Monroe piercing
Off-centre lip stud mimicking a beauty spot
A Monroe piercing is a lip adornment placed above the upper lip to mimic Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark. It uses a labret stud and heals in weeks, though pain varies by individual anatomy and muscle tone.
- Placed off-centre above the upper lip
- Heals in approximately six to twelve weeks
- Named after Marilyn Monroe’s beauty spot
- Uses a labret stud, often shortened later
- Right-side version is called Madonna piercing
What it is
This piercing sits above the upper lip, offset from the centre. The Monroe variant is on the left, while the Madonna style is on the right. It typically uses a labret stud with a flat back inside the mouth. The jewellery gauge is usually 14, 16, or 18. Once healed, the bar is often shortened to fit snugly. Some wear both sides, known as angel bites. The name Crayfish comes from long bars resembling antennae.
History and origin
The style draws its name from Marilyn Monroe, aiming to replicate her famous beauty spot. However, her actual mark was on her cheek, not her lip. The Madonna piercing mirrors this concept on the opposite side. These names link modern body modification to mid-twentieth-century celebrity aesthetics, creating a visual homage through facial jewellery rather than makeup.
What it means
This adornment serves as a permanent or semi-permanent beauty mark. It references classic Hollywood glamour through the association with Monroe. In contemporary fashion, it acts as a subtle accent to the mouth area. The choice of side may be aesthetic or personal, with no strict cultural rule dictating left or right placement for general wearers.
The science
Healing typically takes six to twelve weeks, though some report faster recovery. The area has many nerves, making the procedure potentially painful. There is a slight risk to the superior labial artery. Pain levels vary with lip thickness and muscle density. Musicians who play wind instruments may have tougher tissue due to muscle development, potentially increasing discomfort during piercing.
In culture
The piercing is named after iconic figures, linking body art to pop culture history. It is sometimes called Anti Bite when viewed as the reverse of snake bites. The term Crayfish reflects a visual comparison to insect antennae when long jewellery is worn. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a distinct but small facial accent.
Questions people ask about Monroe piercing
Where exactly is a Monroe piercing placed?
It is positioned above the upper lip on the left-hand side. The similar Madonna piercing is placed on the right-hand side. Both are off-centre and intended to mimic the look of a beauty spot.
How long does it take to heal?
Professional piercers estimate a healing time of eight to twelve weeks. However, many individuals find that it heals within three to six weeks. The lip area generally recovers faster than other body parts.
Why is it sometimes called a Crayfish piercing?
This nickname arises when long barbells are used. The extended bars resemble the antennae of a crayfish. It is also known as Angel Bites when worn on both sides of the upper lip.
Is the procedure painful?
Pain varies by person. The area has many nerves, which can cause discomfort. Those with thicker lips or developed oral muscles, such as wind instrument players, may experience more pain during the process.
Good reading and sources
- Monroe piercing on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Monroe piercing", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFaceShape rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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