A snake eyes piercing is a horizontal bar placed through the tip of the tongue, creating the appearance of two eyes when the tongue is extended. This popular modification is technically a surface piercing, which affects the healing process differently than a traditional vertical tongue piercing. Initial healing, where the most significant swelling and discomfort subside, typically takes between four to eight weeks. Complete healing, where the tissue fully matures and the fistula is formed, often ranges from two to six months or more.
The Typical Healing Timeline
The healing process for this oral piercing is divided into distinct phases, beginning with the acute inflammatory response. The first week involves substantial swelling, which is a normal biological reaction to the trauma of the piercing. During this time, the initial, longer jewelry is necessary to accommodate the tongue’s increased size and prevent the jewelry from embedding in the tissue.
The initial healing phase is generally considered complete when the swelling has fully resolved and the piercing site is no longer tender to the touch, which usually occurs within four to eight weeks. At this point, the jewelry must be downsized by a professional piercer to a shorter bar. Failing to replace the initial long jewelry can lead to significant dental damage because the excess length allows the bar to constantly rub against the teeth and gums.
Full healing, which involves the complete epithelialization of the piercing channel, takes considerably longer, often extending to six months or even nine months in some cases. This final stage involves the body strengthening the tissue around the jewelry. Even if the piercing feels comfortable after a few months, a piercer must confirm that the tissue is fully healed before stopping all aftercare practices.
Critical Aftercare for Optimal Healing
Diligent aftercare is necessary to ensure the piercing follows the shortest possible healing timeline. The high bacterial load in the mouth makes consistent cleaning a requirement to prevent complications. Rinsing the mouth with a sterile saline solution or an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash is recommended two to three times daily, especially after eating.
Dietary modifications are also necessary during the initial weeks to minimize irritation and movement of the jewelry. Individuals should stick to soft, non-acidic, and non-spicy foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, to avoid aggravating the fresh wound. Using small pieces of ice or drinking cold water can help manage the initial swelling and discomfort by constricting blood vessels in the area.
It is also important to avoid all forms of oral contact, including kissing and oral sex, throughout the initial healing period. Introducing foreign bacteria into the open wound significantly increases the risk of infection and can severely prolong the healing time. Minimizing excessive talking and playing with the jewelry is also necessary, as constant movement irritates the tissue and disrupts the formation of the new skin channel.
Unique Risks That Prolong Healing
The snake eyes piercing carries unique anatomical risks that frequently extend the healing process or lead to permanent issues. The placement of the horizontal bar at the tip of the tongue forces the jewelry to constantly interact with the teeth and gums. This continuous friction can lead to serious dental complications, including the chipping or cracking of tooth enamel and the recession of gum tissue.
Furthermore, the piercing passes through the two separate muscles that make up the tongue. By connecting these muscles with a rigid barbell, the piercing restricts their natural movement, which can cause long-term speech impediments or difficulty with articulation. This constant muscle tension and movement also make the piercing highly susceptible to migration or rejection, where the body slowly pushes the jewelry out.
Migration occurs because the body recognizes the jewelry as a foreign object and attempts to expel it, resulting in a shallower piercing channel and a prolonged healing period. The high mobility of the tongue, combined with the surface nature of the piercing, makes rejection a common complication for this specific modification. An infection can also significantly delay healing and cause the body to reject the jewelry.
Signs of Trouble and When to Seek Help
While some initial swelling and tenderness are expected, certain symptoms indicate a complication that requires professional attention. Excessive swelling that persists beyond the first week or worsens over time is a clear warning sign that the healing process is compromised. The presence of thick, green, or yellow discharge, which is distinct from the thin, clear fluid that may be normal, suggests a bacterial infection.
Other signs of a serious issue include severe, throbbing pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers, or red streaks extending outward from the piercing site. If the jewelry appears to be sinking into the tissue, known as embedding, or if the individual develops a fever or chills, immediate action is necessary. The first step should be to contact the professional piercer who performed the procedure for an assessment and advice.
If the symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if the piercer advises it, a medical doctor should be consulted immediately. A systemic infection requires prompt medical intervention, and the jewelry should only be removed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious health complications.