I got my monroe pierced when I was 17. I had wanted it since I was in jr. high and I finally convinced my mom after telling her that I would go and get it myself in a year anyway. The first tattoo shop we went to wouldn’t do the piercing because it was considered an “oral piercing,” meaning I would have to be 18. But another reputable shop did not have that policy.

My mom cried.
I didn’t flinch.

I didn’t swell up too bad either, which was surprising. I got scared going into the piercing shop because the girl before me who had returned due to complications with her piercing had the hugest swollen lip.

Now, a year later, I’m still very happy with my piercing. I use a push-in rod made of plastic that doesn’t irritate my gums or teeth like the metal. I usually wear a small 14k gold star. My boyfriend thinks it’s cute and it reminds me of jewel stone beauty marks of the 18th century.