Lip Tattoo (Permanent Lipstick)

Shelly uses a powerful topical anesthesia and takes extra special caution to make sure that your lip area is completely numb before she begins tattooing. There should be very little pain or discomfort during the service, but keep in mind that lips are very sensitive. After the numbing wears off most patients experience some short term pain or discomfort.

Shelly has found that permanent lipstick clients benefit from taking two TYLENOL® for pain along with two BENADRYL® for relaxation before a procedure. BENADRYL® can also help reduce swelling.

If you have had lip filler injections, you should wait at least 3 weeks to get a lip tattoo. And if you receive collagen or restylane injections you need to wait at least 6 months prior to a lip procedure due to poor color retention and migration along lip edges.

Also, lip tattoos don’t look great on every skin tone. If you have a darker skin tone, we recommend coming in for a free consultation with Shelly first to make sure you are a good candidate for lip tattooing.

People can develop an allergy to anything, anytime; however, pigment allergies are considered rare. If you have concerns, please talk to Shelly and your doctor before booking an appointment to have permanent makeup applied.

Actually lip tattoos are called “permanent lipstick” because it does not wash off, not because it is truly “permanent.” Color boosts are required for all permanent cosmetic procedures, including lipstick. The aging/fading process is universal.

Every person retains their color differently. Most lip tattoos look great for about a year. Longevity varies from person to person depending on their lifestyle, sun exposure, body chemistry, and topical products applied to the skin.

As mentioned in the “Is lip tattooing for me” section, there are some things to consider and do before scheduling your procedure.

• If you are prone to cold sores, take medication to prevent an outbreak. Tattooing the lips stimulates any herpes activity (coldsores) and outbreaks may occur. This can ruin the procedure and make the healing process much worse. If you can not get a script for Abreva® (pill form), L-Lysine is an over the counter supplement – but you may want to see a doctor to be sure.
• If you have had lip filler injections, you should wait at least 3 weeks to get a lip tattoo.
• If you receive collagen or restylane injections you need to wait at least 6 months prior to a lip procedure due to poor color retention and migration along lip edges.
• Plan your lip tattoo procedure during a quiet week in your schedule. Lips will look very vibrant at first and will ooze/weep the first day. Within 48 hours they will shed/peel the first layer of color off. And your lips will be tender at first. We recommend keeping foods off your lips and not touching them more than necessary the first week.

Shelly schedules 2-3 hours for your permanent lipcolor appointment. This gives Shelly plenty of time to numb the area, go over aftercare instructions, answer any questions, determine the new lip color and shape, and actually do the procedure.

It is important to pamper your new lipstick and keep a protective veil of Aquaphor® ointment over the treated area (you will leave your appointment with this). This prevents scab formation and drying, which can “lift out” the newly implanted color. If you’re planning on being outside, a visor are a must! You do not want a sunburn on freshly tattooed skin.

Shelly will give you an aftercare card and will personally go over the instructions with you before the procedure, but here is a summary:

• Lips will ooze/weep the first day, just blot and reapply Aquaphor® ointment.
• Lips will be tender at first. Drink through a straw. Choose foods you can place in your mouth with a fork without touching your lips.
• Lips will shed/peel the first layer of color off within 48 hours of procedure, keep applying Aquaphor® for moisture.
• Try to keep toothpaste off of lips while healing (most toothpastes have whitening agents in them).
• During the peeling process it may look like there is not much color, but it will be more apparent by the second week.
• Final result appears in 6-8 weeks.
• Print details aftercare instructions here.