A venom piercing consists of two tongue piercings — one on each side of the tongue. Although the name sounds fierce, it’s sometimes nicknamed a frog eye piercing because the beads on the jewelry look like frog eyes when you open your mouth.
What kinds of jewelry are used for this piercing?
Straight barbells are the typical jewelry choice for venom piercings. A barbell has two balls that screw into place at the entry and exit points. Jewelry for the initial piercing must be long enough to accommodate swelling — and you should expect swelling.
After your venom piercings have completely healed, you can swap the bars for shorter pieces.
What materials are available for the jewelry?
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) advises using jewelry crafted from gold, biocompatible plastics, or metals that meet specific designations from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Seek jewelry made from these materials:
- Surgical steel. Choose surgical stainless steel that’s ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, or ISO 10993-(6, 10, or 11) compliant. Remember that surgical steel can contain trace nickel, which may trigger reactions in people with nickel sensitivities.
- Titanium. Implant-grade titanium is free of nickel, making it a strong option for those concerned about nickel allergies. Look for titanium marked ASTM F-136 or ISO 5832-3 compliant, or commercially pure titanium meeting ASTM F-136.
- 14-karat or higher gold. Gold should be at least 14K. Avoid gold-plated, filled, vermeil, or overlay pieces, as these have thin gold layers over other alloys that can flake or wear away.
- Niobium. Niobium is a light metal similar to titanium but generally without an implant-grade designation. Piercers have used it for years; it’s affordable and hypoallergenic.
- Biocompatible plastics. Also called biocompatible polymers, materials like Tygon and Bioplast are safe for initial piercings. They can be a particularly good option for oral piercings because they’re less likely to irritate or harm teeth and gums. There’s also some evidence they resist bacterial growth better than other materials.
How much does the piercing usually cost?
A venom piercing typically costs between $60 and $100, not including the jewelry. Jewelry usually ranges from $10 to $30 per piece.
The final price depends on the studio’s location and reputation, the piercer’s experience, and the jewelry material. Don’t forget to budget a customary 20 percent tip when planning your cost.
How is this piercing performed?
The piercer will check your tongue to make sure you’re a suitable candidate. You’ll then pick your jewelry and complete paperwork, including a consent form.
While exact procedures may vary slightly by piercer, most oral piercings follow similar steps:
- You’ll use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse and reduce the mouth’s bacteria.
- The piercer will mark the entry and exit points for each barbell with a body-safe marker.
- Small forceps will hold your tongue steady for the needle.
- A hollow, sterilized needle is inserted from the underside of the tongue up through the first mark. The barbell is pushed through and the ball is screwed on.
- The piercer repeats the process on the opposite side of the tongue.
- You’ll rinse with antiseptic mouthwash again, and the piercer will clean away any blood.
Will it hurt?
Yes, probably. People with venom piercings typically rate the pain well above a 5 on a 1-to-10 scale. It’s often described as more painful than a single tongue piercing, and the second piercing may feel worse than the first.
However, pain tolerance varies widely, so individual experiences differ.
What risks are linked to this piercing?
Pain, swelling, bleeding, and bruising are normal after a tongue piercing, and these signs should ease over the first week.
Tongue piercings also carry risks beyond typical piercing side effects.
Here are some potential complications:
- Infection. Infections can stem from the procedure or from inadequate aftercare, allowing bacteria into the wounds.
- Bloodborne infections. Contaminated needles can transmit bloodborne infections like HIV, tetanus, and hepatitis B and C.
- Allergic reaction. Jewelry materials may trigger allergic responses in people with sensitivities, particularly if the piece contains nickel.
- Severe tongue swelling and airway blockage. Some swelling is expected, but excessive swelling could obstruct the airway.
- Bleeding. Significant bleeding can occur if a blood vessel is pierced.
- Increased saliva production. Tongue piercings can sometimes stimulate extra saliva and cause drooling.
- Tooth and gum damage. Jewelry may rub against teeth and gums, causing enamel wear and gum irritation. Accidentally biting jewelry can chip or crack a tooth.
- Heart and brain abscesses. Although uncommon, there are documented cases of heart and brain abscesses — sometimes severe — from infections that spread through the bloodstream after a tongue piercing.
- Nerve damage. Rarely, nerve injury can occur. Most cases happen during piercing, but in one instance the jewelry irritated a nerve beneath the tongue connected to the trigeminal nerve, causing trigeminal neuralgia.
