture; it has been embraced as a powerful tool for creating facial symmetry and making a bold, balanced, and surprisingly versatile style statement.
However, the striking beauty of a perfect set of snake bites is entirely dependent on the masterful execution of the piercer. This is not a simple procedure; it is a test of precision, anatomical knowledge, and artistic vision. At PinkTatPier, we approach it with the meticulous attention it deserves. We recently had a consultation with a client, Chloe, who was captivated by the look of snake bites but had significant concerns. “I’m worried they won’t be perfectly even,” she admitted, “and I’ve read horror stories about them damaging your teeth.”
Her concerns were not only valid but welcomed. They formed the basis of our consultation. We didn’t just reassure her; we educated her. We used a sterile marker to map the placements on her skin, demonstrating how we would align them not just with each other, but with her unique facial features—the curve of her lips, the shape of her chin. We explained in detail our specific piercing angle and jewellery placement techniques designed to minimise oral impact. Chloe left the consultation with a booking for the following week, armed with the confidence that comes from genuine understanding. “It feels less like a risk now,” she told us, “and more like a collaboration.”
This is the PinkTatPier standard. This definitive guide is an extension of that collaborative, expert-led experience. It is the most comprehensive resource for anyone considering a snake bites piercing London, designed to walk you through every critical aspect, from ensuring facial harmony and oral safety to navigating the healing process and making your reservation with confidence.
snake bites piercing
What Are Snake Bites? The Anatomy of a Symmetrical Statement
Before diving into the procedure, it’s crucial to understand what a snake bites piercing truly entails.
The Definition: A Symmetrical Pair
A snake bites piercing consists of two separate piercings performed on opposite sides of the lower lip, creating a symmetrical, mirrored look. They are typically placed in the “safe zone” of the lip, away from the major arteries and nerves, and are almost always pierced with labret studs for initial healing.
Placement is Everything: The Art of Facial Harmony
The “art” of a perfect snake bites piercing London lies in the placement. A true specialist doesn’t just place two dots evenly. They consider:
- Your Lip Shape: The piercings should frame the natural curve of your lower lip.
- Your Chin and Jawline: The placement should be in harmony with your overall facial structure.
- Your Smile: We will mark you and then ask you to smile and talk. This is a critical step to ensure the piercings look balanced and beautiful both when your face is at rest and when it’s in motion.
The Critical Oral Health Consideration: Protecting Your Teeth and Gums
This is, without a doubt, the most important long-term safety factor for any lip piercing London. Poorly placed or improperly cared for lip piercings can cause irreversible damage, including:
- Gum Recession: The back of the jewellery constantly rubbing against the gum line can cause the gums to recede, exposing the root of the tooth.
- Tooth Enamel Wear & Chipping: The jewellery can click against or rub on the teeth, wearing down enamel or, in the worst cases, causing chips or cracks.
The PinkTatPier Mitigation Strategy:
Our specialists are experts in anatomy-conscious placement. We use a specific, slightly angled technique to ensure that when your lip is at rest, the flat-back disc of the labret stud “nests” or settles into the soft tissue on the inside of your lip. This dramatically minimises contact with both your teeth and your gums. This, combined with mandatory downsizing appointments, is our commitment to the long-term health of your smile.
The PinkTatPier Difference: The Mark of a True Specialist
When you choose to have a snake bites piercing London, you are choosing to permanently alter your most visible feature: your face. The skill of your piercer is paramount.
The Obsession with Perfect Symmetry
Symmetry is a promise we make to our clients. For snake bites, that promise is measured in fractions of a millimetre. Our specialists use a meticulous, multi-point marking process, often employing surgical callipers and other measuring tools, to ensure the two piercings are a perfect mirror image. We check the alignment horizontally, vertically, and in relation to your central facial landmarks. This obsession with precision is what separates a professional piercing from a permanent mistake.
The Piercing Technique: Needles, Not Guns
As with all piercings at PinkTatPier, snake bites are performed exclusively with sterile, single-use, hollow needles. This technique is clean, precise, and causes minimal trauma to the tissue, leading to a safer and smoother healing process. Piercing guns should never be used for any piercing, and especially not for a lip piercing.
Jewellery: Implant-Grade Titanium for a Safe Heal
Your initial snake bites piercings will be performed with two extra-long, implant-grade titanium labret studs.
- Why Labret Studs? Hoops or rings are not suitable for initial healing. They move too much, which can cause irritation, trauma, and migration, and they make it impossible to properly accommodate for swelling.
