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Lip Blush Pre & Post-Care Guide
Who Can Benefit from Lip Blush?
Lip blush is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enhance their natural lip color and achieve a soft, youthful look. While the healing process can feel a bit unusual, the stunning results make it absolutely worth it!
To ensure the best possible outcome, following the pre-procedure guidelines and post-procedure aftercare instructions is essential. Proper preparation and care will not only make the process smoother but also maximize the long-lasting benefits of your lip blush treatment.
Here’s what you can expect before and after your lip blush procedure.
How to Prepare for Your Lip Blush Procedure
Proper preparation is key to achieving the best results from your lip blush treatment. Following these steps will ensure a smooth process and beautifully healed results:
Hydration and Exfoliation
In the days leading up to your appointment, keep your lips hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a good lip moisturizer. Gentle exfoliation is also recommended to remove dry or flaky skin, leaving your lips smooth and ready for treatment.
Pause Active Skincare Products
Stop using Vitamin C serums, retinoids, glycolic acids, and chemical peels at least two weeks before and after your session. While these products work wonders for skin regeneration, they can interfere with cosmetic tattoos. Avoid applying these serums to your lips during the healing process and even after they’ve healed to maintain the integrity of the pigment.
Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and Blood Thinners
For 24 hours before your appointment, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications. This is a critical step, as these substances can increase sensitivity during the procedure and may cause excessive bleeding or bruising, which could impact your final results.
Timing Lip Fillers
If you’re planning to get lip fillers, wait at least one month before or after your lip blush procedure. The combination of lip blush and fillers is fantastic—lip fillers provide volume, while lip blush enhances shape, color, and definition for a natural, fuller look. Many clients find they no longer need fillers after seeing the transformative effects of lip blush alone.
Cold Sore Prevention
If you’ve ever experienced cold sores, it’s essential to take antiviral medication (such as Valtrex) 2-3 days before and 3-5 days after your appointment. Although lip blush doesn’t cause cold sores, the process can trigger an outbreak if the virus is already dormant in your system. Plan ahead to consult your doctor and obtain the necessary prescription.
Wait After Using Accutane
If you’ve taken Accutane, it’s recommended to wait at least one year before getting lip blush. Accutane can dry out the skin, leading to uneven results, so it’s best to allow your body to fully recover before undergoing cosmetic tattooing.
Timing Other Treatments
- Botox: Schedule Botox two weeks before or two weeks after your lips have completely healed.
- Laser Treatments: Avoid laser treatments for at least two weeks before or after your lip blush session.
Post-Care for Lip Blushing: What You Need to Know
Caring for your lips after a lip blush procedure is essential to achieve the best results. Here’s what you can expect and how to care for your lips on the first day:
Day 1: The First 24 Hours
After your lip blush procedure, your body will naturally produce lymphatic fluid—a yellowish-clear fluid that helps form a scab as part of the healing process. Use clean water wipes provided to gently remove this fluid 1-2 hours after your treatment. Allow your lips to dry briefly before applying a very thin layer of A&D ointment.
Avoid using any other lip balms, as some contain ingredients that can pull pigment from the freshly tattooed skin. Keeping your lips moisturized with the recommended products is key to ensuring optimal healing and color retention.
Your lips may feel sensitive during this time, and swelling is entirely normal. Some clients may experience noticeable swelling, while others may have very little. This varies based on individual body chemistry, so there’s no need for concern. Any swelling will subside as part of the natural healing process.
Foods to Avoid on Day 1
To prevent irritation, avoid consuming foods or drinks that are:
- Too hot or too cold
- Spicy
- Acidic (such as citrus fruits)
Moisturizing
In general, you will want to continue to moisturize with a&d ointment/aquaphor/coconut oil periodically. Don’t overdo the amount of moisturizer you are applying to the lips. A thin layer every time you feel them drying out is plenty. If you glob large amounts on it will actually be bad for your lips. Over moisturizing can lead to lips becoming irritated and possibly forming little bumps on the lips. Swelling will be minimal to none at this point by the second day of your healing process.
Lip Blush Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Healing Process
Proper aftercare is essential to achieving beautiful, long-lasting lip blush results. Follow these important guidelines to ensure the best possible healing experience:
Don’t Pick or Exfoliate
As your lips heal, they will become dry and flaky. Do not pick or exfoliate the peeling skin—let it shed naturally. Picking can compromise the pigment and lead to uneven color. Areas where the skin is picked may heal without pigment, affecting the final results. Instead, keep your lips moisturized and be patient.
As the old skin flakes away, a soft, lighter lip color will emerge. Don’t worry if the color appears underdeveloped, particularly in the center of your lips. This is completely normal, and the full, vibrant results will bloom between 4-8 weeks after your procedure.
