Before and After: What to Expect with Cosmetic Lip Tattoos
Lip tattoos are a popular cosmetic treatment for those wanting a natural boost to their lip colour and shape. Whether you want to enhance your natural lip colour, get a more defined lip shape or wake up every day with tinted lips, lip blush tattooing is the answer. As a professional tattoo artist I will walk you through what to expect before and after the procedure, including aftercare and top tips to make your results last as long as possible.
Lip tattooing not only enhances natural tone but can also be used to mimic lip liner, add volume to lips or as an alternative to lip fillers. With proper care and a professional artist you will get amazing results that can last for years.
What is Cosmetic Lip Tattooing?
Cosmetic lip tattooing also known as lip blush tattoo is a semi permanent technique where tattoo needles are used to implant coloured pigments into the lip skin. The tattooing process can define the lip shape, improve the appearance of symmetry and add your chosen dream colour. Whether you want a subtle natural colour or a bold coral tone this treatment gives you long lasting beauty enhancements.
The process involves working with a professional cosmetic tattoo artist to design the look that suits you. A lip blush tattoo artist works with your skin type, facial structure and desired outcome to give you soft, subtle and always on trend results.
Before Your Cosmetic Lip Tattoo: Pre Procedure Preparation
Getting ready for your lip tattoo involves more than just turning up for your appointment. Proper preparation is key to get your lips in the best condition for the procedure. Here are the steps to follow before the procedure:
1. Consultation
Before you start, your tattoo artist will consult with you to get the look you want. They will guide you in choosing the perfect lip shape, colour and shade based on your skin type, natural tone and overall goals. During this time you will also discuss any history of skin sensitivity or allergies to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure.
2. Cold Sore Prevention
If you get cold sores, you need to prepare properly. The tattooing process can trigger an outbreak especially if you have had cold sores in the past. To avoid this your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to start taking a couple of days before and after your appointment. This will minimize the risk of a cold sore disrupting your healing process and affecting pigment retention.
3. Lip Hydration
Make sure your lips are well moisturised in the days leading up to your session. Dry lips make it harder for the permanent makeup artist to apply pigment so use your favourite lip balm or a super moisturising lip balm to keep your lips soft and smooth.
4. Exfoliate Before
Exfoliate your lips the night before your session to remove any dead skin. You can use a clean washcloth or a lip scrub. Removing dead skin means the pigment will absorb evenly and results will be smoother and longer lasting.
5. Avoid
For 24-48 hours before your session avoid spicy food, acidic food, alcohol, caffeine and medications like aspirin which can thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding during the procedure. Fish oils and certain vitamins can also have blood thinning effects so best to avoid those as well.
During the Lip Tattoo
When you get to your lip tattooing session you will be walked through every step to make you feel comfortable. Here’s what to expect:
1. Numbing
A topical numbing cream will be applied to your lips to reduce discomfort during the procedure. The cream takes about 20-30 minutes to take full effect so you can be as comfortable as possible during the session. Most clients feel only a slight tingling or pressure from the tattoo machine.
2. Design and Customisation
Before the tattooing starts your artist will draw an outline of your desired lip shape using a lip pencil or liner. This way you can see what the final result will look like and make any changes before the pigment is applied.
3. The Tattooing
Once you’re happy with the design the tattoo needles will be used to deposit the chosen coloured pigments into your lips. This can take 1-2 hours depending on the complexity of the design. You may feel a mild kick or tingling but most of the discomfort is reduced with the numbing cream.
4. Aftercare
After the tattooing is complete your lips may feel swollen and tender. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Your artist will also apply a thin layer of healing balm or aftercare cream to protect the lips and promote healing. You’ll be told to keep your lips hydrated with this product for the next few days.
Post Procedure Aftercare: What to Expect
The days following your permanent lip tattoo are critical for the pigment to settle and your lips to heal. Below is a day by day experience for post care and healing.
1. Days 1-2: Swelling and Bright Color
In the first 48 hours your lips will be much darker and more saturated than the final natural color. This is due to swelling and fresh pigment. You may feel a little tender so keep using a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling.
Keep your lips moisturized at all times with an aftercare balm or healing balm that is gentle, fragrance free and designed for healing lips. Don’t touch or rub your lips as this can introduce bacteria and increase the chance of infection.
2. Days 3-5: Peeling Lips and Color Fading
Around day 3 your lips will start to peel. This is a part of the healing process. The peeling will reveal the lighter, more settled pigment underneath and your lips may look patchy during this time. Don’t pick at the peeling skin as this can cause pigment loss and uneven healing.
Keep your lips moist with a thin layer of healing balm or ointment for lip blush. Don’t let your lips get wet from water or saliva as this can slow down healing and irritate.
3. Days 5-10: True Color Starts to Show
By the end of the first week most of the peeling should be complete and you’ll start to see the true colour of your lip blush tattoo. Your lips will look lighter than expected during this phase. The color will continue to adjust over the next few weeks as the pigment settles and your lips finish healing.
Follow the aftercare protocol, keep your lips moisturized and protected from the sun. Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent premature fading.
4. Weeks 2-4: Full Healing and Color Settling
Over the next few weeks your lips will continue to heal and the color will get more saturated. By week 4 your cosmetic tattooing should be fully healed. At this point you can go back to your regular makeup routine and your lips will be at their final natural tone.
Long Term Care and Maintenance
To keep your lip tattoo looking vibrant and shaped follow these long term aftercare tips:
Moisturize regularly: Keep your lips hydrated with lip balm ultra moisturising products or natural options like coconut oil.
Avoid sun exposure: UV rays can cause pigment loss so use a lip balm with SPF when outdoors.
Avoid hot and spicy food: These can irritate healing lips and slow down the process.
Touch-ups: Most clients will need a touch up session 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment to refine color and shape.
Common Risks and Side Effects
Lip tattooing is generally safe but there are some risks and side effects to be aware of:
- Infection: Keep your lips clean with gentle, fragrance free soap or antibacterial soap and don’t move your lips aggressively and this risk will be minimal.
- Cold sores: If you get cold sores, an outbreak can occur. Take anti viral medication before and after the procedure to prevent this.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain ink colours or aftercare products. Let us know if you have any known allergies during your consultation.
Aftercare for Lip Tattoos
Aftercare is key to a smooth healing process and long lasting results. Here are the essentials:
- Healing balm: Apply a layer of healing balm to keep your lips moisturised and prevent scabbing.
- SPF lip balm: Protect your lips from the sun to prevent fading.
- Aftercare routine: Stick to a gentle, fragrance free aftercare routine that includes keeping your lips clean and not using harsh products.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water and don’t lick your lips to keep them hydrated from the inside out.
Conclusion
Cosmetic lip tattoos are a low maintenance way to get the lips of your dreams. With the right preparation, care during the healing process and regular top ups you can have beautiful defined lips for years. Whether you want a natural colour, a bold lip liner tattoo or something in between the benefits of a good lip tattoo are undeniable.
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FAQ
Is it painful?
Most clients report minimal discomfort due to the numbing cream. You may feel a little pressure but it’s generally well tolerated.
How long is the healing time?
Healing time is 7-10 days, but it can take up to 6 weeks for the colour to settle and show its true colour.
Can I get a lip tattoo if I have lip fillers?
Yes, lip tattooing can work well with lip fillers to enhance the shape and colour for a fuller look.
How do I prevent infection after the procedure?
Keep your lips clean by using gentle, sulphate free, fragrance free soap, don’t touch your lips and apply aftercare balm regularly to keep them moisturised.
How much?
Price varies on the artist, location and design. Choose a good artist.