Permanent Lip Tattoo

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Lip tattooing creates a perfect shape, restores lost color, is smudge proof, and is a great alternative to lip fillers. A lighter lip tattoo, known as lip blush, gives a lip stain effect looking fresh and vibrant right out of the shower. A lip tattoo does not replace wearing lipstick for a special occasion or a night out. Regular lipstick can be worn over it. A permanent lip tattoo requires 2 applications four weeks apart and lasts up to 3 years.

What if I have dark toned lips? Dark tones lips require an extra application, with the first application using orange and peachy colors to cancel out the darker hues. This neutralizing effect will provide a lighter canvas once healed, to continue the lip tattoo process. Oftentimes the color appears darker before appearing lighter due to the darker tones showing through as the color stabilizes. Read more about color theory here.

Lip tattoos can trigger cold sores for those with the underlying virus. Over-the-counter creams are available if an outbreak occurs. Discussing taking anti viral meds with your doctor prior to treatment is recommended.

 Before appointment:

• Moisturize your lips with Vaseline as much as possible.
• Exfoliate dead skin. Dry, chapped, and sun damaged lips do not retain color. 
• Avoid retinol, acids, silicon, mineral oil including cleansers, balms, moisturizers, plumpers for 4 weeks.
• No long lasting lipstick for 4 weeks.
• No Botox or fillers for 4 weeks.

Day of: Appointments are scheduled for 2 hours.

• Arrive with well hydrated lips free of makeup. 
• Fill out a consent form, arbitration agreement, and provide ID.
• Topical numbing, safe for lips is applied.
• Apply color until desired saturation is achieved. 
• Over application of numbing agents toughens the skin and makes it more difficult to implant color. Underapplying numbing agents may create discomfort. The trick is to find the proper balance. Much of this relies on you giving accurate feedback when asked how you feel.
• Talking is discouraged to reduce movement.

Aftercare:

• No shower, steam, sauna, sun or sweating for first 24 hours. Steam does not allow pores to close.
• Heavy peeling is to be expected for the first 5-10 days. Do not panic. 
• No makeup around lips for 5 days. 
• Clean frequently to prevent infection.
• Apply plenty of moisturizer such as Aquaphor to reduce peeling and retain color. 
• Use a straw for hot drinks for first 3 days.
• No Botox or fillers for 4 weeks pre and post-procedure.
• Change your mask frequently to prevent infection if applicable.

Healing:

• Swelling for 3-5 days.
• Bright color for the first several days.
• Lots of peeling and very dry skin. (Moisten as much as possible).
• May trigger cold sores if you have a history of breakouts.
• Color appears very dark, then disappears, then touchup is required.

See FAQ's 

Light colors will not show up well on darker lips. Dark lips are lightened using a contrasting color. For example, lips with purple tones can be neutralized with an orange-peachy color.  Darker lips require more color applications than lighter lips.

Neutralization process

1. The first color application will be neutralizing the color to counter darker tones usually with an orange, peach, or salmon color.
2. The second application will either lighten more or go straight for the desired color.
3. The last application with be only with the desired color once the natural lip color is light enough to cover successfully.

Dark toned lips often look darker before looking lighter. This is because as the pigment travels and settles into the skin, the darker tones show up. Once the color settles it neutralizes again.