Snake Eyes Piercing (Horizontal Tongue Piercing)

What is snake eye piercing

It is a unique style of tongue piercing placed horizontally across the tip of the tongue as opposed to venom piercing made near the center of the tongue. Having a thick tongue makes it easier to accommodate the piercing with a lower risk of rejection. Appealing to many piercing enthusiasts snake eyes piercing has earned the name for its close resemblance to the eyes of a snake. Horizontal tongue piercing and sideways tongue piercing are the other names of the piercing.

How to pierce snake eyes

A piercing salon having years of experience in tongue piercings must be given the topmost priority to avoid serious health risks. With a surgical marker, the piercing artist marks the entry and exit points on both sides of the tongue near the tip and inserts a large gauge hollow, sterilized needle with the help of a clamp. The jewelry is then passed through the two holes, completing the piercing.

Snake tongue eyes piercing pain: Does it hurt

Although the pain level varies from individual to individual, most have compared the pain to the one experienced when biting the tongue. Soon after the piercing, the area may undergo slight bleeding. The pierced tongue might also swell for few days. However, these after-effects are considered to be normal like any other piercing.

Snake eyes piercing aftercare: How to take care

Avoid touching or cleaning the piercing with unwashed hands
Rinse your mouth with warm saline water after every meal
Do not eat hot, spicy, or sticky foods
Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
Do not use mouthwash for gargling until healing

Snake eyes piercing healing

It will take around 4 to 8 weeks for the pierced tongue to heal completely

Snake eyes piercing infection and complications

Besides infection, there is also a high risk of gum and teeth damage and tongue paralysis due to improper placement of the jewelry. In the case of extreme swelling, pain, and redness, visiting a doctor is advisable. Being located at the tip of the tongue the piercing may carry a greater chance of migration as well as rejection. Make sure the jewelry is fixed tightly to the tongue to prevent it from getting swallowed or inhaled while sleeping. Visiting a piercing parlor following strict hygiene rules minimizes these possible risks without causing any major complications.

Snake eyes piercing jewelry

Using a 14 gauge barbell is recommended to cut the risk of migration. Those with a stretched horizontal tongue piercing can opt for small-sized jewelry. As rings cannot fit into the piercing, avoid experimenting with other types of jewelry. Wearing plastic retainers helps you hide the piercing. If you are not comfortable with horizontal tongue piercing done, then use fake magnetic tongue studs to display a similar look.