Lip Before and aftercare

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Pre-care instructions MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the procedure. Excessive bleeding during the procedure will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead to poor results. 

• If you have ever had fever blisters, cold sores, or chicken pox, you MUST contact your physician for a prescription of an antiviral medication, such as Valtrex or Zovirax for pre and post procedure to help prevent a herpes outbreak. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. Start taking the medication 2 days prior and continue for 2 days post procedure. 

• The skin must be free of irritations including blemishes, eczema, and psoriasis.

• Must not be on Accutane medication for one year prior to getting a cosmetic tattoo.

• You must wait 4 months after getting lip fillers. It is possible to have poor color retention in lips that have had collagen injections within 4 months, and within a year of Restylane. There is the risk of pigment migration along the lip line if you have had Restylane. If you plan on getting lip fillers after your procedure, you must wait at least 6 weeks after your touch up. 

• Discontinue the use of any anti-aging, skin brightening, or anti-acne skincare products. Particularly those that contain Alpha Hydroxy, Vitamin A, Retinol. Ideally, do not use these products for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Even if you do not use it near the area to be treated, the product does spread under your skin and your cosmetic tattoo will heal patchy. Once your tattoo has healed under the skin surface (approximately 6 weeks following your final session) you may resume your usual skin care routine. 

• Do not schedule any facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment. 

• You must wait 6 months after a lip implant. 

• Avoid any type of blood thinning medications for a minimum of 48 hours prior to your procedure, unless it is unsafe to do so for your health. Such as: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil, Garlic and Fish oils. If you take prescribed blood thinners please ask your doctor for a release or approval to temporarily stop the medication before the procedure.

• Do not work out on the day of your procedure. 

• Avoid the sun and tanning beds for 2 weeks prior to your procedure to avoid damaged skin. If you show up to your appointment with a sunburn you will need to reschedule your appointment and forfeit your deposit. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and your color will not heal properly. 

• Do not drink alcohol 48 hours prior to your procedure. 

• Do not consume coffee or other products with caffeine 24 hours prior to your procedure. 

• You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

• Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water to hydrate prior to your procedure.

• Cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding. NO EXCEPTIONS.

* Not following pre-care will result in forfeiting your appointment and deposit. 

Lip Aftercare

What to expect immediately after the Procedure.

The color will look bold like lipstick immediately after, and look slightly larger than normal as if you may have had lip filler injections. This will only last a day or two. The size of your lips will shrink back to normal and the color will significantly fade up to 50% within the first 3 days. You will lose color on the inside of your lips first then the edges last. A crust that forms will start to flake away revealing a lighter and more natural color. Lips will be tender, but should subside within a day.

Lips will be tender at first. Drink through a straw. Choose foods that you can place in your mouth without touching the lips. Stay away from spicy & acidic foods for the first 5 days. 

Day of Appointment 

Your lips will be swollen. You can apply an ice pack that is wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10 minute intervals for the first 48 hours. Blot your lips every 10-15 minutes for the first few hours if there is any seeping. You need to remove the lymph fluid to prevent heavy scabbing. 

Days 1-10

The treated area may experience the following symptoms for 1 to 10 days after the procedure which are all common and will dissipate in a short period of time. 

 ~Swelling and redness.

 ~Tenderness.

 ~Flaking and mild itchiness as the lips heal.

 ~Dry skin that may remain for up to 3 weeks.

Clean: Clean your lips in the morning and evening with the provided soap and your fingertips. Use the water wipes to gently blot them after you eat to keep your lips clean. 

Dry: Blot lips dry with a paper towel and let air dry.

Ointment: Apply a thin layer of the provided ointment after cleaning and any time they feel dry throughout the day for at least 7-10 days. Do not allow lips to become dry. Do not use aggressive movements on the skin so you do not rub off scabbing. Let the scabs fall off naturally.

Important facts

• Lips will peel for a week. Allow them to flake off on their own. The edges will be the last to fall off. Picking and pulling off skin that is not ready to come off will cause pigment loss and can leave a scar. DO NOT PICK.

• Do not excessively stretch stretch lips by smiling big or puckering lips with smoking while they are healing. Those motions push and pull against the lip edges, applying tension and friction between the normal skin and the broken inflamed edges. 

• Use a straw when you drink any liquids for the first 4 days.

• Avoid eating hot, spicy, salty and acidic foods for the first 2 weeks. While eating, do not constantly wipe your lips with a napkin or keep licking your lips as this will impede the healing process.

• Avoid using toothpaste products (for 10 days) with whitening properties as this can bleach the color in your lips.

• Do not use Blistex, Carmex or Chapstick.

• Use a fresh pillowcase and avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.

• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds.

• Avoid driving in open air vehicles such as convertibles, boats or motorcycles.

• Do not perform tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as; cleaning out anything that will stir up dust and debris.

• Do not receive waxing, bleaching, electrolysis or laser hair removal treatments within 2 weeks of your enhancement. 

• Avoid any harsh facial cleansers or creams (listed above in Pre Care instructions) around newly tattooed area for at least 30 days.

• Use a good sunscreen on the lips when you will be out in the sunlight. Sun exposure will fade your cosmetic tattoo overtime. Smokers, Sun worshippers, or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress may have less than desirable results. Sun exposure will fade lips faster. 

Need to know:

• All procedures must HEAL, PEEL and FADE. Healing takes approximately 7-10 days, however everyone heals differently. Especially if they have a compromised immune system, poor diet or smoke.

• If you have sun damage or scar tissue you may not have strong results. 

• Hyperpigmentation can happen on any lip client without warning.

• It takes 28 days for the skin to slough off and regenerate itself. 

• Keep in mind that even with proper care, some areas may look uneven or patchy. It is absolutely normal because your natural skin regeneration is not a process that your artist can control. That is why a touch up is recommended around 6-8 weeks from the initial session to fine tune your shape and color.

• Healed results vary per individual client. We have no control over what occurs during the healing process. Lips are a muscle and will need 1- 2 sessions to complete the process of this procedure. Lips are unpredictable. Some clients will heal with great color, others will  heal with a slight shade of color. This will vary on an individual basis.

Following post care instructions closely is necessary to achieve the best results. 

If any issues please contact Sherry @ 330-760-2891.