How Long Does It Take for a Lip Piercing to Completely Close Up?
Lip piercings generally close up quickly, the precise length of time largely depends on how long the lip has been pierced. If the piercing was done within the last 6 months, it can close in as quickly as a few hours. If the piercing has been in place for over 6 months, it takes around 3 months for the hole to close completely.
A lip piercing penetrates the lip or surrounding area, and it takes anywhere from 1 to 3 months for it to heal with proper care. Improper or inconsistent care may result in an infection of the pierced area. Proper care consists of soaking the area with a weak, warm saline solution for 3 to 5 minutes, up to five times per week. Excess discharge may be removed gently with mild soap, but turning or moving the jewelry in the first few weeks after piercing may hinder the healing process.
If a lip piercing is closed, remaining scar tissue may or may not present itself. The larger the gauging used in the piercing will increase the probability of the lip forming a scar. To treat the markings left by closed piercing, anti-scarring cream or a moisturizer containing Vitamin E may be effective.
