5 Essential Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Semi-Permanent Lip Tattoo

A semi-permanent lip tattoo is a subtle and effective way to enhance the natural beauty of your lips without the need for daily touch-ups. If you’re tired of constantly reapplying lipstick or want to correct uneven lip colour, this treatment might be perfect for you. Before booking your appointment, here are five things you should know:

What is Semi-Permanent Lip Tattooing?

A semi-permanent lip tattoo helps to define the natural contour of your lips, correct asymmetry, and enhance lip colour. It’s a non invasive and affordable option. The goal is to enhance your lips subtly, not create a bold, heavy look. The chosen shade should complement your natural lip colour and skin tone, offering a polished and natural result.

This treatment can be combined with lip fillers to further enhance volume if desired. For the best results, it’s recommended to choose a shade that’s close to your natural lip colour, or slightly darker or brighter. Contouring techniques, using two shades, can also add dimension, with darker pigments applied near the lip line and lighter colors toward the center.

A thorough consultation is essential before the treatment. At this appointment, you will undergo a patch test for pigment and numbing cream, complete a medical questionnaire to rule out contraindications, and discuss your desired results.

On the day of the procedure, we will outline your lips, ensuring you approve the shape and colour before beginning. The full process, including applying the numbing cream and creating the template, can take up to 2.5 hours. Afterward, expect your semi-permanent makeup to last between 2 to 5 years, depending on your skin type and aftercare routine.

Preparation is key for a successful treatment. If you’ve had a cold sore (herpes simplex virus) outbreak before, you should consider taking antiviral medication a few days before the procedure, as the virus can be reactivated by the treatment.

Two days before your appointment, avoid alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen (they thin the blood), as well as antibiotics for two weeks before the treatment. But do not discontinue any medication without your doctor consent. Smoking can also slow down the healing process, so it’s best to avoid it before and after your procedure.

During the healing time, you’ll need to apply an aftercare ointment regularly to keep your lips moisturised. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and getting your lips wet with tap water. Drinking through a straw can help you manage the healing period.

After the treatment, your lips will appear darker and more intense than the final result. This is normal, and after about five days, the colour will begin to settle into the target shade.

It’s essential to treat your lips gently during the healing phase. Avoid rubbing, soaking, or using any cosmetics not recommended by your aftercare instructions, until fully healed. Keep your lips moisturised with the recommended ointment.

Schedule a follow-up appointment in 4 to 6 weeks for a touch-up, ensuring the best possible long-term results.

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a semi-permanent lip tattoo. Here are some contraindications to be aware of:

• Cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy: Lip tattoos can only be performed at least six months after your final chemotherapy session, with your doctor’s approval.
• Uncontrolled diabetes: If your diabetes is not managed or is advanced, you will need a doctor’s approval before proceeding.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid the treatment until after their pregnancy or nursing period.
• Psoriasis on the treatment site, active herpes, or those currently on steroid medications should wait until these conditions are resolved before undergoing the procedure.

If you have hypersensitivity to pain, this treatment may not be recommended for you.

If you’re looking for professional semi-permanent lip tattoo services in Hertfordshire, including Ware, Hertford, or Welwyn Garden City, contact us for a consultation. We’ll help you achieve natural, beautiful lip enhancement results.