How painful is a cosmetic lip tattoo?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Body art in the form of tattoos has been well-liked by many for decades. According to Statistic Brain, there are currently 45 million Americans who have at least one tattoo.

    Lip tattoos are the newest and fastest-growing tattoo fad. Any tattoo treatment has the risk of infection, but if you're considering having one on or inside your lip, you should learn more about the unique dangers associated with that location and method.

    Depending on your preference, lip tattoos can be applied on either the inner or outside lip. Lips are another popular area for permanent cosmetic tattooing.

    To get a lip tattoo, you'll need to visit a professional who will use tiny needles to inject coloured pigments into your lips. As an aesthetic process, cosmetic tattooing can take the shape of lip tattoo art or permanent makeup Trusted Source.

    It's important to note that getting a lip tattoo, whether on the inside or the outside, may be just as painful and can increase the risk of infection. It's important to do your research before deciding whether or not to get one of these new tattoo trends.

    The first to acknowledge it, we have a lipstick problem. There are more colour options here than there are days in the year. As much as we hate to admit it, this is one of our guilty pleasures that we have no plans to give up. But it doesn't mean we wouldn't enjoy the illusion of waking up with the perfect nude lipstick tint on our lips.

    If you're willing to have a lipstick tattoo, you can usually get just that.

    As such, we felt it was important to provide you with all the information you would need to make an informed decision about this treatment option (even though we know it sounds terrible).

    This is a cosmetic beauty procedure that improves your natural lip colour and can even make your lips look larger, not to be confused with the lip tattoos some have on their inner lip (why, Kendall Jenner?!).

    Lip tattooing is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure, according to Amy Jean, founder of the Amy Jean Brow Agency and the go-to girl for beauty vlogger Chloe Morello's lip tattoos. "Lip tattooing is a way to have the effects of wearing lipstick without the hassle of applying it, smudging it, and reapplying it throughout the day," says Amy Jean.

    The goal of this trend, which goes by a few different names (lip tint tattooing, lip staining, lip blushing, and ombré lip tattooing), is to make the lips appear fuller than they actually are without the need of invasive procedures like fillers. Amy Jean notes that a professional lip artist may "establish equilibrium in asymmetrical lips" by extending the colour slightly beyond the lip's natural line, giving the impression of bigger lips.

    "It started to become fashionable in the 1980s, but it had really severe and permanent consequences," Amy Jean explains. Think about the overdrawn lips that nobody fell for. "Tattooing equipment and inks have come a long way in recent years. These days, we utilise organic colours that won't fade with time "Amy Jean said. The end product is somewhat closer to a subtle lip tint.

    If you've spent any time at all on social media in the last five years, you'll know that, visually speaking, lips are where it's at. Injections into the lips were formerly a common yet discreet kind of cosmetic enhancement. (Although, until the rise of the internet, most cosmetic procedures were performed in secret.) Since 2014, the number of Google searches for "lip injections near me" has increased, and there are now more than 1.6 million hashtags on Instagram devoted to captioned photographs of people getting lip injections and lip fillers. Injectors are a topic of open conversation. In a nutshell, filler is a big deal in the field of non-invasive aesthetics.

    A number of methods exist for enlarging the appearance of one's lips, including tattooing, filler injections, and the placement of filler under the lower lip. Permanent makeup isn't a brand-new service; in fact, it has been around for decades. However, gone are the days of permanent makeup consisting just of blue lip liner tattoos. Learn about lip blushing, a tattoo that not only evens out your lip colour but also changes the form and size of your lips.

    "Blushing one's lips is an example of semi-permanent cosmetics. Simply put, it's a lip tattoo designed to make your lips seem better than they already are by highlighting their natural colour, enhancing their shape, and providing greater definition and the appearance of fullness "according to Christina Son, proprietor of the Sugarin Studio in LA. "Once the patient has recovered, the consequences of this therapy are quite subtle. Lip blush provides a more natural look and the illusion of bigger lips than the filler, which is ideal for producing volume in the lips."

    About the Procedure

    Improvements in permanent makeup application and cosmetic tattooing have led to the rise of the permanent lip tattoo. Like scalp micropigmentation and microblading, the purpose of a cosmetic tattoo is to provide a realistic improvement of facial features using natural tones that suit the individual's complexion rather than making it look as though cosmetics has always been used. Tattoos on the lips not only emphasise expanding the lip's outline, but also deepening the lip colour to give the impression of fuller lips. It's impossible to generalise about the process of getting a tattoo since everyone has different aesthetic priorities and a wide range of tools at their disposal. However, before getting a cosmetic lip tattoo, you and your provider will talk about what kind of shape and colour you want your lips to be. After the lips are thoroughly cleaned and numbed, the desired tattoo location will be marked. Lips will swell after the operation and may look darker than planned, but this is normal and will decrease as the lips recover.

