Permanent Lip Color (Info and Photos)
Who Can Benefit from Permanent Lip Color?
Permanent makeup on the lips saves time and trouble from having to apply lip liner and continually reapply lipstick. Permanent lip liner can help correct and balance the symmetry of lips that are uneven, too thin, too thick, or scarred. Permanent lip color (“lipstick”) can restore color to lips that are too pale or seem washed-out. The lip tattooing procedure also helps prevent lipstick from “feathering” or “bleeding” into any creases or fine lines around the mouth. Lip gloss can be used on top of permanent lipstick to enhance the color or lipstick can be applied to change the color when desired.
Lip Shape and Design
Beautiful, shapely lips can accentuate anyone’s smile. Permanent lip liner and color can add definition and enhance the natural shape of “perfect” lips or improve the appearance of imperfect ones. At Artistic Cosmetic Solutions, every permanent lip color procedure includes a facial analysis and lip design consultation. Dr. Reed has 30 years experience in conventional makeup artistry. She has extensive training and experience in advanced techniques for cosmetic tattooing of the lips and in color theory for permanent cosmetics pigments.
Color Selection
If possible, you should wear and bring your favorite color of lipstick or lip pencil to your procedure appointment for evaluation and possible matching. The pigment colors that coordinate with your skin tone, hair and eye color, and personal preferences will be chosen. Dr. Reed will work with you to create a custom designed lip liner and color that pleases you. She uses a conservative approach since it is easier to darken permanent makeup later than to lighten it. If a lighter color is selected, it can always be changed or darkened by applying a different color lip pencil or lipstick. Dr. Reed will only use colors you have approved, and those pigments will be recorded in your chart for future reference at a follow-up or maintenance appointment. Full spectrum fluorescent light bulbs that simulate natural daylight are used in the studio to improve the color selection process.
Lip Color Tattooing Techniques
After optimal design and color have been determined, a custom-made topical anesthetic will be applied to numb your lips. The final pattern will be drawn and approved by you as the template Dr. Reed will follow during the procedure. She creates permanent lip liner and color in the following ways:
- Blended Lip Liner: This technique creates a lip liner and then softens or blends it. The color is “feathered” inward slightly from the lip border so it appears as if that person’s lipstick has been “eaten-off.” This technique is more attractive than a liner by itself (a plain line) which can appear harsh once lipstick on the surface has worn off.
- Lip Liner with Full Lip Color: This procedure includes the permanent lip liner that creates definition and corrects asymmetry. From the lip liner inward, solid color is added throughout the lip. The resulting look can be worn alone with lip gloss to add a sheen and enhance the color. Different colors of regular lipstick can also be applied over it later to change the color (e.g. frosty, vibrant, or darker).
Before Your Permanent Lip Color Procedure
You should allow at least 3 to 4 hours for your appointment (full lip procedures take the most time). Tweezing or waxing of facial hair in the surrounding lip area should be done at least 48 hours prior to the procedure. Electrolysis or laser hair removal should be done at least 5 days before. Lip procedure results are enhanced if the lips are not too dry. Exfoliation of dry, dead skin cells prior to the procedure helps, as well as adequate hydration (drinking enough water). You should also avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, or Ibuprofen for 24 hours prior to treatment to help minimize swelling and bleeding.
If you have a history of cold sores, canker sores, fever blisters, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster (Shingles) or Chicken Pox, you may have an outbreak triggered by the procedure. You should obtain a prescription from your physician or dentist for an anti-viral medication (Zovirax or Valtrex) to prevent an outbreak. It should be taken for 2-3 days before the lip procedure and 3-5 days after as directed. Detailed information on pre-procedure preparation will be given to you when you schedule your appointment.
After Your Permanent Lip Color Procedure
Immediately after your appointment, there will be some temporary overall swelling, tenderness, and sometimes bruising (in some places) that will subside within a few days. The color will be much brighter than desired during the first week. It will look better after 5 to 7 days when the initial healing is complete. Over the next few weeks, the color will soften, fade, then seem to “disappear” and gradually return. Color stabilization occurs during the first 2 to 4 weeks following any lip procedure.
Since your lips will be bright initially and you will need to be careful about eating, you should keep this in mind when scheduling your procedure appointment around work or social plans. Since Dr. Reed is an advocate for safe, correct after care, she will provide detailed verbal and written instructions. For your convenience and to minimize any chance of an infection or allergic reaction, she will supply you with a complete kit containing medical grade ointments and supplies at no additional cost. Any method of hair removal should not be resumed for at least 2 weeks following the lip procedure.
Follow-Up and Maintenance Appointments
The initial saturation with color occurs at your first procedure. If your lips appears too light after healing, they can be darkened at a follow-up ("touch-up") appointment. Refinement may also be needed to adjust areas that did not retain color due to tissue swelling during the procedure. Your follow-up should be completed between 4 to 8 weeks post procedure. Because permanent makeup can fade over time, you can schedule maintenance visits every few years to keep your color looking fresh. These visits are shorter and less expensive. (Note: Since lip tissue is anatomically different from regular skin, the color lightens dramatically following an initial procedure. Permanent lip color patients, therefore, should plan on needing at least one follow-up appointment.)
For "Consumer Guidelines" on choosing a good professional, general information on permanent cosmetics, and pricing, please refer to the “Common Questions & Answers” sub-pages.