Avoid Pools & Saunas
During the healing process, stay away from pools, saunas, or any environment that might expose your lips to excessive moisture. Avoid getting your lips wet as much as possible to preserve the pigment.
Pause Active Skincare Products
Stop using Vitamin C serums, retinoids, and glycolic treatments two weeks before and two weeks after your session, especially around the lip area. These products can interfere with the healing process and impact the final color.
Timing Botox and Laser Treatments
- Botox: Schedule Botox treatments two weeks before or two weeks after your lips have fully healed.
- Laser Treatments: Laser treatments should be done at least two weeks before or after lip blush. Be aware that laser treatments targeting the lips in the future may lighten or remove the pigment, as lasers can mimic tattoo removal effects.
Skip Cosmetics for a Week
Refrain from applying any cosmetics to your lips for at least 7 days after the procedure. Once the skin has completely healed, you can return to your regular makeup routine. Until then, keep your lips moisturized and allow them to breathe.
Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend
Protect your lips from the sun during the healing process and beyond! Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 7 days, as it can cause irritation to newly tattooed lips. Moving forward, always use SPF to protect your lips and extend the lifespan of your tattoo.
First 24 Hours:
Aftercare Immediately Post-Procedure
The first 24 hours after your lip blush procedure can feel a bit tricky, as your lips may still be numb and slightly swollen. To ensure proper healing and avoid irritation, here’s what you should keep in mind:
Eating and Drinking Guidance
- Eat carefully: Opt for smaller bites of food to avoid unnecessary pressure on your lips.
- Drink through a straw: This minimizes direct contact between liquids and your lips, which is essential for preventing irritation.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks: Stay away from anything that could stain your lips until they’re fully healed.
- No alcohol for 24 hours: Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Alcohol can increase swelling and affect the healing process.
By following these simple tips, you’ll help protect your lips as they begin to heal and ensure your lip blush results remain as vibrant as possible.
Things to Avoid After Your Lip Blushing Procedure
After your lip blush procedure, following proper aftercare is essential to achieve the best results and maintain the integrity of your new look. Here are key things to avoid:
Chemical Peels & Skin Rejuvenating Products
Avoid using chemical peels, retinoids, or any skin rejuvenating products around your lips, as they can cause premature fading of the pigment.
Food Sensitivity
Immediately after your procedure, be mindful of what you eat. Avoid foods that are too hot or cold, as your lips may be sensitive. If your lips feel dry, apply a thin layer of A&D ointment to keep them moisturized and promote healing.
Kissing & Friction
One of the most common questions we receive is when it’s safe to resume intimate activities. We recommend avoiding any friction on your lips for at least a week, including kissing. Even though your partner may be clean, the transfer of bacteria can increase the risk of infection. It’s better to be cautious and allow your lips to fully heal. This ensures you protect your investment and your results.
Dehydration
Hydration plays a vital role in the healing process. While you can resume drinking alcohol and caffeine after your procedure, it’s important to limit your intake, as these substances can dehydrate your body. Staying hydrated will help your lips heal properly and ensure long-lasting, vibrant results.
Intense Workouts
If you love working out, it’s essential to take a short break from high-intensity exercises for about 4 to 5 days post-procedure. Strenuous activity increases heart rate and can cause ink to be released prematurely. Additionally, sweat can affect the scabbing process, which may result in uneven healing and loss of color. It’s important to let your lips fully heal before resuming your workout routine.
The Final Result
Lip blushing is a life-changing procedure that enhances your natural beauty and gives your lips a fresh, vibrant glow. By following these aftercare steps, you’ll ensure that your results are nothing short of stunning. Patience is key, but the final outcome will make you feel like every day is a runway moment.
How Often Does Lip Blushing Need to Be Touched Up?
Lip blushing typically lasts between 2 to 3 years, providing a natural, long-lasting enhancement to your lips. However, to maintain the vibrancy and definition of your lip color, touch-up sessions are recommended every 4 to 8 weeks after the initial procedure. This allows the pigment to settle and ensures your lips have fully healed before moving on to the next session.
While lip blushing can last for several years, the pigment will naturally lighten over time as your lips age. The natural regeneration of lip tissue, combined with the semi-permanent nature of the procedure, means that your results may gradually soften. This makes lip blushing an ideal choice for those looking for subtle, adjustable enhancement over time.
Many of our clients choose to return for annual refresh appointments to keep their lips looking fresh and defined. These refresh sessions are perfect for maintaining the perfect hue and shape, ensuring your lips stay vibrant and youthful as your skin evolves. Even with the use of Botox or lip fillers, lip blushing provides a timeless, customized solution to maintain the ideal lip appearance as your skin naturally changes.