Permanent lip makeup has many advantages. It creates the appearance of volume, corrects shape and minor asymmetry, makes the color deeper and more saturated, and the contour clearer. Scars and various defects are camouflaged, including cleft lip. As you age, this is the best way to restore youth and freshness to your lips. Finally, you can forget about lipsticks and the constant worry that something will smudge or print where it shouldn’t!
What happens to your lips
Nothing! Your own lips do not suffer in any way after the procedure if permanent makeup was done by a professional. The main thing is to follow all care recommendations and make timely corrections to maintain the results. The maximum that will happen is that the pigment will gradually fade over time.
Keep in mind that the most common consequence of permanent lip makeup is herpes. The skin is severely damaged, so any infections can easily get into it. You need to be prepared for this and take care of prevention in advance.
Healing periods
After the procedure, the lips will be injured. Therefore, you need to know how long it takes and how your lips heal after tattooing, and how to speed up this process so that the result is justified.
Cosmetologists claim that the regeneration and healing process takes a month. This period can be divided into two periods of time:
- Active care. This is the first week after the procedure. At this time, the wounds are maximally susceptible to external infection due to the fact that they are open. We need to make sure that all the “sores” heal as quickly as possible.
- Passive healing. This is the time after the first week. Here you just need to continue to follow the cosmetologist’s recommendations and start enjoying the result.
The skin of the lips is constantly exposed to external influences: it moves during conversation, can be injured while eating, and can be exposed to bacteria from the oral cavity. Therefore, care must be thorough.
How to choose a color for permanent lip makeup
The color is always selected individually, because you need to take into account your own lip shade, skin tone, desired result and overall type. When carrying out the procedure, specialists combine several adjacent shades to make the result look as natural as possible.
Warm peach, apricot, salmon and beige shades are best suited for fair-haired, fair-skinned and light-eyed girls. Contrasting blondes and fair-haired women should pay attention to the same colors, but in cool tones. Dark hair and dark eyes suit more saturated red and even plum colors. And red and golden-blond people should pay attention to terracotta, brown, reddish and the same plum.
Possible negative consequences in the future
It is not always possible to be satisfied with the good work of a cosmetologist. How positive the consequences of lip tattooing will be in the future depends on the level of the artist, the client’s health and many other factors. It often happens that various medical and cosmetic problems arise.
Medical
One of the most common manifestations of unsuccessful lip tattooing is herpes. But it is unlikely that you will be able to become infected with the virus in a specialist’s office. After all, a good cosmetologist monitors cleanliness: he disinfects the patient’s hands and face, and performs his work exclusively while wearing gloves. Therefore, herpes can make itself known only in those women who are already carriers of the virus. After all, any intervention can cause rashes.
Crooked outline
Therefore, doctors recommend using ointments and preparations for preventive purposes that will help avoid such unpleasant consequences of lip tattooing. The most commonly used are acyclovir and valovir. They must be applied to the skin around the lips before and after the procedure for several days. Also, external agents can be easily replaced with tablets for the same purpose.
If hygiene is not observed during the tattoo procedure, various infections can enter the body. This, in turn, will significantly increase the healing time of the lips. Infections can cause wounds and inflammation. To avoid such consequences, it is important to choose trusted professionals from good clinics. In high-level service establishments, great attention is paid to disinfection.
When a professional works
Another possible reaction of the body to external interference is an allergy. A woman may be found to be intolerant to the substances used to create the shade. But this is also easy to prevent: you need to find out if there is an allergy, and if so, then inform the cosmetologist about it.
Among the unpleasant medical consequences is also the formation of scars after tattooing. To prevent such a problem from arising, it is necessary to apply wound-healing ointments or creams immediately after the procedure. If this is not taken care of in time, there is a risk of permanently ruining the appearance of the lips with scar tissue, which is then difficult to correct.
Expert opinion
Tatyana Somoilova
Cosmetology expert
Girls and women who have experienced unsuccessful tattooing for various reasons do not have to worry: in most cases it can be corrected. But for this you will have to attend at least three sessions.
Cosmetology
In addition to medical problems, undesirable effects of an aesthetic nature may occur. For example, the wrong color. But this does not always happen due to the fault of the specialist. Even a good and professional hairdresser can encounter such a problem, because it is never possible to predict how the body will react to pigmentation.
Despite the fact that the shade prepared by a specialist from natural and mineral ingredients does not always look identical on the lips, this can be easily adjusted. The master can add missing colors.
In addition, girls are often themselves to blame for unsuccessful lip tattoos. When choosing a color, they do not take into account whether it will suit them or not, they only look at the end result on another person. Therefore, it is also worth consulting with a specialist; he will be able to choose the most optimal shade that will not look provocative.
Unsuccessful contour after lip tattoo
It happens that tattooing results in an incorrect and unsightly lip contour. A good specialist, before taking up the device for applying permanent makeup, will carefully discuss the desired result with the client. In addition, he can recommend a contour that will look best and maintain harmony on the face.
