Imagine finding your lips pink at all times. No filters, no lipstick, just naturally pink. As a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure, lip blushing can make your lips pink again. Known as lip tattooing, it is a trending beauty treatment that can reshape your lips and alter color. But how long does lip blushing take? Will it be painful and are there any side effects? All your queries regarding lip blushing will be answered here.
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What is lip blushing?
Lip blushing is a treatment that enhances the natural beauty of your lips. It involves implanting pigment into the lips to add definition and color. Both women and men love it as it can give a flushed, healthy appearance to the lips. So, how does lip blushing work?
Fine needles are used to pick up pigments and carefully deposit them into the uppermost layer of the skin. It can redefine the shape of asymmetrical lips, get rid of dark lips, and/or even out the tone.
Lip blushing is different from a regular tattoo as the latter requires stronger pigments. Traditional tattooing also implants the pigments deep into the skin. Lip blushing, on the other hand, fades and gives a natural and soft effect.
The best thing about lip blushing is that it will give a flush of colors to your lips that will last for years. But you must take proper care of your lips to enjoy lip blushing’s benefits for a long time.
It is time to acquaint yourself with lip blushing and its aftercare to make an informed decision.
What happens during a lip blushing treatment?
On the day of your appointment, the tattoo artist will follow these basic steps:
- First, the artist will prep your lips for the treatment by cleaning them
- They will help you select a color based on your skin tone
- Try to choose a color close to the lipstick shade you apply daily
- The artist will map the outline of your lips
- At this stage, the artist will draw a better shape and rectify the asymmetries (if any)
- They will match the shade of the pigment to the natural color of your skin one last time
- They will start implanting the pigment into your skin and apply a soothing balm on your just-tattooed lip
- Finally they will thoroughly walk you through the aftercare instructions and healing process
Now, if you are determined to get a lip blush treatment, you need to know how long will lip blushing take and how long it takes to heal.
How long does lip blushing take?
One session of lip blushing treatment takes approximately two hours. The timeframe may vary based on what you want. So, you should schedule your appointment with ample time in hand.
Side effects of lip blushing
After undergoing lip blushing treatment, your skin will go through various stages. Your lips need time and care to recover from the trauma. So, it is natural to notice side effects throughout the healing process.
Minor bruising
People have minor wounds after the procedure. The lymph will ooze out small pores in the first few hours. Your aesthetician will instruct you to blot it off gently.
Swelling
When you return home after lip tattooing, you will have swollen lips. Your lips may end up doubling in size or can have a minor swelling. Due to the swelling, your lips might appear asymmetric.
Don’t panic as this is normal and will subside soon. Applying an ice pack will make it go away sooner. But ask the specialist if they allow the same.
Tenderness
If your lip technician applies a numbing cream during the procedure, you won’t feel any pain. When the effect of the numbing agent goes away, you might experience mild pain and tenderness. The pain is bearable and you will not need a painkiller.
Color intensity
In the first few days, the hue on your lips might appear too much. This is because the true shade is yet to do its magic. Once the lips have healed, the deep color or excess tint will fade to a great extent. So, you’ll have natural-looking kissable lips.
Dryness
If you have dry skin, dryness is bound to kick in after the procedure. Your lips will have tightness and chapping. Apply a moisturizer frequently to reduce discomfort and minimize the chances of heavy scabbing.
All of these symptoms are temporary and they will vanish within a few days. But if it feels like an infection or an allergic reaction, you must consult a dermatologist.
How long does lip blushing take to heal?
As the lip blushing technique breaks the surface of the lips, you will experience short-time tenderness and swelling.
For most people, it does not take more than 7-10 days for the surface to heal. But the tissue underneath heals completely over one month. By then, the pigments will settle.
Once the peeling stops, you can be relieved. You need to be patient as healing can take more time in your case. So, don’t be disheartened if your lips look different when you step out of the treatment center.
If you want to go for a touch-up, wait for six weeks after the first session.
Lip Blush Aftercare: Dos and Don’ts
Now you know how long does lip blushing take. You’ve also learned that the lip blush procedure will make your lips look irresistible all the time. So, now you won’t have to apply lipstick each time you step out of the house. But to get the most out of the treatment, you must be mindful of the following things:
Book a follow-up appointment
Many people don’t realize the significance of a follow-up appointment. But you have spent money on a lip blush treatment and endured the pain.
These are two compelling reasons to prolong the life of your freshly blushed lips. So, a follow-up session after 6/8 weeks is essential and you must not skip it.
