Piercing / Tongue piercing / Vertical tongue piercing
Vertical tongue piercing
The vertical tongue piercing passes through the middle of the tongue from top to bottom and is worn with a straight barbell. It is one of the fastest-healing piercings we do, but the first few days come with swelling, so the first bar fitted is deliberately long and gets downsized once the swelling goes down. We do Vertical tongue piercings regularly and with real expertise, which is what lets us deliver consistent results and keep our clients happy. Our piercers work to the highest hygiene standards so that every piercing is safe and trouble-free.
Vertical tongue piercing price
The price at our studio consists of the piercing service and the price of the jewellery. Some piercings also need downsizing once healed, in which case you only pay for the new jewellery.
Pain level of a Vertical tongue piercing
Contraindications for a Vertical tongue piercing
Taking medication (if so, with your doctor's approval)
A lifestyle that won't allow proper aftercare
Skin conditions
Dermatitis or other inflammation in the area to be pierced
A tendency to form keloid scars
Hepatitis
HIV
Diabetes and insulin dependence
Circulatory disorders or poor blood clotting
Allergic reactions
Epilepsy
Hormone therapy, oncological conditions
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Menstruation can be a contraindication, though if your period isn't heavy some piercings are certainly possible.
If you've recently had any surgery in the mouth area, talk to your doctor before deciding on a piercing.
Ignoring contraindications can have a negative effect on your health.
Preparing for a Vertical tongue piercing
Before your appointment:
Get a good night's sleep
Eat something, even if it's light
Wear clothes you wouldn't mind getting a drop of blood on — it usually doesn't happen, but it can
The Vertical tongue piercing procedure
When you arrive at the studio you'll fill in a consent form, which also covers the contraindications for a Vertical tongue piercing and the aftercare that follows. No contraindications and following our aftercare routine are two of the key conditions for the piercing to heal well.
Next you'll talk it through with the piercer. You'll agree on the placement and on the jewellery — both the piece we fit straight away and, if relevant, what you'll wear later.
The piercer sets up the workstation. The chosen jewellery and the needle are sterilised for around 10 minutes. During that time you can ask anything you want and go over the details.
After sterilisation the piercer marks the exact spot, disinfects the skin, and within a few seconds you have your new Vertical tongue piercing.
The piercer then cleans the piercing, photographs it if you're happy for us to, covers it with a plaster and runs through the aftercare with you once more.
Vertical tongue piercing healing time
Full healing of a Vertical tongue piercing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer. Fully healed means the piercing channel is completely lined with new skin.
The Vertical tongue piercing healing process
The piercing almost always swells, so we fit a longer bar first and swap it for a shorter one after roughly 1–2 months. Otherwise you risk catching the jewellery and traumatising the channel.
Sometimes several downsizes are needed during healing, so if the bar starts to feel too long or gets in your way, just ask us to shorten it.
When downsizing, you pay only for the jewellery at current prices — the service is free during the initial healing.
Vertical tongue piercing aftercare
Oral hygiene: with a piercing in the mouth, use an alcohol-free mouthwash and rinse for about 15 seconds after every meal. If that isn't part of your daily routine, plain clean water is enough (filtered, bottled or boiled). Oral hygiene matters here — it speeds healing up.
Restrictions after a Vertical tongue piercing
Food and drink: for the first 3–4 hours after the procedure, drink only water, cold tea or a chilled still drink with no sugar or alcohol, then rinse your mouth. For the first 3–5 days the tongue will be swollen and sore, and you'll only manage soft food — nothing hot, bitter, sour, salty or strongly coloured.
Oral sex and kissing: avoid both while healing, especially in the first 14 days. After that, go by how it feels — better not to rush it and risk trauma.
Alcohol and smoking: we don't recommend drinking or smoking while an oral piercing heals, as both can trigger bleeding. If you smoke, you don't have to quit, but cut down and rinse your mouth with clean water afterwards.
Vertical tongue piercing problems
After a Vertical tongue piercing, problems ranging from minor to serious can appear. If you notice anything wrong, contact the studio straight away.
Warning signs include (on their own or in combination):
Excessive sensitivity or pain.
Heavy swelling.
Erythema — redness.
Bumps or pimples forming next to the puncture site.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or behind the ears.
— and any other unusual or uncomfortable symptoms.
Vertical tongue piercing gallery