- Swallowing or choking on jewelry. There’s a risk of swallowing or choking on loose or broken jewelry. That’s why selecting high-quality materials and construction is crucial.
What is the healing time?
The mouth contains many bacteria, which can slow healing — especially with two piercings. With correct aftercare and no complications, venom piercings usually take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
Remember that healing rates vary between individuals and factors like overall health and smoking can delay recovery.
What aftercare is required?
Proper aftercare is essential to reduce complications and promote healing.
While healing, do:
- Give your tongue a rest by minimizing talking.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse with diluted mouthwash or a sea salt solution after meals, after smoking or drinking alcohol, and before bed.
- Only touch the piercing with clean hands.
- Suck on ice or drink cold water to ease swelling.
- Sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling.
- Use an over-the-counter NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain and inflammation.
While healing, avoid:
- Any oral sexual activity, including open-mouth kissing.
- Sharing cups or utensils.
- Playing with or touching the jewelry.
- Chewing gum or objects that can harbor bacteria, like pencils.
- Excessive tongue movement.
- Rough activities such as contact sports.
- Removing the jewelry before fully healed.
Signs of trouble
Some pain, swelling, and bruising are normal during the first week and should gradually subside. Anything beyond that could indicate a problem.
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:
- severe or worsening pain, bleeding, or swelling
- redness around the pierced areas
- thick yellow or green discharge from the sites
- foul odor from the piercing areas
- fever
Changing the jewelry
Switching jewelry before complete healing can raise the risk of injury and infection.
Wait until the recommended healing period has passed before replacing the jewelry.
After healing, the piercer can change the jewelry for you, or you may do it yourself if comfortable.
Retiring the piercing
If you choose to stop wearing the piercing, remove the jewelry and allow the holes to close. Depending on how long the jewelry was in place, you may be left with small scars that appear as bumps or tiny depressions at the sites.
Next steps
If you’re prepared to get a venom piercing, locate a reputable piercer and studio via the APP.
Before committing to a piercer, do the following to help ensure a positive outcome:
- Visit the studio in person to confirm it’s clean and ask about their sterilization methods.
- Ensure the staff are professional, knowledgeable, and make you feel at ease.
- Request to see a portfolio, including photos of healed client piercings.
- Check they offer a selection of high-quality jewelry.
A venom piercing consists of two tongue piercings — one on each side of the tongue. Although the name sounds fierce, it’s sometimes nicknamed a frog eye piercing because the beads on the jewelry look like frog eyes when you open your mouth.
What kinds of jewelry are used for this piercing?
Straight barbells are the typical jewelry choice for venom piercings. A barbell has two balls that screw into place at the entry and exit points. Jewelry for the initial piercing must be long enough to accommodate swelling — and you should expect swelling.
After your venom piercings have completely healed, you can swap the bars for shorter pieces.
What materials are available for the jewelry?
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) advises using jewelry crafted from gold, biocompatible plastics, or metals that meet specific designations from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Seek jewelry made from these materials:
- Surgical steel. Choose surgical stainless steel that’s ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, or ISO 10993-(6, 10, or 11) compliant. Remember that surgical steel can contain trace nickel, which may trigger reactions in people with nickel sensitivities.
- Titanium. Implant-grade titanium is free of nickel, making it a strong option for those concerned about nickel allergies. Look for titanium marked ASTM F-136 or ISO 5832-3 compliant, or commercially pure titanium meeting ASTM F-136.
- 14-karat or higher gold. Gold should be at least 14K. Avoid gold-plated, filled, vermeil, or overlay pieces, as these have thin gold layers over other alloys that can flake or wear away.
- Niobium. Niobium is a light metal similar to titanium but generally without an implant-grade designation. Piercers have used it for years; it’s affordable and hypoallergenic.
- Biocompatible plastics. Also called biocompatible polymers, materials like Tygon and Bioplast are safe for initial piercings. They can be a particularly good option for oral piercings because they’re less likely to irritate or harm teeth and gums. There’s also some evidence they resist bacterial growth better than other materials.
How much does the piercing usually cost?
A venom piercing typically costs between $60 and $100, not including the jewelry. Jewelry usually ranges from $10 to $30 per piece.
The final price depends on the studio’s location and reputation, the piercer’s experience, and the jewelry material. Don’t forget to budget a customary 20 percent tip when planning your cost.
How is this piercing performed?
The piercer will check your tongue to make sure you’re a suitable candidate. You’ll then pick your jewelry and complete paperwork, including a consent form.