Say no to sunbathing or working out for two weeks
Wondering what’s the connection between lip blushing and exercising? Excess sweat will slow down the healing process. Exposure to the sun can equally damage the treated skin on your pretty lips.
Refrain from touching your lips
If you have a habit of touching your face now and then, stop doing that. This might lead to a lip infection. So, just let your lips breathe.
Avoid getting your lips wet
Getting your lips wet will make them prone to infections. So, make sure you keep them clean and dry. Drinking out from a straw for at least 4-5 days will prove beneficial.
But this does not mean you should leave them as they are. Applying a moisturizer and keeping them hydrated is mandatory.
Don’t let your partner kiss you
Staying away from your spouse or boyfriend for days might feel like a punishment, but during this time you cannot help it. Until the scabs heal, kissing will bruise your lips. Your tattoo artist will warn you against kissing and you should abide by the instructions.
Monitor what you eat
Most people don’t take this seriously, but eating clean will help your lips heal faster. Spicy and salty food will cause itching and irritate the swollen, chapped lips after the treatment. So, try your best to consume dry food and do not get your lips dirty.
How long will the effects of semi-permanent lip blush last?
Lip blushing is a semi-permanent treatment and the results won’t remain forever.
Ideally, lip blushing can last between two and three years. After that, the natural shade of your lips will return. The color will gradually lighten and then fade away over time.
That’s why tattoo artists suggest yearly touch-ups to increase the longevity of the treatment.
Does lip blushing hurt?
It is natural to feel scared as the process uses of needles, that too on a sensitive part of your body. There’s no denying that permanent makeup is never completely pain-free, but it is manageable.
The aesthetician will do everything needed to help you relax. Additionally, keep in mind that some things can make you feel the pain more intensely. So, don’t schedule the lip blush session when you are overly tired or on your menstrual cycle.
To get the best results, moisturize your lips daily before the appointment. Beauticians find it easy to work on hydrated lips as the pigment gets easily implanted. So, the process won’t be lengthy.
What should you do if you have trypanophobia? Luckily, aestheticians apply numbing creams to decrease the pain sensation in the area. It is important to leave the numbing cream for at least 15-20 minutes before the commencement of the procedure.
Will lip blushing damage your lips?
When done correctly and safely, lip blushing won’t damage your lips. It does not leave behind scars. Your lips can be irritated and swollen for a week, but that’s only because they are yet to heal. If you have any skin sensitivities or allergies, discuss these concerns with the aesthetician.
Tips to select a reliable lip blush technician
It’s important to research well before finalizing a lip blush technician. The person must have the necessary qualifications and insurance to perform the procedure safely.
Feel free to ask questions to be certain that the technician is knowledgeable of blood-borne pathogens. You should also not feel shy while asking about their experience and training. Enquire what precautions are taken for the safety of clients.
One of the simplest ways of selecting a good lip blush artist is by checking the person’s market reputation. Go through reviews submitted by previous clients to get a glimpse of the quality of the work. Most accomplished aestheticians also have many before and after photos to prove their skills.
How much does lip blushing cost?
The cost of lip blushing treatment varies from one city to another. Different tattoo artists quote different prices based on their experience and expertise. So, contact an aesthetician in your locality to know the exact price.
Will lip blushing suit me?
As lips are naturally sensitive, you must find out if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment. Have your lips become chapped because of seasonal factors or long-term exposure to the sun? Then, it is not the best time to ink your lips. Wait for the winter season to pass so that your lips rehydrate before the appointment.
If you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, then your doctor will advise you to postpone the lip tattooing appointment. If you are suffering from lip dryness or cold sores, you do not qualify for this treatment. That’s because these conditions indicate weak immunity. So, you may be more vulnerable of having a lip infection afterward.
When you are pregnant or breastfeeding, refrain from tattooing your lips or undergoing any other permanent makeup procedure. You can be more prone to infections during this phase. Also, hormonal changes during pregnancy may affect how the pigment will show up on your skin.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is to remember that there is no one definition of beauty. Your lips are gorgeous the way they are. Lip tattooing is a great option only if you want to change the color or appearance of your lips. Don’t do it to fit into someone else’s notion of what’s pretty.
FAQs
1. How many sessions do you need for lip blushing?
For most people, lip blushing ideally requires two sessions. One session might suffice if you do not want a bolder look.
2. Is lip blushing painful?
How much pain you feel during the lip blushing procedure depends on your tolerance levels. You may rely on a topical anesthetic and numb your lips to make it bearable.
3. Can I kiss after lip blush?
Kissing after a lip blush treatment won’t be wise. You shouldn’t do anything that might put pressure on your lips. So, give your lips some time to heal before making out with your partner.