Dolphin Bites Piercing: Pain, Healing, Jewelry & Cost

Dolphin bites piercings offer a sweet blend of whimsy and edgy vibes to your look. Their placement of two close piercings just below the lower lip is inspired by the anatomical narrowness of dolphin mouths. Thus, they offer a unique and stylish way to express your individuality. While many people have their heart set on this trendy double lip piercing, many hesitate to adorn it due to a lack of knowledge. If you are one of them, you are in the right place! Keep reading to learn everything related to dolphin bites piercings, from what they are, where they lie on the pain scale, their healing time, cost, as well as aftercare tips and recommended jewelry pieces. So, dive in!

Piercing Guide: Dolphin Bites Piercing

• Placement: Horizontally on the edge of the lower lip
• Best Jewelry: Straight bars, sleek studs, bead rings, curved barbells, and seamless hoops
• Cost: $50 to $80
• Pain Level: Medium
• Healing Time: 1 to 2 months

What Are Dolphin Bites Piercing?

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Dolphin bites piercing features the placement of two closely spaced piercings on the lower lip resembling a bite from a dolphin, and inspired by the aquatic creature’s playful nature. The piercing is quite similar in appearance to the snake bites piercing, differing in terms of distance between the two piercing placements, with the snake bites being placed further apart.

The dolphin bites piercings are versatile and can be done either exactly on the edge of the lower lip, or slightly underneath as well. This piercing is especially great if you are looking to elongate your face shape or make your lower lip appear fuller. The placement also allows for creative jewelry options, from sleek studs and seamless hoops, to captive bead rings, thereby enhancing the overall visual aesthetics.

Now that we are aware of what exactly dolphin bites piercings are, let us understand where it stands on the pain scale. Check the next section to know more.

How Much Do Dolphin Bites Piercings Hurt?

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Dolphin bites piercings typically invite moderate pain, similar to other lip piercings. However, since the individual pain threshold varies, the piercing sensations have been recorded as ranging from a pinch to a brief sting during the procedure. The pain level can also depend on the piercing placement, and technique and skill level of the piercer. You can experience more discomfort if the piercing is done on the lip rather than the skin underneath due to the heightened sensitivity in that area. Thus, it is important to choose a professional piercer who has extensive experience in facial piercings, and has a solid idea of the differences that individual anatomies bring. Moreover, factors like stress and anxiety can also heighten the perception of pain (1). Dolphin bites piercings often fall in the middle on the pain scale and can be rated a 5/10.

Understanding the healing time and overall process is also crucial before deciding on adorning this popular piercing. So, scroll down to know all about the recovery process.

Process And Healing Time For Dolphin Bites Piercings

The overall healing time for a dolphin bites piercing generally spans 6 to 8 weeks, but individual experiences can vary. The initial stage involves redness, swelling, and tenderness, which should gradually subside by the third week. You can expect complete healing by week 8, which is often marked by reduced skin sensitivity and the option to change the initial jewelry pieces.

Quick Tip

Occasionally use an ice pack to reduce severe inflammation during the initial healing stage and to bring subtle relief from swelling discomfort.

It is also important to strictly adhere to aftercare practices to aid and accelerate the healing process. So, scroll down as we explore simple aftercare tips that aid good recovery.

Aftercare Tips For Dolphin Bites Piercings

Ensuring a good after routine is crucial in achieving optimal healing. Here are some easy tips to keep in mind:

• Use A Saline Solution: Rinse the fresh piercing with a saline solution twice daily to combat swelling during the initial healing stage and reduce the risk of infections. Mix ¼ sea salt with one cup of tepid water to make the saline solution and use on the pierced area (2).
• Avoid Spicy/Hot Foods: Refrain from eating spicy or hot foods that can cause irritation to the sensitive pierced skin and also cause a delay in the healing process (3). It is recommended to skip alcohol too as it can damage the delicate skin tissues of the fresh piercing (4).
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Ensure to maintain good oral hygiene by using a non-alcoholic, antiseptic mouthwash and gentle brushing. This is important to prevent bacteria buildup for a smooth healing experience.
• Refrain From Touching: Avoid disturbing the new piercing by constantly touching it, as this can cause a delay in the healing process and lead to additional stress. It is recommended to not indulge in any oral activities as well such as kissing or oral sex during the initial healing stages.
• Check Regularly For Infections: Attentively check for signs of infections like increased inflammation, redness, or discharge, and seek the guidance of a doctor when required (5).
• Skip Makeup Products: Refrain from using cosmetic lip products like lip balms, tints, and lipsticks that may be formulated with harsh chemicals and fragrance, and thus irritate the freshly-pierced skin, causing a hindrance to the healing process.

Another important factor to keep in mind while sticking to a good aftercare routine is correctly cleaning the fresh piercing. Check out some simple steps in the following section.

How To Clean Dolphin Bites Piercings

1. Start by washing your hands with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water.
2. Now, mix half a teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with one cup of warm water to create a saline solution.
3. Soak a sterile cotton swab in the saline solution.
4. Squeeze out the excess water from the swab and gently apply on the newly pierced area.
5. Gently wipe the piercings and remove any crusting without applying excess pressure or movement.
6. Pat dry with a paper towel or dry cotton gauze.
7. Follow these simple steps twice daily.

