Inking your lips should not be the only tattoo you receive. A lip tattoo, in contrast to a tattoo on another part of the body, can easily fade away in a matter of days.
Few people are born with naturally big, pink lips, yet it's a dream of everyone's. Lip contouring procedures, such as restoring faded color, can help smooth out a naturally unattractive lip line.
Because such tattoos are typically carved deep under the skin, maintaining them can be challenging. Due to the high moisture content of the lips, around 40% of lip tattoos soon fade away. Therefore, a suitable aftercare plan is required.
When you use a little bit of natural color where it's needed, you may give your lips a boost of fullness and definition in an instant, making them look more beautiful and seductive.
Lips that are too little, too large, or too asymmetrical can be corrected subtly to achieve the ideal results. Lipstick bleeding is stopped and fine wrinkles around the mouth are instantly concealed.
Many people long for the delicate pinkish-red hue that newborns have. But there are those who seek a more intense impact. You can discuss your desired color palette during your appointment. The amount of necessary retouches is directly proportional to the desired color saturation. It is common for patients to need at least one touch-up after a lip treatment.
Just how should I get ready for the lip procedure?
If you have ever had chickenpox, fever blisters, or cold sores, you will need to take Valtrex, Famvir, Zovirax, or another anti-viral medication before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
No one is allowed to break this rule. When using lip color, the third day is typically when any reactions show themselves. This rule applies each and every time you put on a new layer of permanent lip color.
The strongest anti-viral treatment is available only by prescription, so you'll need to call your doctor to get any. You need to let them know that you've decided to get permanent lip color, and they'll then call in a prescription that you can pick up at your local drugstore.
What will my appearance be like just after the operation?
There will be a subtle enhancement to the appearance of your lips, giving the impression that you've had lip filler. However, the so-called "natural" lip color will appear very opaque, much like lipstick.
Know that within three days, your lips will return to their usual size and the color will diminish by as much as half. The centre of your lips will start to fade first, followed by the outer margins. You should always HEAL, PEEL, and FADE after any operation. It could take up to 10 days for this to happen.
Procedure Completion and Post-Operative Care
As crucial as the implantation operation is to pigment retention, the "aftercare" procedures are just as crucial. The key goal during this time is to ensure that the dermal bonding process is entirely sealed. You may expect the most out of the surgery and have the fewest number of annoying follow-up appointments if you follow all of the instructions given to you.
You shouldn't evaluate your outcomes until at least three weeks to a month have passed since the completion of the treatment. Though you may appear harsh and painted-on just after surgery, your appearance will gradually improve as you recover.
This time, the procedure's intensity is most apparent after it has already been completed. There will be visible crusting and flaking of the top layer of color in 3-7 days. Care must be taken to avoid disturbing the healing process.
Don't ever try to remove the crusty substance by picking at it, scratching it, or rubbing it. Infection and loss of pigmentation might come from attempting to remove crusts. While you're recuperating, keep this "cover" on.
As the top layer gradually peels away, the underlying color becomes more transparent and subtle. The implanted pigment will gradually become visible over the next two weeks. Three weeks from now, you should be completely healed.
We advise that for the first 4-8 hours after the treatment, you use cold packs for 10 to 15 minutes every hour. In order to alleviate pain and swelling, ice is applied. The usage of ice is no longer helpful after the first day.
An old wives' story that used, cooled tea bags can be used to reduce edoema is true. You shouldn't wash the treated area with anything for seven days. Cleaning products like soap and water are made to flush away dirt and grime.
This prevents the pigment from properly attaching, which is a crucial step in ensuring its long-term stability. Caution should be exercised while using toothpaste or mouthwash, as they contain "soap" and will therefore erase lip color.
A clean Q-tip soaked in cool water should be gently wiped over the treated area to remove any debris. Stop rubbing the area immediately. For the first twenty-four hours after the procedure, apply A&D ointment to the surgical site with a Q-Tip. Apply Vitamin E oil or liquid for the remaining days of the week.
Do not use petroleum-based products or mineral oil like Vaseline, and instead apply with a Q-tip many times daily, dabbing gently so as not to disturb the bonding process of the pigment. Doing so will help the region stay moist, which in turn helps speed up the recovery process.