    An aesthetic lip tattoo works to enhance, contour, and define the lip's red area. The vermillion border of the lips, sometimes called the "white roll," is the transition zone between the pigmented "red lip" and the unpigmented skin around the mouth.

    The lips are numbed beforehand by using a topical anaesthetic, as Amy Jean puts it. "We next confer carefully and sketch out the form in very thin pencils. The actual tattooing process might take anything from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. In spite of the machine's humming and the little pressure on your lips, you may find yourself dozing off. Until the anaesthetic wears off, you won't feel anything. The sensation of having your lips intensely aroused will be one you remember for a long time."

    You should take anti-viral medicine before the surgery if you have a history of cold sores. Cold sores, which can be triggered by the needles' stimulation, might slow down the recovery process.

    So, what exactly does a scheduled meeting entail? Making a pout is the first step. For the first 20 minutes, the lips are numbed using a topical anaesthetic. After you have approved the outline of your "new" lips, the technician will make any necessary adjustments.

    "Oftentimes, the natural colour of the lips is lost in the outside corners and the sides of the lips, so I like to make them fuller and more apparent. Once the customer approves on the outline, we move on to the tattooing itself "Son, remarked.

    The process typically takes between an hour and an hour and a half, but might go longer depending on your desired outcome. It's possible that your lips may be puffy once the session is over (after all, you are getting a tattoo), in which case you should freeze them. Your lips will begin to recover over the next week, which may result in scabbing, so plan accordingly.

    A lip tattoo session begins with the tattoo artist sketching up your desired design. They'll use it as a guide to draw the shape on your lips.

    Your artist will next implant the desired ink colours into your skin by puncturing it slowly and methodically using new, sterilised needles. After the tattoo is finished, a sterile bandage will be applied to your lips to prevent infection.

    Some bleeding and discomfort are to be expected. A lip tattoo might hurt more than one on your arm or leg because of the proximity to more sensitive skin.

    It's important to know how to take care of your tattoo for the next two weeks, as healing might take that long. You need an antibiotic mouth rinse since you can't use soap to clean your mouth's inside.

    Do lip tattoos hurt?

    Quite unexpectedly, no. Not shocking, as a numbing lotion is used, but nevertheless, an hour of needles on your lips is a lot, so count us among the relieved.

    Lip tattoos are notoriously difficult and unpleasant. A lip tattoo isn't for everyone, but when done by a skilled artist and given enough time to heal, it may become a meaningful form of self-expression.

    Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any problems after getting a tattoo. As an infection can cause scars if left untreated, their advice can be invaluable.

    Picking at scabs can cause scarring or a loss of pigmentation, so it's best to let them fall off on their own. If you're planning on receiving injections, Son advises waiting a full month, and he recommends avoiding exercise and sun exposure for two weeks (a wonderful reason to avoid the gym, if we do say so ourselves). Premature scab removal may also result from sleeping on your face. To prevent dryness of the lips, an occlusive ointment like Aquaphor can be used. Nonetheless, Aquaphor is a blessing and should never be without.

    It will start off looking like a lip stain in terms of intensity. "Do not be fooled by the apparent success in the short term. The final outcome does not like the immediate one in any way. After the lips have healed, the colour decreases by around 30-50% and fades into the natural lip colour "Son put it.

    After four weeks, the lips should be completely healed, but Son recommends a touch-up visit around six weeks in case the client wishes to adjust the contour of the blush or fill in places that may have rejected pigment.

    Discomfort was experienced by the patient during the duration of the treatment. While the microblading of my eyebrows caused no discomfort, I found that my lips were a different story. Even with numbing lotion, the lips are more prone to irritation and swelling than any other part of the face because they contain so many more blood vessels.

    The first appointment was the more unpleasant of the two. Because my hyperpigmentation was so severe, it was not absorbing the colour well, so Lynn had to apply a lot of pigment to those places to ensure that the colour would remain after healing, which added around 2 hours to the total duration of the session. My lips were so swollen and tight that I couldn't eat after the service, so I took two 200mg Ibuprofen tablets and went home to watch Netflix while drinking Juice it Up via a straw.

    My lips were puffy like I'd had lip injections, and it nearly felt like someone had punched me in the mouth. Cleaning them and applying A&D ointment to maintain moisture was a little painful because they were so tight and sensitive to the touch.

    What are the risks or side effects of getting a lip tattoo?

