A jestrum piercing, also known as a vertical medusa, is an upper lip piercing that is very similar to a

labret piercing A labret is a form of body piercing. Taken literally, it is any type of adornment that is attached to the lip (labrum). However, the term usually refers to a piercing that is below the bottom lip, above the chin. It is sometimes referred to as a ...

, or more specifically a vertical labret piercing. It is placed in the

philtrum The philtrum ( la, philtrum from Ancient Greek ''phíltron,'' lit. "love charm"), or medial cleft, is a vertical indentation in the middle area of the upper lip, common to therian mammals, extending in humans from the nasal septum to the tubercl ...

of the upper lip, directly under the nasal septum. Unlike the similar

medusa piercing A philtrum piercing, nicknamed a medusa piercing, is an upper lip piercing placed in the philtrum The philtrum ( la, philtrum from Ancient Greek ''phíltron,'' lit. "love charm"), or medial cleft, is a vertical indentation in the middle area o ...

, a jestrum piercing uses a curved bar-bell, and both ends of the piercing are visible externally with the lower part of the bar-bell curving around the underside of the upper lip. Sometimes it is combined with a lower labret piercing to form a symmetrical look. Incorrect jewelry and improper placement can lead to gum and

tooth A tooth ( : teeth) is a hard, calcified structure found in the jaws (or mouths) of many vertebrates and used to break down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores and omnivores, also use teeth to help with capturing or wounding prey, tear ...

erosion, and other problems associated with oral piercings.

References

External links

Encyclopedia entry on the jestrum
Body Modification E-Zine {{Body Piercing Facial piercings