If you’re looking to give your lips a more vibrant shade with a poutier appearance (hello, Angelina Jolie), you might consider lip blushing. Lip blushing is the new, semi-permanent (2-3 years) way to get the kissable lips you’ve always dreamed of – without the hassle of injections.
If you’re considering going with the lip blushing technique, you likely have a lot of questions – one of the biggest being what the healing process is like, how bad the pain is afterward, and how you can care for your lips correctly post-treatment.
Well, this article is here to answer all of your prying lip blush questions. Below, you will discover all of the pertinent info regarding the lip blushing healing process, plus other essential info like how bad the swelling is, what items to avoid, and more.
How Long Does it Take Lip Blushing to Heal
Lip blushing typically takes up to four weeks before fully healed.
The first 10 to 14 days is when the “superficial” healing process takes place. During this time, the surface of the skin will heal. During the final healing days, the tissue beneath the skin will heal, allowing the pigments to fully settle.
Of course, proper lip care after a lip blushing treatment is key to success. Adequate aftercare will ensure a speedy healing and the best results possible.
How Bad is the Pain, and How Long Does it Last?
Lip blushing is essentially a semi-permanent tattoo applied to the lips. That said, there will be some level of pain during the procedure, although the artist will apply a numbing cream to reduce the pain. Most people describe the pain as repetitive pinches or scratches on the lips.
What about after the procedure, though? While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, most people will only experience mild pain for the first 24 hours following the process. Some people experience next to no pain at all. Again, this is all relative to your pain tolerance, so keep that in mind.
If you find that the soreness is causing you discomfort, you can always apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area. This will reduce pain and inflammation.
How Long Are Lips Swollen After Lip Tattoo?
Unfortunately, swelling is another side effect after a lip-blushing session. The good news is that lip swelling should disappear within the first three days following treatment. Again, an ice pack can help to reduce the swelling.
Healing Phases by Day
Let’s take a closer look at the healing phases by the day to help you better understand what to expect and how to care for your new lips during this time.
Within the First 48 hours
The first 48 hours after a lip blushing treatment will be the most intense. During this time, you can expect your lips to feel somewhat sore and appear swollen.
Some people struggle with so much swelling that their lips appear to have doubled in size or are larger in certain areas, creating an asymmetrical appearance. Don’t worry – the swelling will subdue, and your beautiful, symmetrical lips will emerge in a few short days. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to help reduce swelling.
Like any other type of tattoo, the color will also appear more vibrant. This can be shocking at first, especially since it will not be the shade you chose for lip blushing. Again, this is simply a side effect, and your lips will lighten up by about 35-40%.
Another side effect? Oozing lymphatic fluid. Don’t panic – this is 100% normal and not as dire or disgusting as it sounds. Since the lips are tattooed with tiny hole wounds, it’s only natural for your body to respond. Use a clean wipe or towel with water to blot it off.
Make sure you apply a lip balm that relieves dryness and cracking, such as Aquafor. Keeping your lips nice and moist after a lip blushing treatment is critical, especially during the first few days.
Avoid spicy or oily foods and drink with a straw. When you’re done eating, ensure your lips are cleaned off, and more ointment is applied.
First Week
After the first two days of healing, swelling and soreness should have dissipated. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods yet, though.
Around day 3 or 4, you will notice ample dryness and peeling. While picking and peeling at the scabs is tempting, this will do far more harm than good. Not only can you create patchiness, but opening the wound can make you more susceptible to infection.
During the first week, focus primarily on keeping the area clean and hydrated.
Wash your lips using a clean towel or wipe and water. You may also use a fragrance-free cleanser. Apply ointment to your lips as necessary. Other than that, keep your hands away from your lips. They’re healing – let them do their job and don’t impede the process.
After 1 Week
After the first week post-treatment, your lips should look and feel as normal. There should no longer be any struggle with swelling, pain, or flakiness.
However, keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for the color to fade. Sometimes, it disappears so much that it appears you didn’t do anything to your lips.
Don’t start panic-texting your artist, though. It’s normal for the color to fade – almost entirely – for a short period. The color should return around the 4-week mark after the skin has thickened and healed, allowing the ink to settle and become visible.
During this time, you can essentially go back to “normal”.” You should still apply ointment to ensure your lips stay nice and juicy.
What Should You Not Do After a Lip Blush Procedure?
There are some definite no-nos when it comes to lip blushing aftercare. You should avoid doing these for the first two weeks after treatment:
- Sweat excessively. If you enjoy going “hard” at the gym, you will want to take it easy for the first two weeks after lip blushing. Sweat can create the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
- Swim. Swimming should be avoided at all costs during the healing process, as the chemicals can harm the area.
- Expose yourself to excessive heat, such as in a sauna or jacuzzi. Keep your lips nice and cool!
- Suntan/sunbathe. Exposure to UV rays can lead to a change in the final color or premature fading.
- Engage in a laser/chemical treatment, peel, or use a product with Retin-A or Glycolic acid. This can lead to further damage to the area.
- Touch the area. Hands off! Only touch your lips with clean hands or a clean towel or cotton pad when you need to clean and moisturize your lips.
- Pick at the area. Although it can be tempting to peel or pick the scabs and flakes off, it’s best to leave your healing lips alone.
- Perform heavy cleaning. While you’re okay to clean your home, more significant projects that may create lots of airborne debris should be avoided.
- Consume excessive alcohol. Alcohol is known to slow the healing of wounds and, therefore, should be avoided for the first few weeks.
- Eat spicy/oily foods. These foods can hinder the healing process.
- Kiss or perform other frictional activities on the lips. Let your lips heal!
- Apply lipstick or lip gloss. Again, it’s all about keeping the area nice and clean. Remember – it’s a tattoo, which means it’s essentially a wound. Keep it clean to avoid mishaps and infections.
Do Lip Tattoos Get Infected Easily?
Because of the location, lip tattoos can get infected relatively easily. That’s why performing proper aftercare during the healing process is critical. Keeping the area clean and moist will help to fend off infections.
FAQ
When can you apply lip balm?
A lip balm should be applied during the first day following treatment. Remember – you need to keep the area nice and hydrated. So, a medicated, moisturizing lip balm like Aquaphor is essential.
When can you drink/eat hot items (coffee, soup)?
You should wait at least ten days before eating or drinking anything hot. During this time, cold foods and beverages are recommended. Use a fork and a straw.
How long before you can kiss after lip blush?
You should avoid kissing until at least ten days after treatment.
Can I wet my lips after lip blush?
Lips should only be wet if you are cleaning them. After cleaning, blot dry the area and apply a medicated, moisturizing lip calm.
Can I put Vaseline on lip blush?
No, you should not put Vaseline on after lip blushing. The artist should give you a lip balm or recommend a product like Aquaphor.
The Lip-Blushing Healing Process May be Long, But Worth It
The lip-blushing healing process takes about four weeks to fully heal, but the first few days are the most critical. As long as you keep the area clean and moisturized and you refrain from picking or peeling at the flakes and scabs, you will have beautiful, luscious lips in no time.