Lip tattooing

 Lip tattooing is done by machine and appointments typically take around 2 and a half hours to complete. This method can create a fuller looking lip for those who are lacking in natural pigmentation.

Clients can choose from a variety of shades to compliment their complexion but please note it is particularly difficult to achieve a true red result on most lips, due to the natural undertones. I also do not offer very cool colours (typically purple tones) or any shades of brown, as the pigments do not age well in the lip skin.

Results vary from client to client but can typically last anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on your skin type, health, sun exposure and aftercare. Lip tattooing can add a subtle flush of colour or give more of a lipstick look if preferred.

  • If you have lip fillers, please allow 8 weeks for your fillers to settle before having them tattooed.

  • Those who suffer from cold sores must consult with their doctor prior to booking to obtain their usual prescribed antiviral medication to take prior to getting tattooed. A 7 day prescription is needed which the client should begin taking 3 days prior to the appointment.

  • If you have notable coolness or darkness to your lips, you will likely require a session of neutralization first. Please reach out if you would like to have a consultation for neutralization - this can be done via email or in person.

  • To prepare your lips, please gently exfoliate your lips nightly and frequently apply lip balm in order to hydrate your lips for the 7 days leading up to your appointment. It is not possible to tattoo the lips of the skin is dry or sunburnt.

Lip tattooing is a minimum 2-step process and requires you to come in for a follow up appointment 6-12 weeks after the initial procedure. Some clients may need further sessions - particularly those with coolness, darkness or scarring to their lips.

First appointment - $500

Touch up appointment (6-12 weeks later) - $250

1 year refresh - $350

After 2 years – full price

Healed after 1 session, before the 6-12 week touch up.

Healed after 1 session, before the 6-12 week touch up.

 A consultation is included in the price of your procedure and allows you to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding the process. This can be on the day of your appointment or at an earlier, scheduled date. Lip design is bespoke to you and your facial measurements and the pigment color is chosen according to what will suit your skin tone, both with and without make-up. It is not possible to tattoo outside of your natural lip line.

Typical healing schedule for lip tattooing

1-2 days after procedure - Your lips will look 50-60% brighter, bolder and more solid than your healed result. Immediately after your appointment, your lips will be swollen. This will subside within 24 hours.


3 days after - Your lips will begin to peel and will look very chapped. Do not scratch or pick at your lips – this can cause scarring and will pull the pigment out. As the lips continue to shed, you will see a loss of color. This is all part of the healing process!


4 days after - The skin is now rapidly exfoliating and will shed evenly if left alone. The color under the exfoliating skin will continue to appear light until the epidermis takes on its more transparent characteristics. Again, it is extremely important not to pick at any dry or flakey skin! For many people, the peeling will be over by day 5 but it is not unusual to continue for another day or 2.


30-40 days after - Now is the time to critique your lips! The tattoo has now become part of the dermis, seen under the epidermis. It is perfectly normal for some areas of the tattoo to have lost pigment – this is why the touch up appointment is required. During your touch up, 6-12 weeks after your initial procedure, any sparse areas can be filled and the color can be brightened if you so wish.

Aftercare

·      NO water, cleansers, creams, makeup or any other products on treated area for 7 days.

·      For the first 3 days after your procedure, gently wipe clean your lips every 2 hours throughout the day. Wipe once with distilled or boiled water (cooled to room temperature) on a paper towel. Ensure to squeeze any excess water from the paper towel so that it’s not saturated and then wipe off any ointment or lymph fluids from the lips. Once cleaned, apply a layer of the ointment provided (or aquaphor, if preferred) to the lips using a clean q-tip. Continue to do this as close to every 2 hours as you can manage for the first 3 days following your procedure.

·      DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off. Picking can cause scarring and will also pull the pigment out.

·      Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 3-4 weeks after procedure.

·      Avoid heavy sweating for the first 10 days.

·      NO facials, Botox, chemical treatments and microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.

·      Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.

Long-term care

  • Keep lips hydrated! If your lips are dry & chapped, the color will appear faded and dull. Regular use of a moisturizing lip balm will keep them looking bright.

  • I cannot stress enough the importance of using a good sunscreen; sun exposure will fade your permanent cosmetics. Be sure to pick up a chapstick with spf - protect your investment!

  • If you are planning a chemical peel, laser procedure or an MRI scan, please inform the technician of your permanent cosmetics

  • The use of Retin­A/Tretinoin or any other rapid skin exfoliation products used regularly in the treatment area will cause the permanent makeup to fade prematurely.

  • The use of chemical peels and acid peels regularly in the region of the procedure can also cause your cosmetic tattoo to fade prematurely.