The popularity of lip tattoos in Singapore has grown rapidly in recent years, offering a semi-permanent alternative to daily lipstick routines. While the results can be long-lasting and visually beautiful, knowing the healing process and following proper aftercare is essential for attaining ideal outcomes.
Learn what clients can expect after the procedure and how to manage their recovery efficiently.
Understanding the Healing Timeline
The healing process for a lip tattoo typically spans four to six weeks, although individual experiences may vary depending on skin sensitivity, lifestyle, and the aftercare provided.
Lips may appear swollen and significantly more pigmented than the intended final colour in the first 24 hours. This initial boldness is temporary and will subside within a few days.
The lips begin to scab lightly and feel dry or tight by Day 2 to Day 4. Clients should resist picking or peeling at this stage to avoid scarring or uneven pigment retention.
The scabs naturally begin to flake off from Day 5 to Day 7, revealing a much lighter shade underneath. This period often causes concern as the lips may look patchy or uneven. However, this is a normal phase in the lip blushing process.
The lips generally settle into a more consistent colour by the second to third week, although it will still be softer than the final result.
Full pigment retention and final colour usually stabilise around the fourth to sixth week. Most professionals recommend a touch-up session around this time to correct any inconsistencies and ensure long-lasting coverage.
Immediate Aftercare Instructions
Immediately following the lip tattoo procedure, clients are advised to keep the area clean and avoid direct contact with food, drinks, and skincare products. Using a clean cotton pad with sterile water to gently wipe the lips for the first few hours helps prevent build-up and infection. Applying a healing balm, typically provided by the technician, keeps the lips hydrated and protected from environmental exposure.
Clients should also avoid applying makeup on or near the lips and should refrain from any activities that can irritate the treated area, including hot or spicy food, excessive talking, and kissing. During the first few nights, sleeping on the back with an elevated headrest is recommended to reduce swelling and avoid smudging pigment onto pillows.
ALSO READ: What to Know Before Booking Your Lip Embroidery Appointment
What to Avoid During Healing
Being cautious with sweat and outdoor exposure is essential. Avoid gym sessions, swimming pools, saunas, and direct sunlight for at least one to two weeks. These conditions may disrupt the pigment settling process or introduce bacteria into the healing tissue.
Alcohol consumption and smoking should also be avoided as they can cause pigment to fade or complicate healing due to dehydration and contamination.
It’s also necessary not to exfoliate or use any skincare products that contain active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid near the lip area during healing. These substances can interfere with pigment absorption and cause irritation.
Touch-Ups and Long-Term Care
A second session or touch-up is commonly scheduled four to eight weeks after the initial procedure. This schedule is necessary to perfect the colour, shape, and saturation. The results of a lip tattoo may not last as long or look as refined without this session. Between sessions, clients should continue using a mild moisturiser and SPF lip balm to protect the pigment from fading due to sun exposure.
Regular hydration and sun protection are key for long-term maintenance. Clients should also note that some cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels or laser treatments near the lips, may cause premature fading of the tattoo. Informing beauty therapists and dermatologists about existing lip tattoos is necessary before undergoing any skin treatments.
Conclusion
Proper aftercare significantly influences the final outcome of lip blushing. Clients should closely follow technician instructions, especially during the first week of healing when the risk of complications is highest. While the healing process may seem inconvenient, individuals who invest in proper care can reap the advantages of well-defined, naturally pigmented lips for months, reducing the need for daily makeup.
Visit HighBrow and experience beautifully tinted lips without daily lipstick application.
