Alysa Liu Shares Her Experience of Self-Performing a Smile Frenulum Piercing

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 19, 2026 5:15 PM ET

Alysa Liu Shares Her Experience of Self-Performing a Smile Frenulum Piercing

Alysa Liu is captivating audiences at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The Team USA figure skater achieved significant recognition after securing a third-place finish in the women’s short program on February 17. Earlier, she contributed to her team’s success by winning a gold medal in the team event.

Alysa Liu’s Unique Piercing Experience

Fans have taken a keen interest in Liu’s smile, noting the shiny jewelry on her teeth. Many speculated whether she had braces, but the truth is more intriguing. Alysa Liu has a frenulum piercing, often referred to as a “smiley,” located in the tissue connecting her lip to her gums. This piercing is visible when she smiles widely.

Self-Performed Piercing

In a video interview with Milwaukee’s NBC affiliate, TMJ4 News, Liu shared her unique self-piercing experience. “I pierced it a little over two years ago now,” she revealed. Liu’s DIY method involved using a mirror and a piercing needle, with her sister assisting her. She described the process: “I had my sister hold up my lip, and I was looking in the mirror and then — yeah, I just put it through.”

Fashion Statements and Personal Style

Aside from her piercing, Liu’s personal style has also garnered attention. The skater sports distinctive horizontal blonde stripes in her hair. Reflecting on her hairstyle, she commented, “Someone called my style ‘alternative’ and I’d agree with that.” She plans to add a new stripe each year to symbolize her growth, akin to tree rings marking age.

Upcoming Competitions

Liu continues to pursue Olympic success. Her next event is the Women’s Free Skate on February 19. Viewers can tune in through various platforms:

Warm-Up: 9:40 a.m. ET on Peacock
Women’s Free Skate: 1 p.m. ET on NBC (streaming on Peacock)
Primetime Highlights: 8 p.m. ET on NBC
Replay: 1:30 a.m. ET on February 20 on USA Network

Alysa Liu’s combination of talent, style, and innovative spirit makes her one of the standout athletes of the Winter Olympics. Fans are eager to see what she accomplishes next.