Thinking about getting a smiley piercing in Bali? Before making your decision, take a moment to understand the risks of choosing an inexperienced or unqualified piercer.
Bali is a popular destination for travelers looking to express themselves through body art, tattoos, and piercings. With so many studios and beauty businesses offering these services, it can be tempting to choose the most convenient location or the first place you find online.
However, convenience should never come before safety, proper training, and experience. At Piercing Bali, we believe every client deserves to understand the importance of choosing a professional piercer, especially when a procedure involves delicate areas such as the mouth.
Recently, a customer came to us after experiencing a concerning situation during an attempted smiley piercing in Bali.
According to the customer’s account, the procedure did not go as intended. Instead of passing through the upper lip frenulum as intended, the needle reportedly punctured the tissue incorrectly. The customer reported bleeding that continued for approximately 25 hours.
The photograph accompanying this article documents the condition of the upper lip area shared with us. Although a photograph cannot establish the exact cause or severity of an injury, prolonged bleeding following an oral piercing attempt should never be ignored.
This experience raises an important question: Who should you trust when it comes to piercing your body?
A piercing may look like a small procedure, but it requires knowledge of anatomy, appropriate placement, sterile technique, and suitable equipment. A professional piercer must also be able to recognize potential complications and understand when a procedure should not proceed.
When these factors are overlooked, the consequences can extend beyond an unsatisfactory piercing.
A smiley piercing, also known as an upper frenulum piercing, passes through the small fold of tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the gum area above the front teeth.
Because this tissue is delicate and located inside the mouth, proper anatomical assessment and careful technique are essential.
Not everyone has anatomy suitable for a smiley piercing. Before proceeding, a piercer should assess the thickness and position of the frenulum, the surrounding gum tissue, and the relationship between the jewelry and the teeth.
Potential complications include bleeding, swelling, infection, gum irritation or recession, and damage to tooth enamel. Jewelry that repeatedly rubs against the teeth or gums can cause additional problems over time.
A responsible piercer should assess whether the anatomy is suitable and explain the potential risks before beginning the procedure. If the placement is unsuitable or the tissue cannot be pierced safely, the procedure should not go ahead.
Bali offers a wide range of businesses, including tattoo studios, beauty salons, and establishments that provide multiple services under one roof.
However, offering piercing as an additional service does not automatically demonstrate specialist training or experience. A business that offers piercing is not necessarily a business that specializes in it.
Before booking an appointment, take the time to ask questions and understand who will perform your procedure.
Here are some important things to check before choosing a piercing studio.
Do not be afraid to ask how long the piercer has been performing the specific type of piercing you want. Experience with earlobe piercings does not automatically mean they have the skills or knowledge required for oral or other anatomically complex piercings.
Professional piercing requires appropriate infection-control procedures, sterile single-use needles, properly sterilized equipment, and safe handling of jewelry and other materials.
A clean-looking room alone is not enough to establish that proper sterilization procedures are being followed. Do not hesitate to ask about the studio’s hygiene standards and sterilization practices.
A professional piercer should assess the intended placement, explain any concerns, and decline the procedure if your anatomy is unsuitable. Be cautious if someone is willing to proceed without an adequate assessment or a clear explanation of the potential risks.
Jewelry must be appropriate for the piercing location, made from suitable materials, and fitted to minimize unnecessary contact with the teeth and gums. Correct placement involves more than simply making the piercing look good immediately after the procedure.
A responsible piercer should explain potential risks, aftercare requirements, expected healing, and what to do if complications arise. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your concerns without being pressured into proceeding.
Bleeding that continues for an extended period after an oral piercing attempt requires prompt medical assessment.
If the bleeding is happening now, seek urgent medical care. If the injured area can be safely reached, apply gentle, continuous pressure with clean gauze. Avoid repeatedly removing the gauze to check the wound, and do not probe, repierce, or manipulate the injured tissue.
If the bleeding is heavy, you feel faint or weak, or you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Even if the bleeding has stopped, an injury inside the mouth should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional, particularly if the bleeding continued for many hours.
Do not rely solely on advice from a piercing studio when assessing a potentially significant injury. A qualified healthcare professional can evaluate the wound and determine whether further treatment is necessary.
At Piercing Bali, we want people to enjoy body modification while making informed decisions about their safety.
We are sharing this experience not to create unnecessary fear, but to remind everyone that piercing requires appropriate knowledge, training, preparation, and attention to hygiene. It should never be treated as a procedure that anyone can perform without the necessary skills.
Before choosing a studio, research the person who will perform your piercing. Ask about their training and experience, check their hygiene practices, and make sure you receive a proper consultation before proceeding.
Do not choose a piercer based on price, convenience, or the appearance of the studio alone. A professional approach involves much more than simply inserting jewelry.
Your body deserves care, knowledge, and respect. Never be afraid to ask questions before allowing anyone to perform a piercing.
Whether you are visiting Bali on holiday or living here permanently, take your time before booking a piercing appointment.
A reputable professional should be willing to explain the procedure, discuss the risks honestly, assess your anatomy, and prioritize your well-being over making a sale.
At Piercing Bali, our goal is to help clients make informed decisions and understand what responsible piercing practices should look like.
Think before you pierce. Research before you book. And always put your safety first.
For more information about professional piercing and responsible aftercare, visit Piercing Bali.