Jaw piercing is one of the more extreme forms of body modification, gaining attention in recent years due to its bold, unconventional look. Unlike more common facial piercings, this involves puncturing the lower jaw area, sometimes through the mandible bone or the skin beneath it. While it offers a dramatic aesthetic, it also comes with unique risks, healing challenges, and aftercare requirements.
Whether you’re curious for style reasons or considering getting one yourself, this guide will cover everything you need to know.
1. What is a Jaw Piercing?
A jaw piercing typically refers to a transdermal or transosseous piercing located in the jawline region. There are two main types:
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Surface Jaw Piercing – Goes through the skin along the jawline without penetrating bone.
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Bone-Through Piercing – Involves drilling through a section of the mandible bone to insert jewelry (extremely rare and high risk).
This piercing is not standard in professional piercing shops due to the invasive nature and serious health risks. Those who get it often do so as part of performance art, body suspension communities, or extreme modification culture.
2. The Procedure: How Jaw Piercing is Done
The process of jaw piercing is far more complex than standard ear or lip piercings.
Surface Jaw Piercing Procedure
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The piercer disinfects the jawline area.
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A hollow needle or dermal punch is used to create a small channel through the skin.
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A barbell or curved jewelry is inserted.
Bone-Through Jaw Piercing Procedure
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The area is numbed using local anesthetic (sometimes under medical supervision).
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A specialized drill is used to bore through the mandible bone.
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Jewelry, often a barbell or custom piece, is threaded through.
Because of its invasive nature, this procedure is rarely performed outside extreme body mod professionals and licensed medical practitioners.
3. Risks and Health Concerns
Jaw piercings—especially bone-through variants—carry significantly higher risks than standard piercings.
Major risks include:
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Infection – Oral bacteria can quickly spread to piercing sites, causing cellulitis or osteomyelitis (bone infection).
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Nerve Damage – The jaw contains critical facial nerves that, if damaged, can cause numbness or paralysis.
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Dental Damage – Jewelry can chip or fracture teeth.
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Scarring – Even well-healed piercings may leave visible scar tissue.
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Jaw Function Issues – Improper placement can interfere with chewing and speaking.
Because the mandible is a load-bearing bone, any procedure involving it has a longer healing period and greater risk of complications.
4. Healing and Aftercare for Jaw Piercing
Healing for surface jaw piercings usually takes 3–6 months, while bone-through piercings can require 6–12 months or longer.
Aftercare tips include:
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Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution.
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Avoid touching the jewelry with unwashed hands.
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Rinse with alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash after meals.
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Avoid hard or crunchy foods in early healing stages.
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Sleep on your back to prevent irritation.
Warning signs such as persistent swelling, discharge with odor, severe pain, or fever should be taken seriously—seek medical help immediately.
5. Cost and Availability
Jaw piercings are not widely available in mainstream piercing studios due to their high-risk nature.
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Surface jaw piercings may cost $100–$250 USD, depending on the piercer’s experience.
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Bone-through piercings can cost $500+, often involving collaboration with a medical professional.
Since many jurisdictions regulate or ban bone piercings outside medical settings, you may need to travel internationally to find a practitioner.
6. Cultural Significance and Modern Trends
While jaw piercings are rare in mainstream culture, they have appeared in:
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Extreme body modification communities – Often as a statement of pain endurance and personal identity.
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Performance art and suspension shows – Where the jaw piercing can act as an anchor point.
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Social media and subcultures – Occasionally trending on TikTok or Instagram due to its shock value.
Some enthusiasts view it as a symbol of strength and individuality, while critics warn of irreversible damage.
Final Thoughts
Jaw piercing is among the most unconventional and high-risk body modifications available. While it can create a striking visual effect, it also carries serious health dangers, long recovery times, and limited availability. Anyone considering it should research extensively, choose an experienced professional, and understand the lifelong implications.
This piercing is not for the faint of heart—it’s a permanent mark of commitment to extreme body art and a reminder that some modifications cross into medical territory.