    Although tattoos are more common, it's important to think about the potential drawbacks and hazards involved. The lip region in particular is quite delicate and susceptible to irritation. Think about these potential hazards:

    • Tattoo needles cause tiny tears in the skin, which can lead to swelling. In response to such wounds, your skin may experience some swelling, which is normal and should subside after a few days. Swelling can be reduced with the use of cold compresses.
    • Infections There are a number of potential causes of infection following a tattoo in the lip region. Make sure your tattoo artist utilises clean, sterile needles and equipment. You should also use a mouth rinse as directed following treatment. Because of the constant exposure to germs from food and drink, it is also possible to get sick from a lip injury. Due to the constant contact with saliva and oral germs, tattoos located within the lip are at the greatest risk of infection.
    • Scarring might occur if the lip tattoo is not cared for correctly during the healing process. Scarring is more likely to occur if you experience an allergic response or an infection at the tattooed area thereafter.
    • A history of skin allergies or sensitivities may necessitate discussing the use of allergenic ink with your tattoo artist. Itchiness, a rash, or hives might indicate an allergic response.
    • Although anaphylaxis is uncommon, it has been recorded in the hours after tattooing by a trustworthy source. After receiving a lip tattoo, it's common for your lips to expand. However, get to the emergency hospital if you also detect swelling in your face and throat, making it hard to breathe. There is a risk of death from anaphylaxis if it is not addressed.
    • Transmission of blood-borne diseases: Hepatitis B, C, and HIV can all be spread through the use of contaminated needles.

    Conclusion

    Lip tattoos are the newest and fastest-growing tattoo fad. To get a lip tattoo, you'll need to visit a professional who will use tiny needles to inject coloured pigments into your lips. Lip tattoos can be applied on either the inner or outside lip. Lip tattooing aims to make the lips appear fuller without the need for fillers. Since 2014, the number of Google searches for "lip injections near me" has increased.

    There are now more than 1.6 million Instagram photos of lip injections and filler injections. An aesthetic lip tattoo works to enhance, contour, and define the lip's red area. The vermillion border of the lips, sometimes called the "white roll," is the transition zone between the pigmented "red lip" and the unpigmented skin around the mouth. A lip tattoo session begins with the tattoo artist sketching up your desired design. Tattoo artists implant the desired ink colours into your skin using new, sterilised needles.

    After the tattoo is finished, a sterile bandage will be applied to your lips to prevent infection. Picking at scabs can cause scarring or loss of pigmentation, so it's best to let them fall off on their own. To prevent dryness, an occlusive ointment like Aquaphor can be used. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any problems after getting a tattoo. Tattoo needles cause tiny tears in the skin, which can lead to swelling.

    Tattoos located on the lip are at the greatest risk of infection. There is a risk of death from anaphylaxis if you experience an allergic response. The lip region is quite delicate and susceptible to irritation.

