Lip tattooing (also known as lip blush or permanent lip makeup) is a growing cosmetic tattooing that enhances the natural shape and colour of the lips. A trained cosmetic tattooist uses a cosmetic tattoo gun to implant pigment to create a more defined lip shape and colour. While the results are amazing, the healing process has multiple stages and your lips will go through many changes before they are finished. Knowing what to expect will help you navigate the recovery.
Immediately After
Freshly Tattooed Lips: Swollen and Bright
After the lip blush tattoo treatment your lips will be:
- Swollen and puffy from the skin trauma of the tattooing.
- Bright and intense in colour, much darker than the final healed colour.
- Tender, tight and dry with some mild discomfort like a sunburn.
- Sensitive to touch with a feeling of mild heat or tingling.
Swelling will subside within 24-48 hours, some people may have mild swelling for up to 3 days. Ice packs will help with swelling and discomfort
The Healing Process: Day-by-Day Changes
Days 1-3: Swelling and Dark Colour
- Your lips will be very bold and darker than the final healed colour.
- Swelling will start to go down.
- Lips will feel dry, tight and slightly sore.
- Don’t put too much moisture, spicy food and don’t touch your lips.
Days 4-7: Peeling and Uneven Colour
- A scabbing phase will start as the skin starts to flake off.
- Peeling is normal and don’t pick at the flaking skin.
- Color will be patchy or uneven but that’s part of the healing process.
- Lips will feel extra dry and chapped—a hydrating, approved aftercare balm or lip balm can help.
Week 2: The Ghosting Phase
- Many will experience “ghosting” where the colour will disappear or lighten up a lot.
- The deeper layers of the skin are still healing and absorbing the pigment.
- It will look like the tattoo is fading too much but that’s temporary.
Weeks 3-4: Colour will Settle
- The pigment will resurface and the final color will start to show.
- Uneven patches will even out on their own.
- Lips will feel soft and smooth again and will have a more natural tone.
- Follow up appointment may be needed for a touch up.
6-8 Weeks: Final Results
- By this time the full color and shape will be visible.
- The pigment will mature into a soft natural shade that will enhance your lips.
- Touch up session may be needed to perfect the color and fix faded spots.
Factors That Affect Lip Tattoo Healing
Here are the factors that will affect your lip healing and final result:
- Skin type: Oily skin will retain less pigment and may need more touch ups.
- Lip hydration: Well moisturized lips will heal better.
- Aftercare: Follow aftercare instructions carefully for best results.
- Smoking & alcohol: Will slow down healing and affect pigment retention. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after procedure.
- Sun exposure: UV rays will fade the pigment prematurely.
- Immune system & medications: Certain health conditions, sore medication or blood thinners will affect healing.
- Lip fillers or dermal fillers: Will affect the final shape and longevity of the pigment.
- Previous lip tattoo or lip liner tattoo: If you have had previous permanent tattoos, they will affect how the new pigment will settle.
Aftercare Tips
To heal and have long lasting results:
- Don’t touch your lips with dirty hands.
- Keep lips moisturized with a healing balm or aftercare cream.
- Avoid spicy, salty and acidic food for the first week.
- Don’t kiss, don’t move your lips excessively or drink hot drinks for the first few days.
- Stay away from direct sunlight and tanning beds.
- Don’t pick at the peeling skin to prevent pigment loss.
- Drink with a straw to minimize moisture contact.
- Apply cold compresses or ice packs if swelling persists.
- Don’t use lip gloss, lip tint or lipstick until healed.
- Take antiviral medication if you get cold sores.
- Don’t do chemical peels, oily food and excessive lip augmentation during the healing process.
Conclusion
The healing process after a lip tattoo is a journey of many stages, from intense colour and swelling to peeling and lightening before it settles into a beautiful natural result. Whether you get a lip liner tattoo for definition or a lip blush tattoo for a soft tint, knowing what to expect at each stage will help you heal smoother. Always follow the aftercare instructions given by your cosmetic tattoo artist to get the best results.
FAQ
How long does it take to fully heal?
6-8 weeks for the lips to fully heal and for the colour to settle in.
Why do my lips look so dark after the procedure?
Lips look much darker right after the tattoo due to pigment oxidation and swelling. The colour will fade by 40-60% once healed.
What if my lips look patchy after peeling?
Patchiness is normal during healing. The color will even out over the next few weeks. A touch up will perfect the results.
Can I wear lipstick while healing?
No, don’t put makeup on the lips for at least 10 days to prevent infection and interference with healing.
Do lip tattoos fade out completely?
Lip tattoos are semi permanent and will fade over time. Most people need a touch up every 1-3 years.
