The Hidden Risks of Alysa Liu's Viral Smiley Piercing: What Piercers Warn About Healing
By Alexander Ross
The smiley piercing, clinically known as an upper lip frenulum piercing, first surfaced in alternative subcultures in the mid-1990s. For decades, it remained a specialty procedure offered primarily by seasoned practitioners who understood its precarious nature. When Liu flashed her circular jewelry on prime-time Olympic television broadcasts in February 2026, the piercing instantly jumped demographic boundaries.
Professional body piercing studios in North America reported up to a 300% surge in inquiries within weeks of the figure skater's competitions. Clients arrived asking for the exact placement and jewelry size seen on screen. However, piercers note that what works for an elite athlete maintaining rigid daily regimens does not always translate effortlessly to casual wearers. Studio fees for the procedure typically run between $40 and $90, with high-grade titanium or solid 14-karat gold jewelry pushing initial costs to $80, $140. While the upfront price remains relatively low, the long-term dental maintenance can extract a far steeper price.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
