Frequently Asked Questions

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lip blush

WHAT IS LIP BLUSH?

Lip blush is a form of cosmetic tattooing that enhances the beauty of the lips’ natural color and shape. The result is a soft tinted effect, similar to a tinted chapstick. Color can be completely customized and is chosen based on clients’ preferences and the undertones of their skin. A more bold effect is also possible by increasing pigment saturation. To achieve and maintain a bold lip more sessions may be needed.

CAN YOU GO OUTSIDE OF MY NATURAL LIP TO MAKE THEM LOOK BIGGER?

This is very commonly requested. Despite it seeming like a good idea, it is not advisable. The skin outside the natural lip border (keratinized skin) takes in pigment differently than the lip skin (membrane). It may look ok at first but will heal and age differently on these two different types of skin. Nobody wants that! It is very common, however, to have less pigmentation near the edge of out lip tissue. This can occur as we age, due to genetics, or because of an accident or scar. In these cases we can tattoo this area, because it is apart of the actual lip tissue. You can check your own lips to see where the lip border, called the vermillion border, ends by looking closely to see where pores and fine vellus hairs are located in the area. Where the pores and hair begins is where the lip ends.

The exception: in the case of surgical scarring (cleft lip surgery, for example), and other irregularities, it may be possible to work in the area beyond of the vermillion border to achieve more symmetry. These situations will be approved on a case by case basis and likely will require an additional touchup to assess healing in the area outside the lip tissue.

Another instance where this may be possible is in the case of French Liner correction. French Liner is an outdated style in which a white or light flesh toned pigment was tattooed around the lip border. This was even done in the eye area — a light pigment tattooed directly above a darker pigmented eye liner tattoo. We now know that using these types of inks used in this manner will always age poorly. This is largely in part due to the high concentration of titanium dioxide in these light colored inks, paired with outdated methods in application of decades past.

WHAT IS THE HEALED RESULT LIKE?

Healed lipblush is significantly softer in color than what your lips will look like when freshly done immediately post procedure. They will heal about 50% lighter and will have a natural flush of youthful color. Touchups are an important part of the process and can be done 6 weeks - 6 months after your initial appointment.

HOW LONG DOES LIP BLUSH LAST?

Lips blush tattoos typically last 2-4 years with proper care. We recommend annual touchups to refresh your color, but this is not required. Annual refresh appointments can be done between 10-24 months after your last appointment at the discounted rate of $350.

To get the most out of your lip tattoo it is important to wear SPF on your lips (a chapstick with an SPF) and to avoid any lip products that have lightening agents, like vitamin C. All anti-aging products used in the lips will cause the pigment to fade faster.

CAN I GET LIPBLUSH IF I HAVE HAD COLD SORES?

Yes! You most Certainly can. In fact, most of our clients have had a cold sore at some point in their life. If you have ever suffered from cold sores, no matter how long ago and even if it was only once, it is imperative that you get a prescription from your doctor for Valacyclovir, also known as Valtrex. Take this antiviral medication 5 days prior to your appointment as well as 5 days following, as directed by your prescribing physician. This is required for anyone who has had a cold sore in the past, no matter how long ago. This antiviral will prevent an outbreak from occurring. If you have ever had a cold sore in your lifetime and choose not to take the antiviral, you will get a cold sore outbreak. You could get one or many. The lip blush procedure itself triggers this reaction and an outbreak may hinder proper healing and may cause unevenness in pigmentation in your healed results.

L-Lysine is an Amino Acid with anti-viral properties that can also be taken. Take daily (orally) for two weeks prior to your appointment.

WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS LIKE?

DAY 1-2: Bold and bright.
DAY 3-6: Chapped and peely.
DAY 7-21: Light and sometimes patchy.
DAY 21+: Color is resurfacing and looking a little brighter, but color is still subtle.
WEEK 6-8: Time for that perfecting touchup session!

The initial healing phase is complete after the chapped and peely phase. However, full healing takes about 30 days. During this 30 day period your lips continue to heal under the surface and will undergo slight changes in color during this time. At about one month the lips are considered fully healed and your final result can be seen and assessed.

You will have your perfecting touchup session at 6 weeks - 6 months after your initial appointment.

CAN I GET LIPBLUSH IF I HAVE HAD FILLERS?

Absolutely! It is actually easier to tattoo lips that have had filler. Just be sure to get your filler done at least 2 weeks prior to your lipblush appointment to allow time for them to settle and properly heal. Also, be aware that you cannot get filler in or around the lips for at least 30 days post lipblush procedure.

DOES IT HURT?

There is some pain to be expected. However, we numb you prior to beginning the procedure as well as throughout the process. If at any time you are uncomfortable we can numb you right back up!

Although this is very much individual and relative to your pain threshold, people report the pain being at about a 2 or 3 on a 1-10 pain scale. Also, please be aware that you may experience pain differently during your menstrual cycle due to the change in hormone levels in the body during this time (low estrogen = more perceived pain!) Typically you will be more sensitive to pain during this time. Sometimes this perceived difference is dramatic. Please schedule accordingly.