If you’re staring at that little dip above your upper lip—the philtrum—and imagining a shimmering gold stud sitting right there, you’re not alone. It’s a look. But then comes the reality check: how much are medusa piercings actually going to set you back?
You might see a sign in a window saying "$40 piercings!" and think you’re getting away with a steal. Honestly? You're probably not. When it comes to the medusa, or philtrum piercing, the price tag is a moving target that depends heavily on whether you want a basic starter kit or a piece of jewelry that won't make your lip turn green.
Breaking Down the Basic Math
Let’s talk numbers. In most reputable studios across the U.S. and Europe, you’re looking at two distinct costs that get tacked together.
First, there’s the service fee. This is what you pay for the piercer’s hands, their brain, their sterilized needle, and the chair you’re sitting in. This usually runs between $40 and $80. Some high-end spots in places like New York or London might push that service fee to $100 because, well, rent is expensive.
Then there is the jewelry. This is where people get tripped up. Most "good" shops won't let you walk out with a $5 mystery-metal stud because they don't want to deal with the fallout of an allergic reaction. Basic implant-grade titanium—the gold standard for healing—usually starts around **$30 to $50**.
If you do the math, a standard, professional medusa piercing usually starts at a total of $80 to $130.
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If you want the fancy stuff? If you’re looking at 14k solid gold ends from brands like BVLA or Junipurr, the jewelry alone can jump to $200 or even $500. I’ve seen setups that cost more than a used car. It’s wild, but that’s the range.
Why Location and Shop Reputation Change Everything
Why does one shop charge $50 and the one three blocks away wants $120? It’s rarely about greed.
The cheaper shop might be using "surgical steel." Sounds fancy, right? It’s a marketing term. Often, it contains nickel, which is the number one cause of piercing irritation. Reputable piercers, especially those affiliated with the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), stick to ASTM F-136 titanium or biocompatible gold. These materials cost the shop more to stock, so they cost you more to buy.
Location matters too. A studio in a small town in the Midwest will almost always be cheaper than a boutique studio in West Hollywood. You’re paying for the overhead.
Also, consider the piercer's experience. You are paying for someone who knows exactly where your "sweet spot" is. The philtrum is a sensitive area. If they hit a vein or go in crooked, it’s a nightmare to fix. A pro who has done a thousand medusas is going to charge a premium for that peace of mind.
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The "Hidden" Costs You Probably Forgot
Getting the hole in your face is just the beginning.
Aftercare Supplies
You can’t just use hand soap. You’ll need a sterile saline wash (like NeilMed). That’s another $10 to $15.
The Downsize
This is the one nobody tells you about. When you first get pierced, the bar is extra long to account for the "sausage lip" swelling that happens in the first week. Once the swelling goes down (usually after 4 to 8 weeks), that long bar will start clicking against your teeth and gums.
You have to go back to the shop to get a shorter post. Most shops charge for the new, shorter post—usually $15 to $30—and sometimes a small installation fee. Skipping this step is how people end up with chipped teeth or receding gums. Don't skip it.
Tipping Your Piercer
It’s an industry standard. If they did a good job, stayed patient while you hyperventilated, and gave you a straight piercing, tip them. 15% to 25% is the norm.
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Pricing at a Glance: What You’ll Likely Pay
To keep it simple, here is a rough idea of what your wallet is looking at:
- The "Budget" Professional Experience: $80 - $100 (Titanium jewelry + service fee).
- The "High-End" Experience: $250 - $600+ (14k gold + designer ends + luxury studio fee).
- The Maintenance Cost: $40 (Saline spray + downsizing your bar later).
Is a "Cheap" Medusa Worth It?
Short answer: no.
Longer answer: the medusa sits right in the middle of your face. It's also an oral piercing, meaning the back of the jewelry is constantly touching your gums. Cheap jewelry can leach metals into your system or cause "nesting" issues where the skin grows over a too-small, low-quality back.
Investing the extra $40 up front to go to a piercer who uses internal threading (where the screw is on the decorative end, not the bar) saves you from a lot of pain and potential scarring later. If a shop is offering a medusa for $30 including jewelry, honestly, run. They’re cutting corners somewhere—usually on sterilization or material quality.
Moving Forward With Your Piercing
If you’re ready to take the plunge, your first step isn’t actually looking at your bank account. It’s looking for a piercer. Check the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) website to find a member near you. Once you find a shop, look at their Instagram. Do their medusas look centered when the person smiles? That’s the real test.
After you've picked a spot, call them. Ask, "What is your service fee for a philtrum piercing, and where does your titanium jewelry start?" This gives you the "floor" price so you aren't surprised when you walk in.
Finally, budget for that downsize appointment two months out. It’s the best way to protect your dental health while keeping the aesthetic looking sharp and intentional. This isn't just a hole in your lip; it's a long-term commitment to your face.