Lip Blush | Lip tattoo
What is Lip Blushing?
Lip blushing is form of cosmetic tattooing. A permanent makeup tattoo machine is used to implant pigment into the lip tissue. A tiny needle configuration is used during this treatment implanting in a pointillism method. During the appointment, pigments are selected based on the client’s color request or inspiration color. Typically, clients will bring in their favorite color of lip gloss, lipstick, or ChapStick and we will do our very best to match it. In many cases there are multiple pigments combined to achieve desired results.
Yes - this is technically considered a tattoo because a needle is used to implant pigment, but results typically last 1-3 years due to pigment type and superficial implantation. We don’t want any shifting in color overtime so specialized pigments were created for this lip blushing procedure that will fade gradually over time.
What to expect during the appointment
During the appointment clients are asked to sign an intake form upon arrival. The lips are then disinfected and numbing cream is applied. The numbing will process for 20 minutes in order to reach optimal comfort. While the numbing is processing pigments will be combined and swabbed around the client’s lips. The goal is to create the perfect pigment combination that matches what the client is wanting to achieve. It’s important to assess what this pigment(s) looks like on the client’s skin tone to ensure it complements their undertones. Aftercare and a breakdown of the healing process is discussed while the numbing is processing, this is also gives the client an opportunity to ask any questions. After the numbing has process the lips are then mapped. Mapping is tracing the lip shape that will be tattooed. It is extremely important to trace the shape of the lips that stays within the vermilion boarder. The vermilion boarder is the demarcation line between the tissue of the face and the tissues of the lips. Believe it or not, these tissues heal completely different when tattooed. It is important to stay within the vermilion boarder when performing lip blushing/lip tattooing. If pigment is implanted passed the vermilion boarder an on the tissue of the face, the healed results will look very similar to the Kool-Aid stain children get around their mouths when drinking. There is not scientific term for this stain, but this the best way I’ve found of describing it to clients.
After mapping is completed
Once the lip shaping or mapping is completed, the client is shown the traced shape for their approval. After approval, the session begins, the outline is tattooed and additional numbing is applied to ensure the client stays comfortable throughout their lip blush | lip tattoo session. Approximately 3-4 passes are done on the lips in order to fully saturate the tissue. The session takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. During the session there is a cotton swab placed between the teeth and the lips to create a barrier and prevent any pigment and numbing ointment from being consumed. Although the pigment and numbing are non-toxic, we want to prevent numbing of the tongue.
Loss of natural pigmentation
As we age, we lose pigmentation around the vermilion boarder. The severity differs for each client, but we do see this in almost every client as their skin begins to mature. The loss of pigment can make our lips appear much smaller than their true state. By performing lip blushing | lip tattooing on the lip tissue we can implant pigment in the areas that have naturally faded. Many clients are looking to alter their natural lip color, but is some cases the client wishes to keep their natural color and fill in the portions that have faded. We are able to utilized more natural lip pigments during your lip blushing session so that the healed results look as natural as possible. Your natural lips, just more defined.
The healing process
The healing process takes approximately 2 weeks of care for the client following your lip blushing | lip tattoo appointment. Immediately after your lip blushing appointment the lips can appear swollen and very pigmented. The lips will stay bold in color for approximately the first 3-5 days. If your lips do swell after your appointment you can use a cold compress to help swelling go down. Around day 7-10 there will be a peeling phase. This will look very similar to severely chapped lips. This is worst case scenario. Most clients who are diligent about applying Aquaphor will experience minimal peeling. Immediately after peeling of the lips subsides they will appear faded. This is because the body has produced new skin cells on the areas where pigment was implanted. It takes approximately 7 days for those skin cells to thin and some shed. After these 7 days the pigment will look more visible. Clients can expect to retain 40-60% of the pigment that’s implanted. The lips are fully healed around 8 weeks. At this time if a touch up session is needed it can be performed.