Before going ahead with the piercing appointment, you might want to weigh its advantages and disadvantages as well, so you have a holistic understanding of what you are in for. Read on for some pros and cons of dolphin bites piercing.

Pros And Cons Of Dolphin Bites Piercings

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Akin to other mouth piercings, a dolphin bites piercing also has its pros and cons. Read about them below:

Pros:

• A Unique Aesthetic: Dolphin bites piercings result in a distinctive look that instantly enhances the individual’s style and lip anatomy. They are also a boon for round faces looking to elongate their face shape.
• Versatile Jewelry Options: The unique placement allows for a variety of jewelry options, from studs to rings, and even chains if you are feeling bold.
• Moderately Painful: The pain associated with dolphin bites piercing is bearable and considered quite moderate at a 5/10.
• Quick Healing: Dolphin bites piercings often heal within 6 to 8 weeks, allowing a relatively speedy recovery as compared to other facial piercings.

Cons:

• Potential Discomfort: The initial healing process can be uncomfortable due to swelling, redness, and skin sensitivity near an area that moves a lot.
• Risk Of Infection: Similar to other piercings, there is a risk of infection if aftercare guidelines are not followed. These include increased swelling, yellow discharge (pus), extreme warmth, and piercing bumps (5).
• Piercing Migration: In some rare cases, the piercings may shift or migrate over time, thereby impacting the desired placement (5).
• Speech/Eating Challenges: Temporary difficulty in speech and eating may occur during the initial healing stage due to inflammation and tenderness near the mouth area.
• Potential Teeth And Gum Damage: Improper jewelry placement or aftercare can lead to gum irritation or tooth enamel damage. A recent study also reported the incidence of tooth wear and chipping in individuals with oral piercings (6).

Now, if you have set your mind on getting this trendy piercing, then let us begin by figuring out if this one is heavy on the pocket.

How Much Do Dolphin Bites Piercings Cost?

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The cost of the dolphin bites piercing can vary depending on factors such as the piercing studio reputation and location, expertise of the artist, jewelry material, and additional services like aftercare products. Generally, you can expect the cost to be anything between 50 to 80 dollars. It is important to prioritize reputed piercing studios and skilled piercers to ensure an effortless and hygienic piercing experience. While a professional piercing studio may cost more, they are guaranteed to offer good guidance and stick to cleanliness practices.

Trivia

David Draiman, frontman for the popular metal band Disturbed, gained fame due to his tusk-like double labret piercings, commonly referred to as a dolphin bites piercing.

The next step after figuring out financials is the fun activity of choosing the right type of jewelry, and understanding which is the best suitable material. Scroll down to know more.

Jewelry Styles And Material Types For Dolphin Bites Piercing

Explore the ideal style and material of jewelry for a dolphin bites piercing that will not only help enhance the visual appearance but also reduce the risk of infections.

• Jewelry Styles: Different jewelry types like sleek studs, bead rings, or curved barbells are often used for dolphin bites piercing. These offer a minimalist look and ensure good comfort to support a smooth healing experience.
• Jewelry Materials: You should first know the worst and best metals for piercings to choose the right jewelry material for yourself. Opt for a hypoallergenic material like surgical steel, titanium, niobium, or gold. These materials promote healing and reduce the risk of allergic reactions (7). It is also recommended to not invest in low-quality jewelry, cheaper metals, and allergen-inducing materials like nickel. In a recent study performed with individuals with piercings, nickel was found to be the most reactive metal (8).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there age restrictions for getting dolphin bites piercings?

While the age restrictions for getting dolphin bites piercings may vary from state to state, most studios require the clients to be a minimum of 16 to 18 years old. Ensure to check your local studio for their regulations and consult with professional piercers before booking an appointment.

Can I change my dolphin piercing jewelry during the healing process?

Ideally, it is recommended not to change the jewelry during the initial healing process that lasts between 6 to 8 weeks. Only when the pierced area has completely recovered should you try changing the jewelry pieces. This will ensure you do not invite any risks of infection during the crucial healing stages.

Can I use numbing cream before getting a dolphin piercing?

You may use a numbing cream if you have a low pain tolerance. Ensure to apply the cream half an hour before the actual piercing procedure and let your piercer know that you have used it.

Can I kiss with dolphin bites piercings?

It is recommended to avoid kissing during the initial healing process of dolphin bites piercings to prevent irritation and risk of infections. Ensure to prioritize oral hygiene and do not come in oral contact with another individual.

Can I get dolphin bites piercings if I have braces or other oral appliances?

It is suggested to refrain from getting dolphin bites piercing if you have braces or oral appliances, as the metal components in braces may interfere with the healing area and lead to complications, discomfort, and damage to both the oral hardware and piercing.

The trending dolphin bites piercing has undoubtedly grabbed everyone’s attention but just like any other lip piercing, it has some shortcomings as well. Check out the video below to learn all about the piercing in detail before booking that appointment!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

J’son D’souzaProfessional Body Piercer

 

J’son D’souza, a graduate of Mumbai University, has been in the body modification industry for 20 years. He is a member of the prestigious Association of Piercing Professionals and hailed as the first professional piercer in the Indian subcontinent.

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Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

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Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

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