Avoid letting the area dry out by keeping it damp at all times. Every thirty minutes, examine your lips and reapply the balm if necessary. When applying ointment, avoid rubbing or pressing. The affected area should be covered in a thick layer of ointment before going to bed, after getting in the shower, after washing the areas around it, and first thing in the morning.
You can take a shower or a bath, but you shouldn't scrub the treated area or get any water on it. Avoid taking any kind of hot, steamy showers or baths. After two weeks have passed, you can go back to your normal routine. For the first three days, use very little toothpaste and liberally treat your lips with ointment before brushing your teeth.
Use a straw for beverages for the first two days; avoid eating sandwiches, biting into fruit, and anything else that could irritate your lips. To achieve the best outcomes, smoking should be avoided.
You should wait seven (7) days before applying lipstick or other cosmetics to the treated region. The results of even the first treatment are so undetectable that patients can confidently go without concealer when they go out in public.
Because even hypoallergenic cosmetics may contain chemicals that prevent bonding, they are off-limits as well. Get a new tube of lipstick to go with your fresh new appearance when you decide to start wearing makeup again.
Because of this, there will be no place for bacteria to grow in a used container. You should stay out of the sun as much as possible for at least two (2) weeks. Swimming in unchlorinated, salty, or chlorinated water is not recommended.
Over-the-counter options are available if necessary. For short-term pain relief, try taking some Tylenol.
For thirty (30) days after applying Retin-A, avoid getting it near the treated region. It will exfoliate and brighten the affected region. Due to the face nature of the surgery, it is suggested that you use a fresh satin pillowcase for the next seven nights. This will prevent the nightly rubbing that causes pigment loss when using a cotton, textured pillowcase.
While the treated region is healing, more caution is required. Never try to remove the crusty substance by picking at it, scratching it, or rubbing it. If the crusts are removed, the true pigment could be lost, and an infection could set in.
This healing "cover" must remain in place throughout (3-6 days). Use normal, healthy practises constantly. When you go home, if you still have questions, feel free to give me a call. It is not recommended that you deviate from these guidelines, as doing so may compromise the success of your treatment or may necessitate removing the implants.
If you are taking antiviral medicine, you should take it as directed until it is finished. You should avoid direct sunlight for at least six weeks after applying lip color. After applying lip color, protecting it from sun fading by donning an SPF is advised.
For the first few days, it is recommended that you use a straw when drinking. While your lips are healing, avoid eating anything acidic, as well as anything greasy, salty, oily, or spicy (about two weeks).
It will slow the healing process if you lick your lips or wipe them with a napkin while eating. If you pick at your dry, healed skin, you risk removing the pigment that gives your skin its color.
Lip ointment should be used before brushing teeth to prevent the toothpaste from smudging the new lip color. Furthermore, avoid tooth bleaching while your lips are mending (about two weeks).
For at least two (2) weeks after applying a fresh lip color, be sure to moisturizer your lips regularly. Products derived from petroleum are a wise investment. For best results, wear a waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen three to four times daily once the initial healing phase has passed.
Applying sunscreen to your lips is a great idea, so use chapstick with SPF. Currently for sale in stores. Avoid smoking until your lips have healed (approximately 2 weeks). If you want your newly colored lips to last, avoid friction, rubbing, and kissing until the region has healed (about 2 weeks).
More tips to know
- First and foremost, avoid getting any moisture on the tattoo while it is healing (at least for the following four to five days). The lip's continual brushing against the teeth also wears away at the tattoo over time. Paper towels can be kept in the space between the tattooed lip and the teeth to prevent this from happening. Even though it hurts, this is the best way to keep the tattoo from getting wet. Swelling and scabbing from a tattoo will go away with time, at which point you can cease applying pressure with paper towels.
- A tattooed area can be cared for using vitamin A and vitamin D ointments, or with alcohol-free mouthwash. Contradictory advice exists on the use of antibacterial soaps. In this case, it's best to take the advice of a professional tattoo artist.
- Rinsing your mouth out after eating or smoking is equally crucial before and after having the tattoo. It is advised by tattoo professionals that you do not eat for several hours after the first tattoo.
- Eat only non-acidic meals until the tattoo is totally healed. Avoid scratching or rubbing the tattoo for the same reason. Wait for the swelling and bruising to go down before seeing a tattoo artist for a touch-up.