    Content Summary

    • According to Statistic Brain, there are currently 45 million Americans who have at least one tattoo.
    • Lip tattoos are the newest and fastest-growing tattoo fad.
    • Any tattoo treatment has the risk of infection, but if you're considering having one on or inside your lip, you should learn more about the unique dangers associated with that location and method.
    • Depending on your preference, lip tattoos can be applied on either the inner or outside lip.
    • Lips are another popular area for permanent cosmetic tattooing.
    • As an aesthetic process, cosmetic tattooing can take the shape of lip tattoo art or permanent makeup Trusted Source.
    • It's important to note that getting a lip tattoo, whether on the inside or the outside, may be just as painful and can increase the risk of infection.
    • It's important to do your research before deciding whether or not to get one of these new tattoo trends.
    • If you're willing to have a lipstick tattoo, you can usually get just that.
    • Lip tattooing is a way to have the effects of wearing lipstick without the hassle of applying it, smudging it, and reapplying it throughout the day," says Amy Jean.
    • The goal of this trend, which goes by a few different names (lip tint tattooing, lip staining, lip blushing, and ombré lip tattooing), is to make the lips appear fuller than they actually are without the need of invasive procedures like fillers.
    • Injections into the lips were formerly a common yet discreet kind of cosmetic enhancement. (
    • Although, until the rise of the internet, most cosmetic procedures were performed in secret.)
    • Since 2014, the number of Google searches for "lip injections near me" has increased, and there are now more than 1.6 million hashtags on Instagram devoted to captioned photographs of people getting lip injections and lip fillers.
    • In a nutshell, filler is a big deal in the field of non-invasive aesthetics.
    • A number of methods exist for enlarging the appearance of one's lips, including tattooing, filler injections, and the placement of filler under the lower lip.
    • However, gone are the days of permanent makeup consisting just of blue lip liner tattoos.
    • Learn about lip blushing, a tattoo that not only evens out your lip colour but also changes the form and size of your lips.
    • "Blushing one's lips is an example of semi-permanent cosmetics.
    • Simply put, it's a lip tattoo designed to make your lips seem better than they already are by highlighting their natural colour, enhancing their shape, and providing greater definition and the appearance of fullness "according to Christina Son, proprietor of the Sugarin Studio in LA. "
    • Lip blush provides a more natural look and the illusion of bigger lips than the filler, which is ideal for producing volume in the lips.
    • "About the ProcedureImprovements in permanent makeup application and cosmetic tattooing have led to the rise of the permanent lip tattoo.
    • Like scalp micropigmentation and microblading, the purpose of a cosmetic tattoo is to provide a realistic improvement of facial features using natural tones that suit the individual's complexion rather than making it look as though cosmetics has always been used.
    • Tattoos on the lips not only emphasise expanding the lip's outline, but also deepening the lip colour to give the impression of fuller lips.
    • It's impossible to generalise about the process of getting a tattoo since everyone has different aesthetic priorities and a wide range of tools at their disposal.
    • However, before getting a cosmetic lip tattoo, you and your provider will talk about what kind of shape and colour you want your lips to be.
    • After the lips are thoroughly cleaned and numbed, the desired tattoo location will be marked.
    • An aesthetic lip tattoo works to enhance, contour, and define the lip's red area.
    • The actual tattooing process might take anything from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
    • In spite of the machine's humming and the little pressure on your lips, you may find yourself dozing off.
    • You should take anti-viral medicine before the surgery if you have a history of cold sores.
    • Making a pout is the first step.
    • A lip tattoo session begins with the tattoo artist sketching up your desired design.
    • They'll use it as a guide to draw the shape on your lips.
    • After the tattoo is finished, a sterile bandage will be applied to your lips to prevent infection.
    • It's important to know how to take care of your tattoo for the next two weeks, as healing might take that long.
    • Not shocking, as a numbing lotion is used, but nevertheless, an hour of needles on your lips is a lot, so count us among the relieved.
    • Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any problems after getting a tattoo.
    • Premature scab removal may also result from sleeping on your face.
    • To prevent dryness of the lips, an occlusive ointment like Aquaphor can be used.
    • Do not be fooled by the apparent success in the short term.
    • After the lips have healed, the colour decreases by around 30-50% and fades into the natural lip colour "Son put it.
    • After four weeks, the lips should be completely healed, but Son recommends a touch-up visit around six weeks in case the client wishes to adjust the contour of the blush or fill in places that may have rejected pigment.
    • Discomfort was experienced by the patient during the duration of the treatment.
    • Even with numbing lotion, the lips are more prone to irritation and swelling than any other part of the face because they contain so many more blood vessels.
    • What are the risks or side effects of getting a lip tattoo?Although tattoos are more common, it's important to think about the potential drawbacks and hazards involved.
    • Think about these potential hazards:Tattoo needles cause tiny tears in the skin, which can lead to swelling.
    • Infections There are a number of potential causes of infection following a tattoo in the lip region.
    • Make sure your tattoo artist utilises clean, sterile needles and equipment.
    • Due to the constant contact with saliva and oral germs, tattoos located within the lip are at the greatest risk of infection.
    • A history of skin allergies or sensitivities may necessitate discussing the use of allergenic ink with your tattoo artist.
    • After receiving a lip tattoo, it's common for your lips to expand.
    • However, get to the emergency hospital if you also detect swelling in your face and throat, making it hard to breathe.
    • There is a risk of death from anaphylaxis if it is not addressed.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo

    Avoid alcohol for 24hrs before your appointment. Alcohol can thin the blood, which can cause the skin to be hypersensitive, and bleed/ bruise easily. Avoid blood thinning medications for 72hrs before your appointment. This includes ibuprofen, aspirin and fish oil tablets.

    The early healing stage lasts for 10-14 days and your lips should fully heal in around 4 weeks. As with any tattooing procedure, your aftercare routine largely determines how your lips will look in the long term.

    The lip is a popular choice for tattoos, but it's not as permanent as other parts of your skin. While tattoos are typically considered to last forever, lip tattoos tend to last only one to five years. This is due to the rapid turnover of cells in the lip area, which sheds the ink quickly.

    Before brushing your teeth, seal lips with ointment first. Put cotton balls in gum areas so toothbrush will not rub against the lips. No whitening toothpaste (during the healing process). Use a small amount of toothpaste.

    Your lips will also feel swollen and tender. Your color will begin to darken temporarily throughout the day as the pigment oxidizes. Days 3-14: Swelling will have finished. Your lips will feel dry and start the flaking process.

    Scroll to Top