- Why Extra-Long? Your lips will swell significantly. The initial long posts are essential to give this swelling space without the jewellery compressing the tissue.
- Why Titanium? It is completely biocompatible, nickel-free, and the safest material for a healing piercing.
Our Studio’s Philosophy on Symmetry:
“Symmetry is a promise we make to our clients, and it’s a promise measured in fractions of a millimetre, especially with a piercing as prominent as snake bites. It’s more than just being ‘even’; it’s about creating a sense of balance that complements the client’s unique facial structure. This level of precision requires immense focus, an unwavering hand, and years of experience. It’s the standard we hold ourselves to, and it’s what separates a professional, lasting piece of art from a mistake that has to be lived with.” – Our Lead Specialist at PinkTatPier
snake bites piercing
Navigating the Healing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The healing journey for snake bites is a dual process, requiring care for both the outside and the inside of the piercing.
The Healing Timeline: What to Expect
Patience and diligence are your best friends during the healing period. The table below outlines a realistic timeline.
Table: The Snake Bites Piercing Healing & Downsizing Schedule
| Timescale | What to Expect | Key Aftercare Actions |
| Week 1-2 | Significant swelling is guaranteed (“chipmunk lips”). Tenderness, difficulty with eating, and some lisping are all normal. | Adhere to a soft food diet. Use gentle cold compresses on the lips. Meticulous oral and external cleaning is absolutely essential. |
| Week 2-8 | The initial, dramatic swelling will subside, but the piercings remain very fragile. The channels are actively forming. | MANDATORY DOWNSIZE #1: You must return to PinkTatPier for your first set of shorter labret posts. This is critical to prevent oral damage. |
| Month 3-6 | The piercings will begin to feel much more stable, but are not yet fully healed internally. Intermittent flare-ups are possible. | MANDATORY DOWNSIZE #2: A second downsizing may be needed to achieve a perfectly snug fit against the settled tissue. Continue diligent cleaning. |
| Month 6-9+ | The piercings are approaching full maturity and should feel comfortable. | Do not switch to hoops or rings until a specialist at our studio has professionally confirmed that your piercings are fully healed, robust, and ready for them. |
Detailed Aftercare Instructions
- External Cleaning: Twice a day, spray the outside of each piercing with a sterile saline solution. Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use cotton buds, which can leave behind fibres.
- Internal Cleaning: Twice a day (morning and night) and after every meal, gently rinse your mouth for 30 seconds with an alcohol-free antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwash.
- Diet and Lifestyle: For the first few weeks, avoid overly spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can impede the healing process.
Our Services, Prices, and Easy Online Reservation
We believe in making your journey with us as clear and straightforward as possible.
Transparent Pricing
Our prices for a snake bites piercing London are structured to be transparent. The cost includes the expert piercing service for both points, two standard, implant-grade titanium labret studs, and the essential downsizing appointments. You can view our full price list on our website.
The Simple Booking Process
Ready to take the first step? Our online reservation system is the easiest and most efficient way to book your appointment. It’s available 24/7, allowing you to view our specialists’ schedules and select a time that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will snake bites definitely damage my teeth?
While the risk always exists with any oral piercing, it is significantly minimised by choosing a skilled professional. Our specialists at PinkTatPier use precise, angled placement and a mandatory downsizing schedule specifically to ensure the jewellery has minimal contact with your teeth and gums.
2. How bad is the swelling, really?
We believe in being honest: the swelling can be very significant for the first 3 to 7 days. Your lower lip will be noticeably swollen and tender. This is a normal part of the healing process for this area. Following aftercare, using cold compresses, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help manage it.
3. When can I finally switch to hoops or rings?
This is the most common question we get! You absolutely must wait until the piercings are fully and completely healed. For snake bites, this is typically no sooner than 6-9 months, and often longer. Attempting to wear hoops too early will cause severe irritation and can damage the healing channel. Your piercer will give you the green light when it’s safe.
Conclusion: An Iconic Statement Forged by Expertise
The snake bites piercing is an iconic, powerful statement of personal style. It is a commitment to a look that is balanced, symmetrical, and bold. But its success is entirely dependent on the skill of the piercer to achieve that perfect symmetry while protecting your long-term oral health. At PinkTatPier, we combine our passion for aesthetic precision with a medical-grade approach to safety, ensuring your piercing experience is second to none.
Your Next Step: Easy Online Reservation
Are you ready to embrace this iconic look?
We invite you to view our full range of services and prices, and when you are ready, use our easy online reservation system to book your consultation with London’s best piercing specialists. Let’s create your perfect symmetrical statement, together.