While exact procedures may vary slightly by piercer, most oral piercings follow similar steps:
- You’ll use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse and reduce the mouth’s bacteria.
- The piercer will mark the entry and exit points for each barbell with a body-safe marker.
- Small forceps will hold your tongue steady for the needle.
- A hollow, sterilized needle is inserted from the underside of the tongue up through the first mark. The barbell is pushed through and the ball is screwed on.
- The piercer repeats the process on the opposite side of the tongue.
- You’ll rinse with antiseptic mouthwash again, and the piercer will clean away any blood.
Will it hurt?
Yes, probably. People with venom piercings typically rate the pain well above a 5 on a 1-to-10 scale. It’s often described as more painful than a single tongue piercing, and the second piercing may feel worse than the first.
However, pain tolerance varies widely, so individual experiences differ.
What risks are linked to this piercing?
Pain, swelling, bleeding, and bruising are normal after a tongue piercing, and these signs should ease over the first week.
Tongue piercings also carry risks beyond typical piercing side effects.
Here are some potential complications:
- Infection. Infections can stem from the procedure or from inadequate aftercare, allowing bacteria into the wounds.
- Bloodborne infections. Contaminated needles can transmit bloodborne infections like HIV, tetanus, and hepatitis B and C.
- Allergic reaction. Jewelry materials may trigger allergic responses in people with sensitivities, particularly if the piece contains nickel.
- Severe tongue swelling and airway blockage. Some swelling is expected, but excessive swelling could obstruct the airway.
- Bleeding. Significant bleeding can occur if a blood vessel is pierced.
- Increased saliva production. Tongue piercings can sometimes stimulate extra saliva and cause drooling.
- Tooth and gum damage. Jewelry may rub against teeth and gums, causing enamel wear and gum irritation. Accidentally biting jewelry can chip or crack a tooth.
- Heart and brain abscesses. Although uncommon, there are documented cases of heart and brain abscesses — sometimes severe — from infections that spread through the bloodstream after a tongue piercing.
- Nerve damage. Rarely, nerve injury can occur. Most cases happen during piercing, but in one instance the jewelry irritated a nerve beneath the tongue connected to the trigeminal nerve, causing trigeminal neuralgia.
- Swallowing or choking on jewelry. There’s a risk of swallowing or choking on loose or broken jewelry. That’s why selecting high-quality materials and construction is crucial.
What is the healing time?
The mouth contains many bacteria, which can slow healing — especially with two piercings. With correct aftercare and no complications, venom piercings usually take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
Remember that healing rates vary between individuals and factors like overall health and smoking can delay recovery.
What aftercare is required?
Proper aftercare is essential to reduce complications and promote healing.
While healing, do:
- Give your tongue a rest by minimizing talking.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse with diluted mouthwash or a sea salt solution after meals, after smoking or drinking alcohol, and before bed.
- Only touch the piercing with clean hands.
- Suck on ice or drink cold water to ease swelling.
- Sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling.
- Use an over-the-counter NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain and inflammation.
While healing, avoid:
- Any oral sexual activity, including open-mouth kissing.
- Sharing cups or utensils.
- Playing with or touching the jewelry.
- Chewing gum or objects that can harbor bacteria, like pencils.
- Excessive tongue movement.
- Rough activities such as contact sports.
- Removing the jewelry before fully healed.
Signs of trouble
Some pain, swelling, and bruising are normal during the first week and should gradually subside. Anything beyond that could indicate a problem.
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:
- severe or worsening pain, bleeding, or swelling
- redness around the pierced areas
- thick yellow or green discharge from the sites
- foul odor from the piercing areas
- fever
Changing the jewelry
Switching jewelry before complete healing can raise the risk of injury and infection.
Wait until the recommended healing period has passed before replacing the jewelry.
After healing, the piercer can change the jewelry for you, or you may do it yourself if comfortable.
Retiring the piercing
If you choose to stop wearing the piercing, remove the jewelry and allow the holes to close. Depending on how long the jewelry was in place, you may be left with small scars that appear as bumps or tiny depressions at the sites.
Next steps
If you’re prepared to get a venom piercing, locate a reputable piercer and studio via the APP.
Before committing to a piercer, do the following to help ensure a positive outcome:
- Visit the studio in person to confirm it’s clean and ask about their sterilization methods.
- Ensure the staff are professional, knowledgeable, and make you feel at ease.
- Request to see a portfolio, including photos of healed client piercings.
- Check they offer a selection of high-quality jewelry.
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