Lip FAQ
Lip Blush, What is it?
Lip Blush involves the insertion of ink into the lips to create a fuller, more defined lip that still looks extremely natural. The outcome is a tinted lip balm look that enhances your natural shape, but that can be undetectable by other people. Most people would assume you just have luscious, hydrated, and youthful looking lips!
Because Lip Blush is technically a tattoo that will be on your face for a while, it's important that you understand exactly how all this works so you can make the right decision. We look forward to earning your trust, and this FAQ sheet is the first step!
Who is a good candidate?
The simple answer is, anyone that wants to have a more youthful appearance, with bigger looking, more defined natural lips. That would include busy parents or business people who don’t have much time to apply makeup, active people who don’t want to worry about wearing makeup just to look alert, or any person who has lips that look the same color as their skin, discoloration, and those who have white spots one their lips.
Lip Filler can be expensive and it doesn't last long for some people, so for many people, Lip Blush will result in a similar look that lasts longer for them. Some people will choose to have both Lip Filler and Lip Blush - filler to make their lips bigger and Lip Blush to create the definition and color that filler cannot.
Who is NOT a candidate?
- People taking sun sensitizing medications (including but not limited to Retinol/Retin-a/vitamin A) – these need to be stopped at least 2 weeks before the appointment
- People who have had Lip Filler must wait until 4 weeks post injections to have Lip Blush
- People who have used Accutane within the last year
- People with a history of keloid scarring
- People with Auto-immune deficiencies may not heal well, please be sure you are as healthy as possible before booking
- Pregnant women
- Nursing women should discuss with their doctor first.
- People with conditions that cause them to bleed very easily.
- People with prior lip tattoos may not be candidates for Lip Blush. This is determined by consultation before booking.
- People who have had a lot of Lip Filler - typically more than 1-2 syringes of filler in the lips. This is determined by reviewing your picture.
COLD SORES: All clients MUST get an antiviral prescription from their doctor (such as Valtrex or Acyclovir) BEFORE the appointment to prevent an outbreak post procedure. Please take the medication the day of the treatment and four days preceding the treatment. Cold sores are very common but need to be prevented in order to avoid poor healing!
How is it done?
A tiny pen-like machine using a tiny acupuncture needle is used to gently insert pixels of pigment into the lips to slowly build a nice natural lip color. This allows us to build the color gradually so we have full control over how bold you want your lips to be. It's a collaborative process! Immediately after the procedure your lips will be swollen. Swelling typically lasts about one day. They also look more like a pretty lipstick color, and less like lip balm, for a few days. They fade significantly, about 50%, within a week. Healing is extremely easy - typically 4-5 days of tight, chapped lips. Use GLOSSED often and they look great while they heal!
Will it look like lipstick?
We only offer Lip Blush, a natural lip enhancement. We do not carry bold lip colors like red or purple, and we do not offer bold techniques or lip liner only. The only technique we offer is a natural defined lip that may look bigger but sticks close to your natural shape and size.
How long does it last?
It's not possible to predict with exact certainty how long it will last for each person, since the color you choose, your lifestyle and how you care for them will have an impact on that. But on average it fades away in 2-3 years, with most people wanting a touch up every 12-18 months or so, depending on how bold you want your lips to look.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe it as a mild discomfort, and we numb! It is a tattoo, so you will feel some sting, but it's very manageable.
Why do I need an anti-viral before my appointment?
Cold sores are super common and if you have ever had one you are at risk for developing a bad outbreak after getting a lip tattoo. That would be uncomfortable for you and could damage your results, therefore it's CRITICAL that you get an anti-viral prescription from a doctor to begin BEFORE your appointment and after, according to doctor's instructions. Please bring your prescription with you to the appointment. We will not tattoo your lips if you come to your appointment without having started treatment.
How long does the appointment take?
The first appointment takes 2-3 hours, and the touch up takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Much of that time is spent drawing and numbing.
What is the healing process?
Some swelling and tenderness after the procedure is normal and may last a day or so- your lips may look like you got lip filler. Your lips will appear darker and bigger than the way they heal for a couple days. Lips are super EASY to heal - our technique is gentle so it only takes about 4-5 days on average and during that time they feel tight and chapped. You can keep Glossed on them and the flaking is not too noticeable.
Prior Permanent Makeup
By consultation only. Sometimes we cannot work over other artists' work. Please contact us to discuss BEFORE booking. If you have ever had permanent makeup before, you must let us know prior to booking so we can make sure it can be covered. Failure to do so may result in disappointment and loss of deposit if you arrive at your appointment and it cannot be covered.
PRE PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
Things to do:
Use Coconut Oil or Shea Butter frequently to keep lips as moist as possible
Drink plenty of water (Remain Hydrated)
Begin Cold Sore medication
14 days after treatment - Lip Scrubs can be used to promote moisturization
Things to avoid:
Cigarette smoking
No alcohol for 24 Hours Post Treatment
Avoid using Products on Lips ( Lip stick, Lip gloss, etc.)
Do Not pick at the skin
PreTreatment Lip Scrub
Please begin your scrub the week before your appointment.
Ingredients:
Coconut Oil - 1 TBS
Organic Honey - 1 TBS
Brown Sugar (Coarse) - 2 TBS
Lukewarm water- ½ TBS
Directions:
- Mix Coconut Oil and Honey
- Add Brown Sugar and Lukewarm water
- Apply scrub to lips in circular motions for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse lips with warm water
After-care instructions
Things to do:
Before bed, use an antiseptic with to clean your lips ( In your aftercare)
Apply a thin layer of GLOSSED after-care to your lips
Only use the antiseptic wipes if you are wearing a mask for long periods of time
Keep lips moisturized with glossed after-care for the next 3-5 days after treatment
Day 1:
Avoid extremely hot foods and drink with a straw. Wipe your lips with a moist cotton round every 30 minutes for the next 3 hours and apply Aquaphor. Removing this fluid will prevent the formation of thick scabs. After 3 hours wipe your lips every 2 hours until bedtime and apply Aquaphor or GLOSSED.
Day 2:
Wipe your lips 4-6 times per day and keep them moist with Aquaphor or GLOSSED.
Day 3:
Wipe your lips every AM and PM and keep them moist with Aquaphor or GLOSSED. By now lips should be fully exfoliated. Keep them protected from the sun.
Do not use whitening toothpaste during the healing process.
Do not pick at your scabs.
Ice and pain medicine post procedure is fine.
Should you have any issues or concerns at all please contact me anytime.