Lip plates, also known as lip plugs or labret plates, are fitted through a process of gradual stretching. This isn't a simple "snap-in" process.
The Fitting Process: A Gradual Expansion
The process begins with a small incision or piercing in the lip. A small ornament or plate is then inserted. Over time, as the piercing heals, the hole in the lip expands. The initial plate is then removed and replaced with a progressively larger one. This gradual enlargement of the piercing stretches the lip tissue, accommodating larger and larger plates.
Key Stages:
- Initial piercing: A small hole is created in the lip.
- Initial plate insertion: A small ornament is inserted into the piercing.
- Healing and expansion: The piercing heals, causing the hole to expand.
- Plate replacement: The small plate is replaced with a larger one.
- Repeated replacement: This process of removing and replacing with increasingly larger plates continues until the desired size is reached.
This method ensures that the lip tissue adapts to the increasing size of the plate, minimizing the risk of tearing or excessive trauma. The process can take considerable time, varying depending on individual healing rates and the desired final size of the lip plate.
The specific method might vary depending on cultural practices and individual preferences. However, the underlying principle of gradual expansion through repeated plate replacement remains consistent.
