HOW TO PREPARE
Preparing for your lip procedure is very important. Not only does it play a huge role in how you heal and retain color, it also will determine how comfortable you will be during the procedure as well as how long your appointment will take.
Discontinue blood thinners. You will want to refrain from any blood thinning supplements you may be taking for 1 week prior to as well as day of scheduled appointment. (this includes but not limited to: NSAIDS, ibuprofen, aspirin, motrin, fish oil, turmeric, etc.)
In regards to blood thinning prescription medications, please be prepared to seek medical advice from your physician.
No alcohol minimum 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Limit sun exposure preferably 1 week before your appointment.
Not advised to consume caffeine before your procedure.
Don’t use retinol products or target skin treatments on or around the lip area minimum 1 week prior to appointment. Simply keep the skin clean and hydrated. Any more aggressive treatments (i.e. lasers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion) should be avoided 4 weeks prior. Skin healing time is required before tattooing.
Avoid botox and/or fillers on or around the lip area minimum 3 weeks before your scheduled appointment.
SPECIFIC FOR LIPS
*VERY IMPORTANT*
If you ARE prone to cold sores or have ever had a cold sore on your lips, please obtain a script for an anti-viral medication before getting this procedure. Recommendation taking anti-viral: 5 days before appt./day of appt./4 days after appt. (total 10 days)
If you are NOT prone to cold sores, it is still recommended taking an anti-viral for precautionary measures. Lips are very sensitive and vascular. If you don’t wish to take an anti-viral, that is your choice, please just let me know. Other recommendation: L-lysine 500mg (morning/night) and Vitamin C 500mg (morning/night). Both shown to have anti-viral and healing properties.
Very gently exfoliate the lips the night before your procedure and keep them hydrated and clean for the remainder of time up to procedure.
avoid any tinted lip products for 1 week before your procedure (lipstick, lipgloss, lip liner)
If you have any questions pertaining to any of the information above as well as any additional questions, please contact me in regards to scheduling a personal consultation.
Consultation
Unless we had a personal consultation prior to booking your appointment, this is when we would go more in depth about lip colors and possible lip reshaping. Don’t forget to bring in your favorite lip colors so we can swatch and match them!
*I do require you to consult with me first if you want me to tattoo your lips exactly how you draw them yourself, with no adjustments.
Design
Aftercare
When we are all done the tattoo process, I will let you see the final results! We will take your “after” photos and then discuss your aftercare (listed below). When you checkout, I will give you your aftercare products to take home and use.
Aftercare is rather simple so try not to overthink, however don’t forget it is open skin. Keeping products and bacteria away from the open area of the skin will help reduce the risk of irritation or possible infection. Follow the simple aftercare rules below and you will be fine.
CLEANSE LIPS 2-3X A DAY.
Cleanse lips (morning|noon|night) with provided or recommended aftercare cleanser. Use clean cotton round and dampen with cleanser. Do a couple gentle swipes over the lips using a back and forth motion. Let airdrop, do not rinse off. Light layer of aftercare balm recommended to apply to lips after cleaning.
BLOT LIPS FREQUENTLY.
With a clean tissue, blot the lips frequently throughout the day for the first 2 days. This is to ensure lymphatic fluid will not sit on top of the tattoo.
KEEP LIPS DRY.
It is important to keep the lips dry as much as possible (other than when cleansing). Excessive contact with water will dilute the pigment retention in the skin. When showering/bathing, be sure to keep the lips out of direct streaming water as this may remove unhealed skin prematurely. Use a “hand cupping” motion to protect the lips and simply wash hair and body in the shower. Keep a clean towel close by in order to pat lips dry if water gets on them.
Wash your face at the sink for more control. Use a damp washcloth to wet the skin around the lips and remove facial cleanser around the lips. (It is recommended to use a gentle facial cleanser on the skin the period of time your lips are healing to avoid skin irritation.) Cleanse the lips after cleaning your face.
Refrain from licking your lips.
Drink through a straw when possible.
KEEP LIPS CLEAN.
Keep makeup and other topical products (that are NOT the recommended aftercare) off and away from the lips for the whole time your skin is healing. (This includes facial moisturizers, retinol, etc.)
When eating, use utensils and cut your food in to tiny pieces to avoid contact with healing lips. *avoid spicy, acidic, and high sodium foods as these will agitate the lips.
NO EXERCISING.
On the day of your procedure as well as the week while you are healing, it is not advised to be active. This could result in loss of pigment retention in the skin.
DO NOT PICK!
Touching your lips (other than for cleansing) is not advised. Only ever touch the healing lips with clean hands.
When sleeping, do not lay on your lips. Sheets/pillow may pull unhealed skin prematurely causing pigment loss.
*The only thing that should touch your lips the week while healing is the specified aftercare. Anything else may result in poor pigment retention in which additional sessions may be needed. This will be at an additional cost.
YOU WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE “HOW TO PREPARE” INSTRUCTIONS WHILE YOU ARE HEALING
Infection:
Infections are rare but always possible. Signs of infection include: fever, prolonged or severe pain, redness, and swelling in the immediate area, along with a warm/radiating heat sensation; sores that contain or release thick white or yellow fluid, hard red raised bumps or wounds, nausea, vomiting. If you think you have an infection seek medical attention immediately!
Healing
Days 2-4 : Bright and plump
Days 3-7 : Light and flaky. Should just look like dry lips.
KEEP YOUR LIPS LOOKING LUSH
Your lips are tattooed, your skin is healed up, but what should you do the preserve your new tattoo? Here are some things you will want to keep in mind for long term care.
Avoid sun exposure. Keeping your lips out of direct sunlight is best. I recommend using SPF chopstick on the lips daily for best sun protection.
Be careful with topical skin products. Aggressive products, such as exfoliating acids and retinol, will lighten your tattoo overtime if placed on or near the tattoo. Keep the products away from tattoo.
Medications/supplements you may currently be taking (or may take in the future) could contribute to pigment loss in the skin.
Your natural metabolism will break down pigment overtime.
As much as we want our tattoo to remain fresh for years to come, you will need touch ups throughout the years. When you want to come in to refresh your lip tattoo is up to you, however I recommend getting touch ups every year to keep color looking its best.