Unprofessional cosmetologists can significantly worsen the appearance not only with an irregular contour. Sometimes the procedure results in asymmetry or blurred outline. The color begins to “spread”, going beyond the natural contour. Such a defect can only be corrected with cosmetics. And before it disappears completely, you need to wait for the pigment to resolve.
About lip tattooing and its consequences, as well as how to avoid them, watch the video:
Permanent lip makeup techniques
There are many different techniques that an experienced master usually combines for specific tasks. Let's talk about the most popular of them!
Contour technique
The master draws a clear, neat outline if his own is blurry or uneven. The shade matches the tone of the lips, so the outline does not look drawn with a pencil. Very often, the procedure is preferred by older women due to characteristic age-related changes.
Feathering
Shading returns a bright and rich shade to the lips. The pigment is blended over the entire surface, from the contour or slightly beyond the boundaries. This is the best way to visually enlarge your lips, but you need to get the color perfectly.
Volumetric technology
The method is used if it is necessary to correct problems - asymmetry, lack of fullness, uneven contour. Usually the procedure is carried out in two stages: first, the master makes a contour and masks obvious imperfections, and the second time he fills everything with color.
Watercolor technique
In modern makeup, clear pencil lines are used less and less. The watercolor technique does not involve brightly defined boundaries, making the result look as natural as possible. And if you use muted shades, then no one in life will tell you that you have a lip tattoo!
Light kajal
An interesting technique involves applying light highlights, which makeup artists usually finish with a white pencil. As a result, lips appear more tender and plump. But this requires an ideal form from nature.
Permanent lipstick
This technique involves completely filling the lips with color so that they appear brightly colored. Suitable for those who cannot go out without their favorite lipstick. But you need to choose the color carefully, because it will be difficult to paint over bright lips.
Colors
During the procedure, it is important to determine the shade of the pigment. The color of the lip tattoo should match your appearance, because it is chosen for many years. The specialist should tell you what tone will suit your face and skin tone. You can choose colors that match your hair.
For fair girls, pink and flesh tones are great, and for dark girls, brown and reddish ones. Choosing the color of a lip tattoo is almost no different from buying lipstick. A suitable tone will look harmonious.
Stages of permanent lip makeup
During the preparatory stage, prevention of herpes is definitely necessary, even for those girls who have never seen it in their lives. And in a couple of days, give up solarium, sunbathing, alcohol and any potential irritants.
During the procedure, the master will draw an outline, apply a sketch and select shades. You can use a pain reliever if you wish, but some professionals do not recommend it because your skin may react differently. First they do the contour, and only then the shading. On average, a session takes up to 3 hours, depending on the complexity and technique.
What water and how to wash for healing
Washing should be given special importance, since damaged skin has microscopic wounds through which infection can enter the body with blood.
Washing the entire face, including the tattooed area, is allowed by the middle of the first week after tattooing. At this time, a crust appears on the lips, protecting the wounds.
Regardless of the fact that the skin is protected, you need to pay attention to washing, since ordinary running tap water on such days will not be suitable for this purpose; this should be indicated in the photo instructions.
It is better to use micellar water for washing with a gentle composition. Bottled water, which is intended for internal consumption, is also suitable. In this case, you need to carefully wet your face, this can be done like this: either pour a little water on top, or moisten it with a cotton pad.
There is no need to rub your face with a towel. You should wet it slightly so that any remaining water on your face dries on its own. It is better to use a soft paper napkin than a towel, as it is softer.
You can wash your face this way in the standard way: morning and evening. This will also help keep the damaged area of your face from drying out.
Lip care
After permanent lip makeup and until healing, you need to avoid sun, scrubs and other aggressive influences. You cannot use decorative cosmetics or touch your lips with your hands. For the first couple of days, it is better to stay at home and periodically wipe the damaged skin with chlorhexidine and lubricate it with healing ointment. Recommendations from experts may vary, because each situation is individual.
What are the signs that the pigment has not taken on?
Based on statistical data, 5 out of 100 girls experience pigment rejection after several corrections.
Even a competent master will not give a complete guarantee of an ideal result. The dye, penetrating the skin, does not take root in the body due to individual intolerance and allergies. This is manifested by inflammation in the lip area: severe swelling, redness, itching and an increase in overall body temperature. The color did not take on if the shade did not change a month after the permanent makeup was applied.
How do lips heal after tattooing?
The lips heal very quickly, but the result can be fully appreciated no earlier than in a month. The first days they seem too bright and swollen. By the third day, the swelling subsides and crusts begin to form. They should not be scratched, torn off or touched with hands - this will ruin the result. Usually the crusts finally disappear after about a week, and the color becomes paler.
How to speed up the healing process
Regardless of the day, you must follow all the rules indicated in the photo instructions. Don't forget to take photos to compare the speed of skin healing.
