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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Julia Musto

Olympic skater Alyssa Liu’s ‘smiley’ piercing may look cool - but the trend poses serious health risks

After winning a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, photographers zeroed in on U.S. figure skater Alyssa Liu’s teeth - and the silver spikes that appeared to hover over them.

The 20-year-old athlete, from California, has what’s called a frenulum or “smiley” piercing, one that pierces the skin connecting the gums to the upper lip.

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