Aftercare Instructions
It is extremely important to properly sanitize your lips after your lip blushing appointment. We want to treat the tattooed area like a wound. This means, for the first 10 days you should cleanse your lips with antibacterial soap. You’ll want to cleanse your lips in the sink and NOT in the shower. You’ll use small circular motions with the tip of your finger to wash your lips. The you’ll cup the water and lightly rinse your lips. After, you’ll pat dry with a clean towel or clean paper towel. REMEMBER, we’re keeping your lips as clean as possible. It’s just as important to keep them moisturized. This is fine balance. You’ll want to apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, after cleansing, at night and in the morning. This will keep your lips moisturized and promote healthy healed skin. Aquaphor can also act as protective barrier from bacteria. For the first 10 days following your lip blushing appointment do not apply any makeup to the treated area. Makeup carries bacteria that can cause an infection. If you do see peeling you cannot pick at the area or peel any skin off. Should this occur it can cause scar tissue and pigment to fade in that area making your lips look blotchy when healed. During the same timeframe you’ll want to refrain from submerging your lips in large bodies of water. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, beach water, etc. Bacteria can be found in these bodies of water and cause an infection.
Who isn’t a good candidate for lip blush | lip tattooing?
If you have taken blood thinners in the passed 2 weeks or are currently on blood thinning medication. If you are under treatments for cancer it is not recommend and you should request clearance from your doctor. If you are diabetic and it is not under control. If you are diabetic and it is under control the healing process will take longer than the timeline listed above. You will heal slower. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are prone to coldsores and have not been on antiviral medications prior to your appointment. If you are prone to coldsores it is recommended that you take antiviral medications at least 7 days prior and after your appointment. If you have previous work that is very saturated with pigment. The skin is like a sponge and can only hold a small amount of pigment. Make times to correct previous work we need to use darker pigments which isn’t always ideal.
How long is the healing process?
Aftercare must be followed for 2 weeks following your lip blushing | lip tattoo session. During this time you will experience a bold phase, a peeling phase, and a faded phase of the healing process. Your lip will appear healed at approximately 3 weeks, but the second layer of the skin is where we implanted the pigment and that will take approximately 6 weeks to heal. If a touch up is needed that can take place at 8 weeks.
Is a touch up needed?
If you need a touch up that can be completed 8 weeks after your lip blushing | lip tattooing session. Around 50% of clients decide to come in for a touch up and the others will not need a touch up for 1-3 years. The touch up is not included in the initial session pricing. After the touch up session the same after instructions given after the initial lip blush | lip tattoo session will need to followed. Clients can expect the same healing process.
How long does lip blush | lip tattoo last?
Lip blush | lip tattooing lasts 1-3 years. Duration is dependent on everyday skincare routine and lifestyle. Frequently exposing your lip blush to the following will fade them more rapidly: any acid base facial products, vitamin c serum, sun exposure, retinol or any retinoids, laser treatments, and frequent exfoliation. Keeping your lips moisturized will keep them looking fresh and allow the lip tissue to remain vibrant.
Ready to book your lip blush | lip tattoo appointment?
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Permanent lipstick treatments give you fuller, younger looking lips with a colour that is incredibly flattering to your skin and best of all, no need to constantly reapply lipstick or gloss.
This service is not recommend for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, Diabetic, undergoing chemotherapy, taking blood thinning medications, taking accutane(must wait 1 year), allergic to Lidocaine or Epinephrine, prone to cold sores, or prone to keloid scaring.
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This is for current clients only! If your initial session was with another artist/business please email or call to book an appointment. It is critical you schedule a touch-up after your initial permanent makeup session to ensure you receive full benefits and best results. This touch up session is for those who have had Microblading, powder brows, lip blush, or permanent eyeliner at Brow Beauty by Victoria initially.
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FOR CURRENT CLIENTS ONLY. If 5+ months have passed since your initial session, you will need to book the annual touch up. This touch up should be done 1-3 years after your last session. At this point you will need pigment added to sections that have faded. This touch up appointment is for those had their initial Microblading, powder brows, lip blush, or eyeliner appointment at Brow Beauty by Victoria.