Philtrum piercing
A small upper lip ornament placed in the central dip beneath the nose.
A philtrum piercing is an upper lip ornament positioned in the central groove directly below the nasal septum. Wearers typically choose a labret stud that rests against the outer curve of the top lip, though vertical jestrum and paired double versions also exist.
- Placed in the central groove beneath the nose.
- Usually fitted with a labret stud resting on the lip.
- Vertical jestrum variant uses a curved barbell.
- Double version features two aligned puncture points.
What it is
This upper lip ornament occupies the philtrum, the narrow vertical indentation situated directly below the nasal septum. Observers can identify it by a single piece of jewellery resting in the outer hollow of the top lip. The standard configuration employs a labret stud, positioning the decorative sphere against the skin rather than inside the mouth. Alternative arrangements include a jestrum, which threads vertically through the tissue using a bent metal rod to display beads on both sides, and a paired design that creates two distinct openings aligned horizontally. Each option maintains the same central placement beneath the nose.
Styling and care
Wearers typically select a labret stud to secure the decoration comfortably against the upper lip contour. The ball sits externally in the natural dip, keeping the interior of the mouth clear. For those preferring a vertical presentation, a jestrum utilises a curved barbell that passes completely through the lip tissue, allowing both terminal beads to remain visible. Individuals seeking a symmetrical look might opt for the double configuration, which involves creating two separate punctures arranged in a straight row. All variations require careful jewellery selection to match the chosen orientation.
Questions people ask about Philtrum piercing
Where exactly is this piercing located?
It sits in the philtrum, which is the shallow vertical groove directly underneath the nasal septum and above the upper lip.
What jewellery is most commonly used?
Most wearers choose a labret stud so that the decorative ball rests visibly in the outer dip of the top lip, keeping the interior space unobstructed.
Are there different styles available?
Yes, a jestrum runs vertically through the lip with a curved barbell showing two beads, while a double style uses two separate holes arranged in a straight line.
Good reading and sources
- Philtrum piercing on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Philtrum 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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