Lip Tattoo

All You Need to Know About Lip Tattoos

Learn everything you need to know about the treatment, techniques, and aftercare of Lip Tattoos.

Many people never leave the house without some sort of lip enhancement makeup on. Whether it's full-on lipstick or a sheer lip gloss that gives your lips a better-than-normal appearance, enhanced lips look great - until they don't. Lip makeup is notorious for being extremely short-lasting, regardless of what the advertisements claim.

This is why so many people get lip tattoos. Permanent lip color, a type of cosmetic tattooing, will provide you with a long-lasting lip enhancement that will not fade.

Continue reading for more information on the lip tattoo.

All You Need to Know About Lip Tattooing
The Ins and Outs of the Lip Tattoo Treatment
Preparing for Your Lip Tattoo Procedure
Navigating the Lip Tattoo Healing Process
Enhancing Your Lip Tattoo with a Touch-Up
Understanding the Possible Side Effects of Lip Tattooing
Exploring Your Options for Lip Tattoo Removal
Lip Tattooing: How Much Does It Cost?
Lip Tattoos: Key Things to Know

All You Need to Know About Lip Tattooing

This procedure involves inserting pigments into the surface of the lips. There are different techniques that can be done such as opaque permanent lipstick, shape-perfecting permanent lip liner or lip blushing or aquarelle lips.

Additionally, it can lighten dark lips, give a warmer color and camouflage visible scars.

Similar to modern permanent make up, the pigments used do not last forever. It will require occasional touch ups to maintain its look.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Tattoo?

Anyone who enjoys wearing lipstick but dislikes the hassle of applying it several times throughout the day. Also, women who want to plump up their lips. Lip tattoos are not as effective as lip fillers, but they will make your lips appear fuller.

A technique known as dark lip neutralization was developed to warm up the color and even out the tone of melanin-rich lips.

Permanent lipstick is also useful for correcting uneven lips. It will conceal any shape flaws and make the lips more symmetrical.

Who Isn't a Good Candidate for a Permanent Lipstick Treatment?

You might want to avoid getting treatment if you relate or have any of the following:

Under 18 years old
Pregnant or nursing
Undergoing chemotherapy
Hemophilia
Major heart problems or pacemaker
Organ transplant
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Diabetes
Psoriasis, eczema, rosacea or other skin conditions close to the treatment area
Autoimmune disease
Anemia
History of keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring
Cold sores
Taking blood-thinning medication
Taking accutane or steroids

Make sure to discuss with your doctor to check if they will allow you to get a cosmetic lip tattoo.

Tip: If you have ever had cold sores or herpes on your lips, you will need to take antiviral drugs prior to your lip tattoo treatment.

These must be recommended by your doctor. For around two weeks, the most usual pretreatment therapy is Zovirax or Valtrex. Otherwise, the tattooing will aggravate your herpes.

Can I Get a Lip Tattoo If I Have Lip Fillers?

Even if you have lip fillers, you can get a lip tattoo. But we recommend you get a lip tattoo first since it lasts longer than fillers.

In case you already have fillers, make sure to wait around 2 to 6 weeks for the fillers to settle before booking your PMU lips appointment.

There may be a tiny chance of the fillers migrating from the tattoo procedure.

The Ins and Outs of the Lip Tattoo Treatment

What Does the Lip Color Tattoo Treatment Look Like?

The PMU lips treatment is a micropigmentation, often known as cosmetic tattooing, procedure in which pigment is inserted into the skin of your lips using an electric needle instrument.

Here are the steps:

STEP 1: Consultations

The technician will consult with the client to determine the desired lip color and shape. They will also perform a patch test to ensure that the client is not allergic to the pigments.

STEP 2: Preparation

The technician will clean and prep the area to be treated.

STEP 3: Pigment application

The technician will use a hand-held device with a small, sterile needle to deposit the pigments into the upper layers of the skin on the lips. They will work carefully to create a natural-looking shape and to ensure that the color is evenly distributed.

STEP 4: Aftercare

The technician will provide aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and to avoid infection. It is important to follow these instructions closely.

The lips will appear swollen and the color will be more intense than the final result immediately after the procedure. The color will gradually fade over the next few days as the skin heals.

Does it Hurt when Getting a Lip Tattoo?

The pain level experienced during a PMU (permanent makeup) lips treatment varies from person to person.

While some discomfort may be experienced during a PMU lips treatment, most clients report that the pain is tolerable and worth the long-lasting results. Any severe pain or discomfort should be reported immediately to the technician to take appropriate measures to alleviate it.

Choosing a Lip Tattoo Artist

When choosing a lip tattoo artist, it is important to do your research, schedule a consultation, and ensure they follow proper safety and hygiene procedures. Research their background, experience, and previous work to get an idea of their style and reputation.

Trust your instincts and choose an artist with whom you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, choosing a qualified and experienced artist is a long-term investment that can lead to a more positive and satisfying experience.

Choosing a Permanent Lip Color

This depends on personal preferences, skin tone, and individual style. Some factors to consider when selecting a color include the natural lip color, the desired shade, and the undertones that complement the skin tone.

It is recommended to choose a color that matches the natural lip color to achieve a natural-looking result. It is also advisable to select a color that complements the skin tone, such as warm or cool tones.

Preparing for Your Lip Tattoo Procedure

Preparing for lip tattoo treatment involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome.

Wearing Makeup After Lip Tattoo Treatment

It is recommended to avoid wearing any makeup on the lips for at least two weeks after the lip tattoo treatment. Applying makeup can cause irritation and infection, which can lead to poor results. Once the lips have healed, it is safe to use makeup, but it is essential to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients that can damage the skin.

