Snake Eyes Piercing

Thinking about getting a snake eyes piercing (the horizontal tongue piercing that mimics a snake's gaze)? It's a bold, edgy look that's increasingly popular, but it's also a piercing that comes with serious responsibility. If you're in Miami and considering this unique modification, you need the right information, the right piercer, and the right commitment to aftercare.

At Tatt 'Em Up Tattoos & Piercings, we believe in informed decisions. That's why we've created the ultimate guide to the snake eyes piercing, breaking down everything from the initial procedure to long-term maintenance, so you know exactly what you're getting into.

What to Expect

Before the needle ever touches your tongue, a professional piercer will take several critical steps to ensure your safety and comfort.

• Consultation: Your piercer will examine your tongue's anatomy to determine if a horizontal piercing is viable. Not every tongue is suited for this.
• Sanitization: The studio will be immaculate. Your piercer will thoroughly wash their hands and put on a new pair of sterile, single-use gloves.
• Prep: You'll be asked to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic, alcohol-free mouthwash (like a diluted Listerine, per the shop's specific protocol) to kill bacteria in your mouth before the procedure. The tongue is then dried with sterile gauze to ensure a clean, dry surface for the piercing.
• Marking & Piercing: The piercer will mark the entry and exit points on your tongue. Using a single-use, sterile, hollow needle, they'll create the piercing
• channel. A sterile, pre-opened curved barbell (in this case, 16 gauge, 12mm long, made of implant-grade titanium) is then immediately inserted.
• The Longer Bar: You'll notice the initial jewelry is longer than average. That 12mm length is crucial—it provides extra room for the significant swelling that occurs in
• the days following the piercing.

A Note on Jewelry Quality: The jewelry used is made of implant-grade titanium. This is a medical-quality, biocompatible metal certified to meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or ISO standards, meaning it's safe for long-term internal wear and highly unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation.

The Healing Journey

Healing for a snake eyes piercing is a slow process, often taking longer than a standard
tongue piercing.

• Week 1: The most intense phase. Expect significant swelling, difficulty speaking, and a lisp. Stick to a liquid or very soft food diet.
• Weeks 2-4: Swelling will begin to subside. You may still have a lisp. You can start introducing soft foods but continue to avoid anything spicy, salty, or crunchy.
• Weeks 5-8: The piercing will feel much more stable. Most of the external healing has occurred. You can gradually return to a normal diet, but remain cautious.
• Weeks 9-12+: Final healing. The tissue fully matures. Do not switch to a shorter bar before this period is over. Changing the jewelry too early can cause the hole to close or lead to severe irritation.

Aftercare Guide

Proper aftercare is non-negotiable for a snake eyes piercing. Neglecting it can lead to infection, prolonged healing, and even permanent damage. Here’s your roadmap to a healthy piercing. Daily Cleaning Routine

• The Sea Salt Rinse: 3 to 6 times per day, rinse your mouth for 30-60 seconds with a warm, non-iodized sea salt solution. This is the gold standard for oral piercing aftercare because it's gentle, natural, and promotes healing.
• Post-Meal Cleanse: After every meal or snack, rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash (like a diluted, non-alcoholic Listerine) to flush away food particles and bacteria.
• Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing your teeth twice a day, but use a soft-bristled brush and be extremely gentle around the piercing site. Introduce an alcohol-free mouthwash into your nightly routine.

What to Eat (and What to Avoid)

The First 2 Weeks to 1 Month: This is the danger zone for your diet.

• AVOID: Spicy foods, salty foods, acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes), crunchy foods (chips, nuts), dairy products (can thicken saliva), and hot foods (let your food cool down significantly).
• STICK TO: Soft, cool, or room-temperature foods like mashed potatoes, smooth soup (not hot), yogurt (if tolerated), apple sauce, smoothies, and protein shakes.
• After the First Month: You can slowly reintroduce other foods. The golden rule is: If it hurts, don’t eat it. Listen to your body. If the piercing is painful, stick to soft foods until the irritation passes.

Managing Pain and Swelling

• Pain Relief: Some discomfort is expected. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) are safe to take as directed.

Swelling Reduction:

• Ice, Ice, Ice: Suck on ice chips or popsicles for the first few days. The cold is incredibly effective at reducing inflammation.
• Cold Drinks: Sip on ice-cold water throughout the day.
• Sleep Elevated: Propping your head up on an extra pillow while you sleep can help reduce overnight swelling.

Daily Jewelry Checks
Your tongue is a powerful muscle. The balls on your curved barbell can and will unscrew on their own. Before and after every meal, you must check that the balls are tight. Swallowing a loose ball is a real choking hazard, and a lost ball can cause the hole to close up in hours.

Safety & Professional Standards

A professional studio prioritizes your safety above all else. Here’s how Tatt 'Em Up
Tattoos & Piercings ensures a safe experience.

• Sterile Equipment: We use single-use, sterile needles, gloves, and jewelry for every client, every time. Nothing is ever re-used.
• Implant-Grade Materials: As mentioned, we use only implant-grade titanium, the highest quality biocompatible metal for body jewelry.
• Anatomy Assessment: A responsible piercer will always assess your tongue's anatomy before proceeding. Some tongues simply aren't suited for a horizontal piercing, and a professional will tell you "no" rather than risk your health.
• Pre-Procedure Cleaning: The use of an antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine before and after the procedure is a key safety step, as we do at Tatt 'Em Up Tattoos & Piercings.

Understanding the Risks

It's crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with snake eyes piercings. This
is not a decision to be taken lightly.

• Dental Damage: This is the most common long-term risk. Because the barbell rests on the back of your lower teeth, it can cause gum erosion, chipped teeth, and even cracked teeth over time.
• Speech Impediment: The horizontal bar can restrict the natural, independent movement of the two muscles in your tongue, potentially causing a permanent lisp or other speech issues.
• Rejection & Migration: The body may recognize the jewelry as a foreign object and try to push it out (rejection) or move it from its original position (migration), leading to scarring and an uneven piercing.
• Infection: Like any piercing, the mouth is full of bacteria. Without meticulous aftercare, an infection can occur, leading to pain, swelling, and in rare cases, more serious systemic issues.
• Playing with Jewelry: Do not play with the jewelry with your tongue or teeth. This constant irritation can cause the piercing holes to widen, lead to gum damage,

and greatly increase the risk of chipping a tooth.

Long-Term Care

Once your piercing is fully healed (after at least 3 months), you'll want to switch to a shorter bar that fits snugly against your tongue. A longer bar in a healed piercing will only clink against your teeth and cause unnecessary dental damage. Even after it's healed, be mindful. Avoid chewing on the jewelry and continue to check that the balls are tight. Your snake eyes piercing is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing awareness.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is based on the professional practices of Tatt 'Em Up Tattoos & Piercings. All body modification procedures carry inherent risks. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Ready to Get Your Snake Eyes Piercing in Miami?

If you're ready to take the plunge, choose a studio that prioritizes safety, education, and artistry. At Tatt 'Em Up Tattoos & Piercings, we use only the highest quality implant-grade titanium and maintain rigorous sterilization standards.
📍 Visit us: 2213 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33142
📞 Call today to book an appointment!