Alysa Liu made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics, winning gold in the women’s singles event after already helping secure a team gold for Team USA. At just 20, she became the first American woman in 24 years to claim an individual Olympic figure skating title. Entering the free skate in third place behind Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai, Liu delivered a powerful performance, scoring 150.20 points and winning by a slim 2.43-point margin. Her victory was widely celebrated as a major milestone for U.S. figure skating.

During her celebration in Milan, viewers noticed small silver spikes visible when she smiled. The detail came from a “smiley” piercing, placed in the thin tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum. Liu previously shared that she did the piercing herself more than two years ago with help from her sister.

As attention grew online, health professionals reminded the public that oral piercings can carry risks—especially when not done by licensed professionals. According to the American Dental Association, the mouth contains high levels of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and swelling. Other concerns include gum irritation, enamel damage from metal contact, allergic reactions, and potential choking hazards if jewelry breaks.

Experts stress that oral piercings require careful hygiene and ongoing monitoring. While serious complications are uncommon, consulting a qualified piercer and dentist is strongly advised. Liu’s Olympic triumph remains the highlight of her story, but professionals emphasize that body modification trends should always be approached with safety in mind.