Are you thinking about getting a snake eyes piercing? This unique and edgy piercing style has rapidly become a popular trend among body modification enthusiasts. Named after the resemblance to a snake’s gaze, snake eyes piercing is eye-catching and controversial. Before you decide to go for it, you must understand everything about the procedure, healing time, risks, and aftercare.
This guide will cover everything you need to know before leaping!
What Exactly is Snake Eyes Piercing?
Snake eye piercing is a horizontal tongue piercing placed at the very tip of the tongue. It connects the left and right tongue muscles beneath the surface, creating the appearance of two small “eyes” when you stick your tongue out.
Unlike a traditional vertical tongue piercing, snake eyes are considered a surface piercing, making them much more prone to migration, rejection, and oral complications.
Because it affects the muscles controlling tongue movement, some professionals caution against getting a snake eyes tongue piercing, especially without being fully informed about the risks involved.
How Snake Eyes Piercing is Done
During the snake eyes piercing procedure, a professional piercer will follow these steps:
- Thoroughly examine your tongue anatomy to ensure it is suitable
- Mark the entry and exit points carefully
- Sterilize the area to prevent infection
- Use a sterilized hollow needle to pierce horizontally through the tip of the tongue
- Insert appropriate jewelry, typically a straight barbell or curved barbell
The snake eyes piercing process is relatively quick, usually completed in under 10 minutes.
Most studios do not use anesthesia, but some may apply a mild numbing gel. Choosing an experienced piercer is essential because an incorrectly placed piercing can cause serious nerve or muscle damage.
How Much Does Snake Eyes Piercing Hurt?
When it comes to snake eyes piercing pain, the experience can vary from person to person.
Most individuals report the initial puncture as sharp and intense, followed by throbbing and swelling for a few days.
Key points about pain and discomfort include:
- Initial pain: Lasts a few seconds during the piercing
- Post-piercing swelling: Significant during the first week
- Long-term soreness: Possible during the healing process
Compared to other oral piercings, snake eyes tongue piercing can be slightly more painful due to the sensitive nature of the tongue tip.
Healing Process
The snake eyes piercing healing time typically ranges from 6 to 9 weeks, but full internal healing can take longer if complications arise.
Here’s a general healing timeline:
- Week 1–2: Major swelling, difficulty speaking and eating
- Week 3–4: Swelling reduces, easier tongue movement
- Week 5+: Final maturing phase, jewelry may feel more comfortable
Oral hygiene, diet, jewelry quality, and aftercare significantly influence healing time.
Persistent irritation, poor aftercare, or improper jewelry can lead to extended healing periods.
Aftercare Tips for Snake Eyes Piercing
Proper snake eye piercing aftercare promotes fast healing and avoids infections or rejection.
Here are the essential care steps:
- Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash after eating, drinking, or smoking
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and crunchy foods during the first few weeks
- Do not touch or play with the jewelry unnecessarily
- Use saline solution to clean the external entry and exit points gently
- Limit talking, chewing, and tongue movements in the early healing phase
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can irritate the piercing and slow healing
Following these aftercare tips will drastically improve your chances of a smooth healing journey.
Jewelry Options for Snake Eyes Piercing
Choosing the right snake eye piercing jewelry is critical for minimizing irritation and ensuring comfortable healing.
Initial jewelry should be slightly longer to accommodate swelling.
Recommended jewelry materials include:
- Titanium: Hypoallergenic and lightweight
- Surgical stainless steel: Durable and safe
- Niobium: A great choice for sensitive skin
Depending on your anatomy, jewelry options include a straight barbell, curved barbell, or occasionally a surface bar.
Always ensure your jewelry is of implant-grade quality to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and improve healing.
Risks and Potential Complications
While snake eye piercing can look incredibly cool, it comes with higher risks than most oral piercings.
Here are the potential risks:
- Rejection and migration: The body may push out the jewelry over time
- Speech impediments: Some individuals experience difficulty speaking or lisping
- Gum recession: Jewelry constantly rubbing against gums can cause permanent damage
- Chipped teeth: Hard jewelry can accidentally knock against teeth
- Infection: Due to the mouth’s naturally bacteria-rich environment
Important Note: Many professional piercers advise against this piercing because of the high risk of oral health complications.
Pros and Cons of Snake Eyes Piercing
Pros:
- Striking and stylish appearance
- Relatively fast procedure
- Trendy and unique, especially popular on social media
Cons:
- High rejection rate
- Potential for long-term oral damage
- Speech and eating difficulties
- Not recommended by many reputable piercers
If you value oral health highly or work in a public speaking profession, you should consider getting a snake eyes tongue piercing.
Cost of Snake Eyes Piercing
The snake eyes piercing cost typically falls between $50 and $100. Factors that affect the price include:
- Studio’s location
- Piercer’s experience and reputation
- Quality of jewelry used
- Additional aftercare kits or check-up visits
Always remember: cheaper isn’t better. Investing in an experienced piercer and high-quality jewelry can save you from painful, costly complications later.
Can Snake Eyes Piercing Be Removed?
Yes, you can remove a snake eyes piercing at any time. Common reasons for removal include:
- Discomfort or pain
- Signs of rejection
- Oral health deterioration
- Change of personal preference
After removal:
- Minor scarring might be visible
- The tongue usually heals naturally over time
- Full healing can take several months, especially if migration occurred
If you’re considering removal, it’s best to consult your original piercer or a dental professional for advice.
Tips for Choosing a Professional Piercer
Choosing the right professional piercer can make or break your snake eyes piercing experience. Look for:
- Studios that follow strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
- Piercers with extensive oral piercing experience
- Clear communication about the risks and healing expectations
- Positive customer reviews and visible portfolios
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or leave if you feel uncomfortable during the consultation.
Snake Eyes Piercing Trends
With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, snake eye piercing has become popular, especially among younger audiences.
Influencers and celebrities often showcase their bold tongue piercings, encouraging others to try this daring trend.
However, experts warn that the trendiness should not overshadow the serious potential health risks.
Always decide based on personal research, professional advice, and health priorities, not just social media trends.
FAQs
Can you talk properly after a snake eye piercing?
Speech may be temporarily affected due to swelling, but it usually improves within a few weeks as healing progresses.
Is it safe to kiss after getting a snake eyes piercing?
It’s best to avoid kissing for at least 2–4 weeks to prevent introducing bacteria into the new piercing.
How long before I can change the jewelry?
Before changing jewelry, you should wait until the piercing has fully healed — typically around 8–12 weeks.
Can snake eye piercing cause permanent damage?
In some cases, yes. Gum erosion, chipped teeth, and long-term speech difficulties are possible if complications arise.
Conclusion
Snake eyes piercing is a bold, stylish, and edgy choice that immediately draws attention. However, it’s not a decision to take lightly. You can make an informed decision by understanding the procedure, risks, healing process, and aftercare requirements. Always prioritize finding an experienced piercer, using high-quality jewelry, and following strict aftercare routines to minimize potential problems. If you’re ready to commit to the upkeep and accept the risks, your snake eyes piercing could become a signature part of your style.
But remember: health and safety come first, always!