How to Take a Lip Ring Out After It Heals

Profile picture showing off lip ring.

You may find that some occasions aren't appropriate for lip jewelry or you may wish to change it. Knowing how to remove the jewelry in the proper fashion will save you time and prevent infection. But wait until your lips have completely healed from the initial piercing.

Things You'll Need

• Warm soap and water
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper towels
• Small jar or container to hold the jewelry
• Circlip or needle-nose pliers
• Alcohol pads

Instructions

How to Take Out a Lip Ring

1. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use hand sanitizer. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Lay out clean paper towels along with the pliers and replacement jewelry if desired. Have a small jar or flat surface ready for storing the removed ball and ring.

3. Use the pliers to remove the ball from the ring. Put the ball in the jar or container.

4. Gently twist the ring out to remove it. Add the ring to the jar or container.

5. Clean and sanitize the hole as well as the jewelry using alcohol pads.

How to Remove Labret Studs

1. Clean your hands with warm water and soap or hand sanitizer. Dry them completely with a clean paper towel.

2. Sit down with a towel or paper towel in front of you. (This will make it easier to find the ring should you accidentally drop it.)

3. Hold the back plate between your front teeth and bite down firmly (but do so carefully to avoid chipping your teeth).

4. Unscrew the stud in the front with a counter-clockwise twist. Pull the plate straight out and remove it from your mouth.

5. Clean the hole with alcohol swabs and clean the jewelry, particularly if you will be putting it back in.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your piercer to show you how to change your jewelry. Remove your jewelry at least once per week to clean it with alcohol. Do not leave your jewelry out for more than 12 hours at a time or you risk the hole closing. You may prefer to have your piercer remove the ring if you lack all the proper tools.

• Do not remove your jewelry until the piercing has completely healed. If you absolutely must remove your jewelry sooner, have your piercer do it.

References

• Dr. Bunn