Tips needed for quick healing:
- Set alarms so you don’t forget to apply the products from the photo instructions to the damaged area.
- Be careful with the crust, as its premature detachment will lead to negative consequences that will be reflected in the result.
- Do not wash your face with running water, as this may cause infection to penetrate the skin.
- To ensure quick healing, stay at home for the first week after tattooing. This way you will ensure proper care for the damaged area.
If you want to speed up skin regeneration after tattooing, which continues throughout the first month after tattooing, follow the following restrictions:
- Do not go to the bathhouse, sauna, or swimming pool. Overly moisturizing or drying the damaged area negatively affects its condition.
- In the first three days, you should not drink alcohol, energy drinks, or coffee, as if there is little bleeding, it will be difficult to stop.
- Before going outside, use a gentle sunscreen.
- Avoid physical activity, as it changes the connection between the pigment and the skin of the face for the worse. The sweat that appears on the damaged area of the skin will wash away the pigment, since it is completely absorbed a month after the first correction by the specialist.
Do permanent lip makeup need correction?
The first correction is made 1-1.5 months after the procedure, when the final result is already clearly visible. The master corrects minor defects, adjusts the shade, and takes into account wishes. In the future, corrections are made as the pigment fades, approximately once every 1-1.5 years. Repeated procedures are often easier, faster and cheaper if done on time!
Preparation for the procedure
It is not recommended to consume the following drugs, drinks and foods on the eve of the session:
- aspirin and products containing it;
- alcoholic drinks, coffee;
- energy cocktails, cola;
- seafood.
The listed substances dilate blood vessels, so during the introduction of coloring compounds, bleeding occurs, washing out the pigment.
Before and after the procedure, the client is prescribed antiviral medications. This is a preventive measure to avoid the occurrence of herpes.
Plastic surgeon Jed Horowitz
Is it possible to remove permanent lip makeup?
It is possible to get rid of permanent makeup, but the process is very long. You will either have to wait for the pigment to fade on its own, or use laser removal. Laser is more effective, but several painful procedures will be required. Although there is a plus - it is usually easier to remove permanent on the lips than on other areas.
Contraindications to permanent makeup
Lip tattooing should not be done in case of acute inflammation, viral or fungal infections, or malignant tumors. Contraindications are epilepsy, some blood pathologies and a tendency to form keloid scars. It is better to postpone the procedure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If in doubt, we recommend consulting with your doctor.
Keep in mind that the result of permanent makeup is not always predictable. Too much depends on the individual reaction of the skin, especially to pigments in red and pink shades. To at least make sure there is no allergy, they first do a small test!
Reasons for unsuccessful lip tattooing and correction of errors
If the result of micropigmentation does not suit the client, it is important to find out what caused the failure. Unfortunately, quite often a bad result is obtained due to the artist’s mistakes: incorrectly selected color schemes or crookedly drawn lip contours. Applying a tattoo is a difficult task with many nuances, which can only be understood after quality training and long practice.
Often the cause of an error is the persistence of a customer who wants a pattern or lip color that is not suitable for his face type, skin characteristics or age. But part of the responsibility in this case lies with the master. After all, the client does not have the knowledge to assess the failure of the project. The client is not able to choose a lip contour that is more suitable for the features of the face.
study reviews on forums about the work of the specialist with whom you are going to sign up for a cosmetic session. Studying his portfolio (photos of work, certificates confirming qualifications, etc.) can help assess the qualifications of a master.
Sometimes the reason for an unsatisfactory result is the characteristics of the body. Allergy to pigments used in tattooing is a common problem during healing. Tattoo inks contain iron oxide. An anesthetic can also become an allergen. Some people also have a genetic trait that makes their skin prone to scarring. This may ruin the shape of the contours.
Permanent lip makeup – before and after photos
If you still doubt whether you need a lip tattoo, or don’t fully understand what it looks like, take a look at this selection of before and after works!
Permanent application technique
In the master’s office, before the procedure, the first thing you will need to do is discuss and draw a sketch. This is a very important task, because it is necessary to discuss all the nuances: choose a shape, color scheme, suitable pigment, tattoo application technique. The specialist should also tell you about the possibilities of correcting certain deficiencies: unclear borders, pale skin associated with herpes, drooping corners of the mouth.
The procedure is as follows:
- Drawing a sketch on the lips and fixing it.
- Passing along the contour of the sketch with a device that makes micropunctures. The manipulation is performed without anesthesia.
- Application of an anesthetic spray, gel or cream commonly used in dentistry. A specialist makes applications. An experienced master never gives injections, as they cause swelling and lead to disruption of the sketch.
- Micropigmentation is performed using a special device with a thin needle.
The duration of the procedure is from one to three hours. The duration directly depends on the chosen lip tattoo technique. Creating a contour will not take much time, while watercolor or fondant techniques, Naturelle, 3D, Lip Light and the shading method take more than one hour. Application anesthesia does not always have a long-term effect. In such situations, anesthesia is repeated.
