Lip tattoos are a popular beauty trend, a semi-permanent solution to enhance your natural lip colour and shape. While the results are amazing, aftercare is key to a smooth healing process and long-lasting results. Here, we will guide you through the best practices for lip tattoo aftercare so you can get the best results. If you’re considering lip tattooing services like Lip Tattoo Melbourne or permanent makeup, this will give you an idea of what to do to maintain your results.
Why Lip Tattoo Aftercare Matters
After a lip tattoo, your skin needs time to heal. Without proper care, there is a risk of infection, fading or uneven results. The healing process can vary depending on your skin type and overall health. Dry skin, excessive sweating, heat, or using the wrong skincare products can cause premature fading or complications.
Cold sores and sore outbreaks are a common concern for people getting cosmetic tattoos. If you have a history of cold sores, consult your tattoo artist or healthcare professional before the procedure. Proper aftercare, keeping the lips clean and moisturised, is key to minimising these risks.
Lip Tattoo Aftercare Guide
1. Keep Your Lips Clean
- Gently wipe your lips with a damp cotton pad or a clean tissue to remove any plasma or lymph fluid.
- Don’t use any harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleansers.
- Keeping your lips clean reduces the risk of infection and helps healing.
2. Apply a Healing Ointment
- Use the aftercare balm or lip balm recommended by your artist. Popular options include ointments with natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax or shea butter.
- Don’t use petroleum jelly unless instructed to.
- A layer of ointment keeps the lips moist and protects from external irritants.
3. Don’t Pick or Peel
- As your lips heal, they may scab or flake. Don’t pick or peel the skin, as this can cause scarring, uneven pigment or even indented scars.
- Uneven healing and pigment loss occur when scabs are removed too early.
4. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated from the inside.
- Don’t lick your lips, as saliva can dry out the healing skin.
- Lips that are too dry or wet can hinder the healing process.
5. Protect Your Lips from the Sun
- Apply a lip balm with SPF after the initial healing phase to prevent fading caused by UV rays.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after the procedure to protect the delicate lip skin and implanted pigment.
- Too much sun can cause premature fading or pigment loss.
6. Avoid
- Avoid spicy food, acidic food and flavoured or oily food that can irritate your lips.
- Avoid alcohol, hot drinks and nicotine products for at least 48 hours to reduce swelling and irritation.
7. Use Approved Products
- Don’t use products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or other hydroxy acids around the lip area until fully healed.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and acidic products that can interfere with the healing process.
8. Be Patient
- Healing takes about 7-10 days, but full results may not be visible for up to 6 weeks. Pigment implantation and colour stabilisation take time, so be patient.
Extra Tips
- Cold compress for swelling after the procedure.
- No heavy household cleaning or heat during healing.
- Minimal lip makeup during healing time to avoid irritation.
- Perfecting session with your artist if needed to get the desired colour and coverage.
- Consider a lip liner tattoo and lipstick for your permanent makeup.
Don’ts
- Skipping aftercare instructions. Follow your artist’s guidelines.
- Using unapproved products: Stick to recommended aftercare ointments and don’t try new products.
- Touching your lips: Don’t touch your lips with dirty hands to prevent infection.
- Lifestyle: Excessive sweating, heat or harsh environment can affect healing.
By following these aftercare tips, making lifestyle changes, and using recommended products, you will have a smoother recovery and longer-lasting results. Consult your artist or a doctor for personalized advice if you have any concerns about your lip blush procedure.
FAQ
How long does it take to heal?
7-10 days to initial healing, 6 weeks to full healing and colour stabilisation. Sensitive skin or rapid skin exfoliation may extend healing time.
Can I wear lipstick after?
Don’t wear lipstick or any makeup on your lips for at least 10 days or until fully healed. Makeup products can irritate delicate lip tissue.
What if my lips get swollen?
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Don’t use ice directly on the lips. Wrap it in a clean cloth instead. This will help with inflammation and healing.
Will the colour be uneven during healing?
Yes, the colour will appear patchy or uneven during healing. The pigment will settle and even out over time. Uneven healing is normal.
When can I go back to my normal skincare?
You can go back to your normal skincare around the lip area after the initial healing phase, 10 days post-procedure. Don’t use products with harsh ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid near the lips.