The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan have been full of dazzling performances and dramatic comebacks, but perhaps no athlete has captured the world’s attention quite like Alysa Liu. The 20-year-old figure skater from California has not only delivered on the ice, securing a gold medal in the team event and a top spot in the women’s singles, but she’s also sparked conversation off the rink—thanks to a glint of silver flashing every time she smiles. That shimmer? It’s a self-administered “smiley” piercing, a bold personal statement that’s as controversial as it is eye-catching.
On February 19, 2026, Liu took to the ice for the Women’s Free Skate finals, sitting in third place after a personal best score of 76.59 in her short program just two days prior. The anticipation in the arena was palpable, with fans eager to see if she could add another medal to her already impressive Olympic haul. But as Liu skated, cameras zoomed in on her radiant smile, revealing the now-famous frenulum piercing—an adornment through the thin band of tissue connecting her upper lip to her gums.
“I pierced them a little over two years ago now,” Liu shared with TMJ4 News. Remarkably, she didn’t visit a piercing studio for the procedure. “I had my sister hold up my lip and I was looking in the mirror. I had my piercing needle and then yeah, I just put it through!” she recounted. While her Olympic routines are meticulously choreographed, this act was pure DIY—a decision that’s drawn both admiration and concern from fans and health professionals alike.
Liu’s piercing isn’t just for show. It represents her artistic spirit—a trait that’s become her hallmark. “This sport, it’s also artistic,” she told NBCOlympics.com. “You get to pick music, design dresses, do choreography and dance … Music is big for me. If I really love what I’m listening to, my body just moves.” Her creativity extends to her hairstyle as well. Sporting what she calls “angel halos,” Liu dyes a new stripe into her hair each year. “You know how trees have rings for their age? I thought that every year, I’m gonna add a new halo around my hair. It’s been two years, so I have two [and] pretty soon I’ll have a new stripe!” she explained to her hometown NBC affiliate. The look is finished professionally in St. Louis, Missouri, by stylist Kelsey Miller, who was starstruck to have Liu in her chair.
But while Liu’s style choices have made headlines, it’s the health implications of her smiley piercing that have sparked the most debate. Dental experts warn that oral piercings, especially those in sensitive areas like the frenulum, carry significant risks. The mouth is a complex ecosystem teeming with bacteria, and introducing a foreign object can be a recipe for trouble. “The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria,” notes the team at A Lifetime of Smiles in LaSalle, Illinois. “It’s easy for them to slip into wounded areas of a new piercing and cause an infection.”
The list of potential complications is long and sobering. Infections can develop rapidly, particularly if the piercing isn’t kept scrupulously clean. These infections can lead to gum disease, receding gums, and even tooth loss. More severe consequences include the transmission of serious pathogens like Hepatitis B, C, D, E, and G, as well as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and fungal or bacterial infections such as candidiasis and cellulitis. There have even been cases of endocarditis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the heart valves, associated with oral piercings.
Physical trauma is another concern. Swelling, bleeding, and bruising are common in the days following a piercing, and there’s always a risk of nerve damage or tissue trauma. Some individuals report changes in saliva production or altered taste sensations. Over time, the constant movement of metal jewelry can scratch and chip teeth, erode protective enamel, and expose sensitive tooth roots to decay and discomfort.
Rodeo Dental Care emphasizes the particular sensitivity of the frenulum area: “Smiley piercings are done on a very sensitive area, and it requires adequate care; otherwise, it can lead to infection and cause adverse effects.” The consensus among dental professionals is clear: oral piercings should only be performed by trained experts using sterile instruments, and meticulous aftercare is non-negotiable. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward Liu advises, “After understanding the risks, if you still decide to get an oral piercing make sure the procedure is performed by a trained professional who uses sterile instruments. Consult with your dentist before getting an oral piercing to learn proper aftercare and maintenance that will help you reduce your risk of infection or complication.”
Liu’s decision to pierce her own frenulum flies in the face of this advice. Dentists strongly caution against self-administered piercings, citing the dangers of improper technique, unsterile equipment, and a lack of anatomical knowledge. Yet, for Liu, the piercing is part of a broader journey of self-expression and autonomy—one that has defined her career both on and off the ice.
Her path to Milan was anything but straightforward. Liu retired from professional figure skating in April 2022, just months after competing at the Beijing Olympics. She cited a desire to experience a normal life—spending time with her siblings, applying to college, and pursuing interests outside of skating. The COVID-19 pandemic had limited her training opportunities, and she struggled with the emotional toll of constant competition. “She became really unhappy,” her father, Arthur Liu, told USA TODAY. “She avoided the ice rink at all costs. She’s traumatized. She was just traumatized. She was suffering from PTSD and she wouldn’t go near the ice rink.”
During her two-year hiatus, Liu traveled, reflected, and rediscovered her love for skating. “I really got to know myself,” she said on 60 Minutes. “At 16, I really didn’t know myself. I learned that I have to listen to my brain and body, and taking a rest or knowing when to stop is crucial.” When she returned to competitive skating in 2024, she did so on her own terms, quickly racking up medals and reclaiming her place among the world’s elite. By the time the Milan Olympics rolled around, Liu had already won five medals since her comeback, including gold at the 2025 World Championships in Boston and the World Team Trophy in Tokyo.
Liu’s Olympic journey hasn’t been without its challenges. At the 2022 Beijing Games, she tested positive for COVID-19 during trials but successfully petitioned to join Team USA, ultimately finishing eighth in the short program. She and her father were also the subjects of a reported spying operation by the Chinese government, a reflection of the broader geopolitical tensions that sometimes shadow international sport. Arthur Liu, who fled China in the 1990s due to persecution related to the 1989 Democracy Movement, credited U.S. officials with keeping his daughter safe during the games.
Now, in Milan, Liu stands as a symbol of resilience and individuality. Her performances have electrified audiences, and her unapologetic self-expression—piercings, halos, and all—has sparked conversations about risk, artistry, and the evolving culture of elite athletics. As the Women’s Free Skate finals unfold, all eyes remain on Alysa Liu. Will she add another gold to her collection? The world is watching, captivated by the story of an athlete who dares to shine on her own terms.