Navigating the Lip Tattoo Healing Process

The lip tattoo healing process is important to ensure a beautiful and long-lasting result. The process can take up to 2 weeks and requires proper care and attention to avoid complications.

After the procedure, some swelling, redness, and tenderness can be expected for a few days. Applying an ice pack and using a healing ointment can help promote faster healing.

During the healing process, it is important to avoid certain foods and drinks, keep the lips moisturized, avoid touching or picking at the lips, and avoid direct sunlight. The artist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check the healing progress and touch up any areas that may have faded or require additional pigment.

Following the aftercare instructions provided by the artist is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome.

More information can be found in our Lip Tattoo Healing Guide.

Enhancing Your Lip Tattoo with a Touch-Up

The first touch-up is mandatory to achieve the pigment you will be happy with. But for clients who are going for a transparent colored tattoo, then the touch-up may not be necessary.

Lip tattoos, like all tattoos, may require a touch-up after the initial procedure to ensure that the color and shape are even and long-lasting. It is recommended to wait for the healing process to complete, which can take up to two weeks, before scheduling a touch-up appointment with the artist.

Depending on the individual's skin type and the color of the pigments used, touch-ups may be needed every 1-2 years to maintain the vibrancy of the color. People with oily skin may need more frequent touch-ups as well as those who are often exposed to the sun and saltwater since this can speed up fading.

What Affects the Durability of the Lip Tattoo?

The durability of a lip tattoo can be affected by several factors, including the quality of the pigments used, the individual's skin type and lifestyle, and the aftercare regimen.

High-quality pigments and proper aftercare can help the tattoo last longer. Individuals with oily skin may experience faster fading than those with drier skin. Lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, can also cause pigments to fade more quickly. Regular touch-ups and proper aftercare can help maintain the color and longevity of a lip tattoo.

Different Styles of Lip Tattoos

PMU lip tattoo offers several styles to enhance the appearance of the lips, including full lip color, shaded lip liner, lip blush, ombre lip blush, aquarelle, and dark lip neutralization.

Full Lip Color

This technique involves fully coloring the lips with a single color pigment, resulting in a bold and vibrant look. The color can be customized to the individual's skin tone and preferences. It is the most opaque and dramatic style which also involves the most touch ups to maintain.

Permanent Lip Liner

This procedure is simply a lip outline. It frames the lips to add definition and symmetry. It can be slightly darker than the natural lip color or a lipstick shade that complements your skin tone.

Shaded Lip Liner

This technique involves creating a subtle gradient effect by shading the lip liner towards the center of the lips. The result is a natural-looking, defined lip shape while giving a volumizing look.

Lip Blush

This technique involves adding a subtle wash of color to the lips, resulting in a natural-looking, "just-bitten" appearance. It can enhance the natural lip color and shape without appearing too bold. Lip blush is the most popular style of lip tattoo.

Ombré Lip Blush

This technique involves creating a gradient effect by blending two or more colors together, resulting in a soft and natural-looking transition from light to dark.

Aquarelle

This technique involves using a watercolor-like effect to create a soft and subtle lip color. It results in a very natural-looking effect that enhances the lips' natural shape and color.

Dark Lip Neutralization

This technique is designed to neutralize the natural pigmentation of dark lips by using a flesh-toned pigment. The result is a natural-looking, even lip color that enhances the lips' natural shape.

Understanding the Possible Side Effects of Lip Tattooing

Is it Safe to Get a Lip Tattoo?

Generally, lip tattoos are safe when performed by a trained professional in a sterile environment. However, like any tattoo, there is a small risk of infection or other complications.

Can You Be Allergic to Permanent Lip Color?

Yes, there is a possibility that some individuals may be allergic to the pigments used in lip tattoos, which can cause a reaction ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions.

Which is why it is important to do a patch test before the procedure.

Possible Side Effects of Lip Tattoos

Some common side effects of lip tattoos include swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising immediately after the procedure.

In some cases, there may be minor bleeding, scabbing, or flaking during the healing process. Less common side effects may include infection, scarring, and allergic reactions.

Following proper aftercare instructions and choosing a reputable and experienced artist can minimize the risk of side effects. Contact your artist if you notice the side effects do not settle down after 10 days.

Exploring Your Options for Lip Tattoo Removal

The process of lip tattoo removal is similar to tattoo removal from other parts of the body. If you are not satisfied with the treatment you can have it removed. You may also opt to get it fixed in your touch up session.

There are several methods for lip tattoo removal, including laser removal and saline removal. Both methods require more than one session which can take time and be costly. There is also additional time needed for the skin to heal.

It is important to carefully consider the decision to get a lip tattoo before proceeding with the procedure.

Lip Tattooing: How Much Does It Cost?

On average, a basic lip liner tattoo can cost around $590, while a more complex full lip color tattoo can range from $500 to $1000 or more.

The cost can vary depending on several factors, including the geographic location, the experience and reputation of the artist, and the specific technique used.

It is important to note that the cost of a lip tattoo may also include touch-up sessions, as well as any aftercare products that are needed to promote healing and maintain the tattoo's appearance. Additionally, it is not recommended to choose an artist based solely on cost, as the quality and safety of the procedure should always be the top priority.

Lip Tattoos: Key Things to Know

This procedure involves tattooing pigments into the skin to enhance its appearance. Different lip tattoo styles include full lip color, lip liner, lip blush, and ombré lip blush, among others.

Aftercare is crucial to ensure proper healing and to maintain the appearance of the lip tattoo. The cost of a lip tattoo can vary depending on several factors, including the geographic location and the experience and reputation of the artist.

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