Lip Permanent makeup
pre + after care instructions
lip blush
disclaimer
Permanent cosmetic makeup is not for everyone. You must review our contraindications + other considerations page prior to scheduling your appointment. Failing to follow the instructions and requirements described on the page and below will result in your appointment being canceled and forfeiture of your reservation fee.
It is highly recommended that you follow the PRE + AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS provided here to ensure the best possible results and longevity of your cosmetic tattoo. However, this information acts as a guideline only and we cannot guarantee results. Each client’s skin responds differently both in how long it takes to heal and the number of sessions needed for color retention and desired results. For the best results, take good care of your lips while healing and beyond.
pre-care
Botox, filler treatments and lip implants
You should not receive any type of botox or filler treatments for 3 weeks prior to your procedure and for 4 weeks after.
If you are considering lip fillers, we recommend getting lip blush BEFORE receiving lip fillers. However, keep in mind that you still must wait a minimum of 4 weeks after receiving lip fillers to get lip blush.
If you have lip implants, you must wait at least six months before getting lip blush and provide written clearance from your surgeon.
Lip scrub
You will want to start a lip scrub once a day for 3 days before your procedure so that your lips are prepped and don't have a rough texture, which will prevent proper pigment saturation and lead to a poor result after healing. Use the lip scrub the morning of your appointment, but do NOT over scrub to the point that you have raw or compromised skin.
You may buy a lip scrub from any local drug store or make a sugar lip scrub at home (1 tbsp coconut oil, 2 tsp sugar and 1 tsp honey) in order to exfoliate off dead layers of skin.
Use moisturizer often on your lips in the days prior to the procedure to maintain smooth texture.
Cold sores
Permanent makeup procedures can trigger an outbreak of cold sores. As a necessary precaution, all clients with a history of cold sores must take an anti-viral medication for a total of 10 days (5 days prior to procedure, including day-of, and 5 days post-procedure).
Even if you have not had a history of cold sores, you can still support your immune system and healing by taking L-Lysine supplements, an over-the counter antiviral medication.
Examples of antiviral medications include Zovirax, Famvir, Valtrex, and over-the-counter L-Lysine. Please consult your doctor to determine which medication is right for you and to obtain prescription strength anti-viral medication if needed.
Come to your appointment prepared
The procedure should involve very minimal pin-point bleeding. During your procedure you want to avoid any excessive bleeding, which can drastically effect your ability to numb and the overall results. Therefore, do NOT drink alcohol or caffeine the day of your procedure. Do NOT take any blood thinning medications (Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Ibuprofen, etc) for one week before your appointment unless prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.
Plan your procedure with your schedule/vacations/events! Do NOT schedule when you have an upcoming event that will conflict with healing. You will need 5-7 days heal. Expect an additional "perfecting" touch-up 6 weeks after the first appointment.
Please eat before the procedure, since you want normal blood sugar levels for any tattooing procedure. You will not feel like eating after (and you have to wait 3 hours before eating anything).
If you are nervous, consider bringing headphones and music to help you relax. Numbing will be used during the whole procedure.
Lip PMU pre-care checklist:
USE a lip scrub to exfoliate your lips for three days before your procedure. Make sure to keep your lips moisturized after exfoliating.
(History of cold sores) Begin taking anti-viral medication 5 days before your appointment.
(Optional) Take L-Lysine supplements to support your immune system and healing.
Arrive WITHOUT any lipstick or lip makeup.
Do NOT work out for 48 hours before procedure.
NO alcohol or caffeine for 24 hours before or procedure.
AVOID tanning and prolonged sun exposure for two weeks prior to procedure.
Do NOT take aspirin, niacin, vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen for 48 hours before procedure.
Chemical peels and laser treatments may NOT be done within 4 weeks before or after your treatment.
AVOID fish oil, prenatal vitamins, nutritional shakes, “Hair, Skin, Nail” supplements for 48 hours prior to procedure.
DISCONTINUE Retin-A/Retinol for at least 4 weeks prior to procedure.
REFRAIN from the use of any Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) (BHA) products close to the treatment area for at least 4 weeks prior and avoid the area indefinitely after the procedure. Any products that increase cell turnover will cause premature fading.
