A lip tattoo comes in different forms. One kind is the cosmetic makeup procedure which involves tattooing lip liner or even blushing the lips for a permanent look. Another kind is the inner lip tattoo, which resembles artistic and symbolic body tattoos.
Have you seen Kendall Jenner’s “Meow” lip tattoo on The Ellen Degeneres show? Some fans were shocked and some thought it was cute!
Now it’s your turn, and you’ve decided to get a lip tattoo. Whichever one you choose to get, here are some things to keep in mind!
They are only temporary
The first thing to know is that lip tattoos are usually temporary especially if they are on the inside of the lip. They fade away within a few weeks or months. The inner lining of the lip is constantly healing with a high cell turnover, which is why they fade easily. That being said, they will need frequent touch-ups if you would like to keep the design for a longer period of time.
Most importantly, the lips are a sensitive area so the procedure can be painful and make you more prone to infections.
Possible Risks of getting a lip tattoo
The mouth harbors a lot of bacteria. After the procedure, the area is exposed to all the different bacteria making it likely to become infected.
Swelling is also another risk of getting a lip tattoo. A needle is used to draw the tattoo inside your lip. This can cause micro injuries to your lip and skin. As a response to these injuries, our lips swell up. The swelling should subside within a few days.
Scarring is another risk to be considered because the needle creates micro injuries within the skin. If the area doesn’t heal properly, then scarring will become an issue.
How to take care after a lip tattoo
The risks mentioned will all be reduced with properly managing the area after getting a lip tattoo. Avoid citrus and spicy foods to reduce irritation. Keep the area clean and rinse with warm salt water to reduce the risk of infection. Use cold packs on the lips to reduce swelling. It’s important to allow the area to heal to also reduce the risk of scarring.
As with any other procedure, it’s important to go to a licensed professional. This will help ensure that you get the results you want without the undesired side effects.