Can i use a sewing needle to pierce a lip?

Ok, now i am piercing my friends lip for her, i know the studs are 16 gauge but, if i were going to pierce it with a sewing needle is that ok? Or do i need some special thing? if so where can i buy them? I need to get them from somewhere in the mall. and please dont tell me not to pierce her lp or anything i've just never done a lip before thank you.