(Recommended) Take Arnica supplements to help with bruising and healing. You can begin taking supplements the day before the procedure and continue for 4-5 days after. Do NOT use topical Arnica.
(Recommended) Eat lots of pineapple. Pineapple contains Bromelain, which is a mix of enzymes that studies show can reduce inflammation and nasal swelling, and also aid in the healing of wounds.
(Note) You may be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
after-care
Lip PMU after-care checklist
Do NOT sweat for at least the first 3 days, so avoid working out or excessive movement that leads to sweating. Sweat produces bacteria that could cause an infection.
(History of cold sores) Complete course of anti-viral medication to avoid an outbreak.
2 hours after the procedure, use an antiseptic wipe to clean lips and apply a thin layer of balm.
Gently wash your lips before bed on the first night with lukewarm water and a cotton round and apply balm.
Do NOT forcefully wash/scrub your lips for the next 5-7 days and avoid allowing shower water to spray directly on the treatment area.
You may apply balm as often as needed! Your lips will feel dry and tight, similar to sunburn.
When your lips begin to flake, leave them alone and do NOT pick, pull or remove any dry scabs or flakes.
AVOID spicy foods and drink using a straw as much as possible for the next 2-3 days.
Do NOT stretch your mouth or lips. Cut food into small bites.
AVOID smoking for 10 days. Smoking affects the body's ability to heal quickly.
AVOID water exposure (e.g. swimming, sauna, hot tub, etc.) for a minimum of 4 weeks to avoid bacterial infection.
Do NOT expose lips to direct sunlight or tanning beds for 4 weeks. Newly healed skin can burn easily and exposure to direct sunlight too soon may also cause scarring and alter pigment color.
NO kissing with your newly tattooed lips for 2 days (sorry)!
Sleeping with your head elevated may help to reduce swelling. Ice packs can also be used to help control swelling.
Use a lip balm with sunscreen whenever you will be out in the sun to prevent fading or discoloration of your lip blush! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR TATTOO!
healing process
What to expect after my lip blush procedure
DAYS 1-2: Your lips will be swollen and will feel tight, dry and very chapped. They may be tender to the touch. The color may look more concentrated and dark on day 2. Swelling usually subsides in a few hours, but may last up to 24 hours.
DAYS 3-5: Once healing starts, your lips will be very dry and may appear patchy in color. Do NOT pick or rub at the dry areas. The lip blush color will fade up to 50% after the first 5 days. Use Aquaphor, healing ointment or the (new) lip balm of your choice as often as you need!
DAYS 5-10: Healing will continue and color will continue to settle and even out. Your lips may feel excessively dry for up to 3 weeks. You can use lipstick after 10 days - be sure it is new to avoid bacteria and keep in mind that lipstick tends to make lips dry.
DAYS 10-30: Lips will be fully healed with new skin regeneration by day 30 (dark lips may take longer - up to 2 months). Color will brighten slightly after the initial healing period until reaching its final shade!
WEEKS 6-8: You may get your touch-up/perfecting procedure 6-8 weeks after the initial procedure - no sooner - to allow for complete healing and regeneration of the skin.
long-term care
Keep your cosmetic tattoo looking beautiful for years to come
You’ll find that if properly cared for your cosmetic tattoo will last between 3 and 5 years after the initial touch-up session. We recommend you follow the long-term care instructions listed below to ensure your eyes look beautiful for years to come.
Future touch-up appointments are required to maintain the shape and depth of color of your lip blush. If you do not maintain your lips, the color will lighten over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and iron deficiency. We suggest that if you want to maintain your lips so that they always look their best, plan on scheduling a touch up once a year for best results.
Use a good sunscreen on your lips if you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Sun exposure will fade your cosmetic tattoo overtime. Smokers, “sun worshipers”, or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress may have less desirable results. Sun exposure will make the color fade faster. A lip balm with SPF applied daily on the tattooed area is needed to help keep the color true.
If you are planning a chemical peel, laser procedure or MRI scan, inform the technician of your cosmetic tattoo since tattoo pigments contain iron-oxide. Care must be taken during these procedures to avoid affecting the tattooed area. If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area. Laser may cause pigment to turn black.
The use of exfoliating cleansers, scrubs, cleansers with acne fighting ingredients or “acid” in the name will cause rapid exfoliation of the skin containing the pigment and will increase odds of premature fading.