Smiley Piercing in Los Angeles

At Apollo Studio, smiley piercing prices start at $75 for the piercing service. Jewelry is sold separately — we carry implant-grade titanium, 14k gold, and premium brands like BVLA and Industrial Strength. Our smiley piercing LA service includes a full consultation, the piercing procedure, and detailed aftercare instructions.

Most clients rate smiley piercing pain at 3-4 out of 10—one of the least painful piercings we offer. The frenulum is a thin piece of tissue with relatively few nerve endings, so the actual piercing takes only a second and feels like a quick pinch. Many clients at our Los Angeles smiley piercing studio are surprised at how fast and easy it is. Post-piercing, you may experience mild tenderness and swelling for a few days.

Smiley piercings typically heal in 4-8 weeks, making them one of the faster-healing oral piercings. However, full healing can take up to 12 weeks depending on your aftercare routine and individual healing ability. At our LA piercing studio, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure your lip frenulum piercing heals properly and quickly.

No, smiley piercings are not permanent and can be removed at any time. However, it's important to note that smiley piercings have a higher rejection rate than many other piercings due to the delicate nature of the frenulum tissue. If you remove the jewelry, the hole typically closes quickly—sometimes within hours to days. Our smiley piercing Los Angeles experts will assess your anatomy to determine if you're a good candidate.

Not everyone is a good candidate for a smiley piercing. The frenulum must be large enough and have adequate tissue to support jewelry safely. Some people have a frenulum that's too thin or small for this piercing. During your consultation at our Los Angeles piercing shop, our expert piercers will examine your anatomy and honestly advise whether a lip frenulum piercing is suitable for you.

The most common jewelry for smiley piercings is a small captive bead ring (CBR) or a curved barbell. We recommend starting with a 16-gauge piece in implant-grade titanium or 14k gold. The jewelry should be small enough to sit comfortably against your gum without rubbing excessively. At Apollo's smiley piercing LA studio, we stock premium jewelry from BVLA, Industrial Strength, and Kiwi Diamond specifically sized for oral piercings.

Yes, there is a risk of gum recession and tooth enamel wear with smiley piercings. The jewelry constantly contacts your upper front teeth and gum line, which can cause damage over time. This is why proper jewelry sizing and placement are crucial. Our Los Angeles smiley piercing experts use appropriate jewelry sizes and placement techniques to minimize these risks, and we'll educate you on signs to watch for during your healing journey.

Aftercare for a smiley piercing includes: rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, avoiding spicy or acidic foods during initial healing, not playing with the jewelry, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Avoid smoking and alcohol for the first few weeks. At our LA piercing studio, you'll receive detailed aftercare instructions and our team is always available to answer questions throughout your healing process.

Yes! Apollo welcomes walk-ins 7 days a week at our Los Angeles smiley piercing studio. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-in clients. While we can't guarantee immediate availability, our LA piercing team works hard to accommodate everyone. For smiley piercings, we recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure you get a full consultation and the best jewelry selection.

At Apollo Studio, you must be 18 years or older to get a smiley piercing. We do not perform lip frenulum piercings on minors, even with parental consent. This policy exists because oral piercings carry specific risks and require mature aftercare compliance. Visit our Los Angeles piercing studio with a valid photo ID to get your smiley piercing.

Signs of smiley piercing rejection include: the jewelry appearing to move closer to the surface, thinning of the tissue around the piercing, increased visibility of the bar through the skin, and persistent redness or irritation. If you notice these signs, visit our Los Angeles piercing shop immediately. Early intervention can sometimes save the piercing, but removal may be necessary to prevent scarring.