What Is a Cheek Piercing Called?

Although cheek piercing are usually called just that, they are also known as dimple piercings. This is because the hole of the piercing itself enters the cheek at the spot where many of us have dimples. Even if we don't have dimples, the cheek piercing creates one with the stud. Another less common name for a cheek piercing is a buccal piercing, referring to the mouth area. However, this term can also be replied to other types of oral piercings.

The cheek piercing is one of the most visible facial piercings. It requires careful consideration before deciding to have it performed. Not only does it add a bold element to the look, but it can also affect the way facial expressions are perceived, given its prominent placement. There can be a unilateral dimple piercing or bilateral cheek piercing, depending on whether you have it in one or both cheeks, respectively.

Dimple piercings have gained popularity within the piercing world. This is not only for their aesthetic, but also for the way they can transform a person's facial expression. Due to its complexity and potential hygiene risks, it is crucial to ensure that it is performed by an experienced professional.

Learn about how to care for an infected industrial piercing with our related guide.

Performing a cheek piercing is a procedure that must be performed by a professional body piercer in a sterile environment. They will then carry out the following:

• Cleaning: the cheek will need to be sterilized with a suitable solution such as alcohol. This will help to avoid any infections.
• Marking: at the beginning of the process, the piercer will carefully mark the location where the piercing will be performed, making sure it is aligned correctly. Although not always necessary, some piercers may apply a numbing cream to minimize pain.
• Insertion: the piercer will use a sterile needle to perform the cheek piercing, making sure the equipment used is completely hygienic to prevent infection.
• Jewelry: immediately after piercing, the jewelry is inserted. This is usually a labret stud which is initially placed to allow for the swelling that often occurs. This is a stud with a longer bar which is less restrictive than other studs.
• Cleaning: after the jewelry is inserted and locked in, the piercer will then clean the pierced area and provide detailed instructions on how to care for the piercing in the days and weeks that follow.

It is common to schedule a checkup to make sure the piercing is healing properly and to adjust the jewelry if necessary.

The cheek piercing requires meticulous care. It is in a very delicate area that needs attention and discipline for proper healing and to prevent infections. In this sense, cleanliness is essential. It is recommended to use a saline solution twice a day to keep the area free of bacteria.

Due to the proximity of the piercing to the oral cavity (it is essentially an oral piercing), it is imperative to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth after each meal and using an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritation. It is also crucial to avoid touching the jewelry with dirty hands and be careful when chewing food so as not to accidentally bite the jewelry.

Observe the piercing daily for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, severe pain, purulent discharge or prolonged swelling. Once the initial swelling has subsided, it might be time to visit the piercer to exchange the longer labret stud for a shorter one, which usually happens after a few weeks. The type of stud for cheek piercings will be your preference.

Learn about how to care for another less common face piercing with our article on bridge piercing healing tips.

Like any other body piercing, dimple piercings carry certain risks and dangers. They include the following:

• Infection: one of the most common risks, so maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. Bacteria around the oral cavity an get into the piercing wound and infect it. This is a greater risk due to the proliferation of bacteria around the mouth.
• Rejection: there is a chance that the body will reject the jewelry, which can cause the piercing to shift from its original location. This is a phenomenon known as piercing migration.
• Scarring: even after healing, permanent scarring may remain on the cheeks. If the piercing is removed, visible marks may remain.
• Allergic reactions: you should pay special attention to allergic reactions to certain metals. It is important to choose hypoallergenic materials to minimize this possibility.
• Tissue damage: due to the location of the cheek piercing, there is a risk of damaging facial nerves or salivary ducts, which can result in more serious complications. If you decide to get a dimple piercing, it must be at a reputable piercing studio and performed by a qualified professional.

Although the cheek piercing can be an impressive and eye-catching decoration that suits your style, it can also present several problems during and after healing. To identify and handle potential problems, keep the following in mind:

• Swelling is common during the first few days.
• Infections can occur without proper care.
• The migration of the piercing can move it from its original position.
• Permanent scars may remain after healing.
• Allergic reactions to certain metals used in jewelry may occur.
• There is a risk of damage to facial nerves or salivary ducts due to the location of the piercing.

Now that you know what it is and how to care for a cheek piercing, you may also be interested learning about other facial piercings with our articles on the different types of nose piercing jewelry and the different types of tongue piercings.

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