Snake Eyes Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering getting a snake eyes piercing? This unique piercing style has become increasingly popular in recent years, but it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about snake eyes, including the pros and cons, risks, the healing process, and more.

Table of Contents

What is Snake Eyes Piercing?

Snake eyes, also known as venom piercing or tongue web piercing, is a type of piercing that involves piercing the thin strip of skin under the tongue. The piercing is typically placed horizontally, creating the appearance of two small beads or balls on either side of the tongue.

While eye piercing can be done with a straight barbell, many prefer curved barbells or horseshoe rings for a more comfortable fit. The jewelry is typically made from surgical-grade stainless steel or titanium, which is less likely to cause an allergic reaction or irritation.

Snake Eyes Piercing Risks

While snake eye piercing can be a striking and unique addition to your body art collection, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with this piercing. Some of the most common risks include:

Infection: The area under the tongue is a moist and bacteria-rich environment, which makes it more susceptible to infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge.
Rejection: Because the skin under the tongue is thin and delicate, it may not be able to support the jewelry over time. This can lead to rejection, where the body pushes the jewelry out of the piercing.
Migration: In some cases, the jewelry may move or shift from its original placement, which can cause discomfort or lead to the piercing becoming crooked.
Nerve damage: The piercing process itself can potentially damage nerves in the tongue or surrounding areas, which can lead to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.

If you experience any of these symptoms or notice any other concerning changes in your piercing, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Snake Eyes Piercing Healing

The healing process for snake eye piercing typically takes 4-6 weeks, although this can vary depending on your individual healing process and how well you take care of the piercing. Here are a few tips to help ensure a smooth healing process:

Follow aftercare instructions carefully: Your piercer should provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to follow during the healing process. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully and avoid deviations from them. This includes cleaning the piercing regularly, avoiding certain activities that can irritate the piercing, and keeping the area dry and clean.
Clean the piercing regularly: Cleaning the piercing regularly is crucial for preventing infections and promoting healing. You should clean the piercing twice daily using saline solution or an antiseptic solution recommended by your piercer. Avoid harsh cleaning products or alcohol as they can be too harsh on the delicate skin around the piercing.
Avoid touching the piercing: It’s important to avoid touching it unnecessarily as it can introduce bacteria and germs into the area, leading to infections. If you need to touch the piercing, ensure your hands are clean and sanitized first.
Avoid swimming and submerging the piercing: Swimming, taking baths, or submerging the piercing in water can increase the risk of infections and slow down the healing process. You should avoid these activities until the piercing has fully healed.
Be patient: Healing takes time, and it’s important to be patient and allow your body to heal naturally. Avoid changing the jewelry or removing the piercing before it has fully healed, as this can lead to complications and delay the healing process.
Monitor for signs of infection: It’s important to monitor the piercing for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or fever. If you notice any of these signs, contact your piercer or a medical professional immediately.

Pros and Cons of Snake Eye Piercing

As with any body modification, snake eye piercing has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider before deciding whether this piercing is right for you:

Pros:

Unique and eye-catching: Snake eye piercing is a relatively rare piercing style, making it a great way to stand out and express your individuality.
Easy to hide: Unlike more visible piercings like nose or lip piercings, snake eye piercing is hidden when your mouth is closed. This can be a plus if you work in a conservative or professional environment.
Quick healing time: Snake eye piercing typically heals within 4-6 weeks with proper aftercare.

Cons:

High risk of infection: Because the piercing is located in a moist and bacteria-rich environment, there is a higher risk of infection with snake eyes than with other piercings.
Increased risk of tooth and gum damage: The jewelry can rub against the teeth and gums, which can cause damage over time. This risk can be minimized by choosing a well-fitted piece of jewelry and avoiding playing with the piercing or clicking it against your teeth.
Possible speech impediment: In some cases, the jewelry can interfere with speech, making it difficult to pronounce certain words or sounds.

FAQs

Does snake eyes piercing hurt?

Yes, snake eyes piercing can be painful as it involves piercing through the muscle in the tongue. However, the pain level varies from person to person and some individuals may experience more discomfort than others.

How long does it take for snake eyes piercing to heal?

The healing process for snake eyes piercing typically takes 4-6 weeks, although it can take longer in some cases. It’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth healing process.

Can I eat and drink normally after getting snake eyes piercing?

It’s recommended to avoid eating or drinking for at least an hour after getting the piercing. After that, you can resume eating and drinking, but you should avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods that can irritate the piercing.

Are there any risks associated with snake eyes piercing?

Like any piercing, there are risks associated with snake eyes piercing, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to teeth or gums. It’s important to choose a reputable piercer and follow proper aftercare instructions to minimize these risks.

Can I change the jewelry in my snake eyes piercing?

It’s recommended to wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry. Once healed, you can switch out the jewelry as desired, but make sure to use high-quality, properly-sized jewelry to avoid irritation or damage to the piercing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, snake eyes is a unique and visually striking piercing that can be a great addition to your body art collection. However, it’s important to do your research and understand the risks and aftercare involved before getting the piercing. Make sure to choose a reputable piercer and follow their aftercare instructions closely to minimize the risk of complications and ensure a smooth healing process. With proper care and attention, your snake eye can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your personal style.

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