- Getting a lip tattoo is a big commitment, so you may be curious about its durability. Unfortunately, permanent ink is not an option for such tattoos because of how easily they fade. It's been said that lip tattoos can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, but that some fade after only a few applications. If you follow the advice above, your tattoos might not fade as quickly. If we're talking about money, lip tattoos can be pricey. It's also possible that some tattoo artists might flat-out refuse to do such work.
- A lip tattoo requires special attention because it fades and becomes worn more quickly than other tattoos. Retouching the tattoo frequently extends its lifespan. As a corollary, it should go without saying that you should seek out a reputable tattoo parlour run by a well-known tattoo artist.
Conclusion
When compared to tattoos on other parts of the body, lip tattoos fade quickly. Temporary lip tattoos lose their coloration in about 40% of cases after a year. Your lips' natural colour and fullness can be revitalised through lip contouring surgery.
Your lips will look naturally fuller, just like they would after getting lip filler. Your lips will go back to their regular size and the colour will fade by as much as half within three days.
The healing process must be protected against interruption at all costs. We suggest using cold packs for 10-15 minutes per hour for the first 4-8 hours following treatment. After the first day, using ice is no longer beneficial.
Used, cooled tea bags can be used to alleviate edoema, contrary to popular belief. For the next two weeks, shade yourself as much as possible.
Don't let it touch the treated area for 30 days after applying Retin-A. You should never try to get rid of the crusty stuff by picking at it, scratching it, or rubbing it. In the first stages of treatment, it is suggested that you drink through a straw.
To avoid having freshly applied lip colour smudged by toothpaste, apply lip ointment prior to brushing teeth. Using chapstick with sun protection factor (SPF) is equivalent to applying sunscreen to your lips, which is a good idea.
Due to increased fading and wear, a lip tattoo calls for more care and maintenance. Tattoos last longer if touched up regularly. When counting dollars and cents, lip tattoos may get costly. A small percentage of tattoo artists could reject to even consider taking on such a job.
Content Summary
- If you have ever had chickenpox, fever blisters, or cold sores, you will need to take Valtrex, Famvir, Zovirax, or another anti-viral medication before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- The strongest anti-viral treatment is available only by prescription, so you'll need to call your doctor to get any.
- There will be a subtle enhancement to the appearance of your lips, giving the impression that you've had lip filler.
- Know that within three days, your lips will return to their usual size and the color will diminish by as much as half.
- As crucial as the implantation operation is to pigment retention, the "aftercare" procedures are just as crucial.
- Though you may appear harsh and painted-on just after surgery, your appearance will gradually improve as you recover.
- There will be visible crusting and flaking of the top layer of color in 3-7 days.
- We advise that for the first 4-8 hours after the treatment, you use cold packs for 10 to 15 minutes every hour.
- You shouldn't wash the treated area with anything for seven days.
- For the first twenty-four hours after the procedure, apply A&D ointment to the surgical site with a Q-Tip.
- For the first three days, use very little toothpaste and liberally treat your lips with ointment before brushing your teeth.
- You should wait seven (7) days before applying lipstick or other cosmetics to the treated region.
- Get a new tube of lipstick to go with your fresh new appearance when you decide to start wearing makeup again.
- For short-term pain relief, try taking some Tylenol.
- For thirty (30) days after applying Retin-A, avoid getting it near the treated region.
- Due to the face nature of the surgery, it is suggested that you use a fresh satin pillowcase for the next seven nights.
- If you are taking antiviral medicine, you should take it as directed until it is finished.
- You should avoid direct sunlight for at least six weeks after applying lip color.
- For at least two (2) weeks after applying a fresh lip color, be sure to moisturizer your lips regularly.
- Avoid smoking until your lips have healed (approximately 2 weeks).
- Paper towels can be kept in the space between the tattooed lip and the teeth to prevent this from happening.
- Even though it hurts, this is the best way to keep the tattoo from getting wet.
- Rinsing your mouth out after eating or smoking is equally crucial before and after having the tattoo.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the tattoo for the same reason.
- Wait for the swelling and bruising to go down before seeing a tattoo artist for a touch-up.
- Getting a lip tattoo is a big commitment, so you may be curious about its durability.
- If you follow the advice above, your tattoos might not fade as quickly.