How Long Does It Take To Heal Lip Blush?

How Long Does It Take To Heal Lip Blush
Claudia Faucher / FitFab50

As long as you are in good health and choose the right artist for you, you should be surprised at how easily and quickly your lips heal after having lip color tattooed.

It is important to take proper aftercare for permanent lip color to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

** I may earn a commission when you purchase through a link on this page. **

We’re going to examine how your permanent lipstick will look as it heals, along with lip-blushing healing process tips and aftercare.

What is lip blushing?

The purpose of lip blushing is to enhance your lips’ color, shape, and fullness with a semi-permanent tattoo.

During this procedure, color ink is deposited on your lips and along your lip line to improve the overall appearance. Colors are subtle for a natural appearance

How Long Does It Take To Heal Lip Blush?

It takes 4-5 days to heal. But, it takes about two weeks for the color to fully heal. Lip blush is a form of permanent makeup that gives the lips a natural flush of color. The results are typically long-lasting but can vary depending on the individual.

During this time, it is important to avoid any activities that may cause the color to fade or bleed, such as sun exposure or drinking alcohol.

After the initial healing period, the color will gradually fade over time and will need to be touched up every few years to maintain the desired results.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

After the lip blush procedure, it’s crucial to follow your technician’s recommendations for initial care and precautions. Your lips may feel sensitive, and you may experience mild swelling and redness.

During this time, it’s essential to apply a healing ointment as directed by your technician to keep your lips moisturized and promote healing.

Avoid consuming spicy or acidic foods and drinks, and refrain from touching the treated area. Keep your lips clean and dry to prevent infection and ensure a smooth recovery.

Lip Blush Healing Stages

Stage 1: Swelling and redness (Days 1-3)

During the first few days after the procedure, your lips may appear swollen and more red than usual. This is a normal part of the healing process, and the swelling should subside within a few days. To manage discomfort, you can apply a cold compress to the area or take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

Stage 2: Peeling and flaking (Days 4-7)

As your lips heal, you may notice some peeling and flaking. This is a natural part of the exfoliation process and is essential for revealing the true color of your lip blush. Avoid picking or peeling the skin, as this can cause scarring and uneven pigment. Instead, allow the skin to shed naturally and continue applying the aftercare ointment as directed by your technician.

Stage 3: Color fading and stabilization (Days 8-14)

During this stage, you may notice that the color of your lip blush appears to fade. This is completely normal, as the pigment settles and stabilizes beneath the skin. Be patient during this phase, and trust that the final results will reveal themselves once the healing process is complete.

Tips for a Smooth Healing Process

Avoiding activities that can hinder healing

Certain activities can interfere with the healing process and should be avoided. These include prolonged sun exposure, swimming or soaking in water, and participating in intense physical activities that may cause sweating or irritation to the treated area. By steering clear of these activities, you can ensure a smoother and more successful recovery.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can also contribute to a successful healing process. Focus on proper nutrition and hydration, ensuring that your body receives the necessary nutrients to promote healing. Additionally, get adequate rest to allow your body to recover and reduce stress, which can negatively impact the healing process.

Post-Healing Touch-ups and Maintenance

Scheduling a touch-up appointment

Once your lips have fully healed, you may find that a touch-up appointment is necessary to perfect the color and evenness of your lip blush. Consult with your technician to determine the best time to schedule a touch-up, typically around 6-8 weeks after the initial procedure.

Long-term lip care and maintenance

To maintain the appearance of your lip blush, it’s essential to practice proper lip care. Use sun protection to prevent premature fading, regularly moisturize your lips to keep them soft and supple, and gently exfoliate them to remove dead skin cells and maintain a smooth surface. By following these steps, you can enjoy the beautiful results of your lip blush procedure for an extended period.

Treating Lip Blushing

Fortunately, there are ways to treat lip blushing.

  • First, try to avoid exposing yourself to extreme heat or sunlight.
  • Second, use a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.
  • Third, apply a cooling mask such as cucumber slices or ice cubes to your lips.
  • Fourth, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Finally, talk to your doctor about any other treatments that might help.

Swollen lips after lip blush

After the lip blushing treatment, your lips will be fairly swollen for a day or two.

Swelling of mild to moderate intensity is normal for most people. 

To ensure you aren’t allergic to the ink, you should perform a patch test 24 hours before your appointment.

Also, see … Why are my lips always dry and peeling?

What are the cons of lip blushing?

  • Lip blushing is an easy and subtle way to change the depth of color on your lips. But the results are not very pronounced
  • The process does not actually make your lips larger, rather, it gives the appearance of bigger, fuller lips
  • Results are not permanent and will require periodic maintenance for the best results
  • The lip blushing procedure is quite painful, even with a topical anesthesia
  • Prepare yourself for 1 to 2 weeks for full recovery time

Is lip blushing permanent?

While the resulting lip tint does not immediately wash off, lip blushing is only considered semi-permanent. It is normal for a lip-blushing treatment to last two to five years.

The inks and needles for traditional tattoos are often carbon-based which is rarely used in lip tattoos. And the needling devices that deliver modern-day iron oxide-derived pigments don’t penetrate as deep into the skin.

Continual exposure to the sun and the use of harsh abrasive scrubs or face washes will shorten the lifespan of your lip-blushing procedure.

Does lip blush damage your lips?

As with other sorts of tattooing, there can be side effects and risks from lip blushing. Minor ones include swelling, skin discoloration, and bleeding.

Serious side effects from lip blushing include infection, skin necrosis, and allergic reaction. Also, in some cases, the blood vessels can rupture after the tattoo is applied which could cause severe bruising where you have your lip blush applied.

In most cases, localized swelling will go away in a couple of days and your lips will fully heal in 10 – 14 days.

FAQs

What is lip blushing and how does it differ from traditional lip tattooing?

Lip blush tattooing is a modern technique for enhancing lips, offering a fuller look without the high cost or commitment of traditional tattoos.

By visiting a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, a topical anesthetic is applied for comfort, followed by pigment that mimics a natural blush, lasting 2-3 years.

Unlike permanent lip tattoos, lip blush is temporary and more affordable, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free, commitment-light lip enhancement.

Is the lip-blushing procedure painful?

The process of getting lip blushing is not as painful as traditional lip tattoos, but I would not say it is painless.

Most women use a topical anesthetic cream and gel for numbing before and during their procedure. I recommend getting that as well.

The entire lip-blushing procedure lasts around 30 minutes.

What is the lip-blushing healing process like?

The healing of your blush lip tattoo will take a few weeks.

Here are a few tips that will help:

Keep your lips moist at all times. 
Avoid oily, or spicy food
-Drink with a straw 
After every meal or snack, it is important to gently rinse your lips with water, then re-apply ointment.

Summary

The lip blush healing process is a crucial aspect of achieving the best results from your procedure. By understanding the stages of healing and following proper aftercare instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy the stunning, natural-looking enhancement that lip blush has to offer.

Embrace the process and, soon enough, you’ll be flaunting your gorgeous, rejuvenated lips with confidence!



FitFab50 is your go-to active lifestyle site for women and men over 50! Whether you're a gym rat, a weekend hiker, or just looking for advice on what to wear to a pool party , we've got you covered. Searching for compression shirts or running shorts? Explore our top-notch reviews on the latest workout gear. We're also on top of the newest, best swimsuits for women and men that don't skimp on comfort or fit. We also share practical exercise tips and advice, specially designed for you.