Lip piercings usually heal rapidly, although the exact period depends on how long the piercing has been in place. It can close in as little as a few hours if the piercing was done within the last 6 months. It takes about 3 months for the hole to shut fully after a piercing has been in place for more than 6 months.
A lip piercing penetrates the lip or surrounding area, and with adequate care, it can take anywhere from one to three months to heal. An infection of the piercing area might occur from improper or irregular care. Soak the area in a weak, warm saline solution for 3 to 5 minutes, up to five times a week, for proper care. Excess discharge can be gently cleaned with mild soap, but rotating or adjusting the jewellery in the first few weeks after piercing will delay recovery.
If a lip piercing is closed, whatever scar tissue that remains may or may not show up. The greater the gauge used in the piercing, the more likely it is that the lip will scar. Anti-scarring lotion or a moisturiser containing Vitamin E may help to heal the scars left by closed piercing.
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