Lip tattoos can either be performed on the outside or inside of your lips. To make sure that the process is safely done, you have to choose a reputable tattooist to handle the procedure so that the risk of complications can be reduced. The mouth is a very sensitive area, so getting your lips tattooed or filled in can be painful. The average cost of a lip tattoo can range from $50 or more. Lip tattoos tend to fade quickly compared to the other parts of the body, which is why touch-ups might be required every few months.
What is a Lip Tattoo?
Lip tattoos are done by inserting color pigments into the lips with the use of fine tattooing needles. This could be in the form of a cosmetic procedure that acts as a form of permanent makeup in your lip area. Whether the tattoo is done on the inside or outside of your lips, it is important to consider that this procedure can be painful and is prone to infection. That is why it is important to investigate all the facts to determine if this procedure is really worthwhile for you.
How Much Does a Lip Tattoo Cost?
Generally, the cost of a lip tattoo varies depending on the size, ink color, and complexity of the procedure. The cost also varies among providers. It is estimated that the cost of permanent makeup for the entire part of the outside lips is between $400 and $800. The cost of having small tattoos inside and outside of your lips is as low as $50. Also, it is important to consider that lip tattoos need frequent touch-ups, which may require more money in the long run.
What are the Risks of Getting a Lip Tattoo?
Despite how popular this procedure is, there are still some risks and side effects that you need to consider, especially if the tattoo is in the lip area.
Swelling
Needles that are used for creating the tattoo can cause micro-injuries in your skin. As a reaction to these injuries, your skin tends to swell. This is only natural, but no need to worry since it will ease up within a few days. In order to alleviate the swelling, you could apply cold packs.
Scarring
If the lip tattoo is not healing properly, then scars might emerge. Infections and allergic reactions can sometimes increase the risk of getting scars.
Infections
There are reasons why infections can occur in the lip area after a tattooing procedure. It is important to ensure that your tattoo artist is using sterilized needles and equipment. Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions given to you such as using a mouth rinse. Another factor that can increase the risk of infections is when your lips get in contact with food, drinks, and even your saliva. Keep in mind that the lip tattoos on the inside are more vulnerable due to the bacteria and moisture inside the mouth.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to tattoos. Although it is quite rare, yet there are some people who have experienced this after getting inked. The swelling of the lips is just a normal reaction after having your lip tattoo. However, if the swelling occurs on the cheeks and neck and you are having difficulty in breathing, then you should get treatment right away. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening if it is not treated immediately.
Allergic Reactions
In case you have skin allergies or sensitivities, then you should talk to your aesthetician regarding the use of allergenic ink. Hives, rash, and itchiness are some of the indications of an allergic reaction.
Blood-Borne Illnesses
Blood-borne illnesses can likely occur when sterilized needles are not used. Some examples of blood-borne illnesses include HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Out of all the side effects that will occur after having a tattoo, it is estimated that only 0.02 percent are considered serious. Nevertheless, it is still essential that you should know how to avoid these risks and side effects to stay safe.
How to Prepare Yourself for a Lip Tattoo
The first thing that you should do is to figure out what type of tattoo you would like to have. Do you want it to be inked on the inside or on the outside of your lips?
Avoid drinking anything or brushing your teeth prior to your appointment. It is expected that the process will be painful, so you have to prepare yourself. Tattoo artists will not be using any anesthetics since it can interfere with the entire process.
Perhaps the most important thing is that you have to be prepared for the aftercare instructions that the artist will provide you. This includes instructions on keeping your lip tattoo dry and cleaning it properly. These are very important in order to prevent any infections.
How to Choose a Tattoo Artist
It is vital to look for the right aesthetician for permanent makeup or tattoo artist in order to reduce the side effects when getting lip tattoos. Typically, you would prefer to have the procedure performed in a reputable salon or studio with a licensed artist.
There are some states that require tattoo parlors to be registered within the state where they are conducting their business. However, in some states, this is not essential. That is why it is important that you should check your state regulations.
It is also important to ensure that the artist is practicing proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures and uses inks that are appropriate for tattoos. A reputable artist will always use brand-new needles and inks, as well as wear gloves throughout the process. You should also consider that there are some tattoo artists who are more experienced in lip tattoos compared to others. Before going to your appointment, you should ask the artist about their experience with lip tattoos.
Check the portfolio of your artist in order to determine if you are comfortable with the techniques that they use as well as their artistry. In other words, not all tattoo artists who are working with permanent ink are competent in doing lip tattoos.
What Occurs During a Lip Tattoo?
The first thing that the tattoo artist will do is to draw the design that you want. Afterward, it will be traced on the specific area of your lips. With the use of new, sterile needles, the tattoo artist will insert the ink by creating punctures in your skin. When the tattoo is done, a sterile bandage will be used to cover up your lips. In this way, infections can be prevented.
During the process, you should anticipate that there will be some pain and bleeding. Having a lip tattoo is more painful compared to other areas in the body. It will probably take two weeks before your tattoo will be completely healed. Therefore, it is important that you completely follow the aftercare instructions. The inside of your mouth should not be cleaned with soap. Instead, you can use an antibacterial mouth rinse.
How Long Does the Lip Tattoo Last?
Despite using vibrant colors, tattoo ink will likely fade away as the dermis and epidermis begin to heal. Lip tattoos that are done on the inside will fade quickly since they are always in contact with food, drinks, and saliva. However, you could ask for suggestions from your tattoo artist about any particular design or color that could last a bit longer.
Will You Be Needing Touch-Ups?
Eventually, you will be needing some touch-ups so your lip tattoo can look just the way it did when you first got it. Since it is expected that it will fade, then you will be needing a touch-up every few months.
However, it does not mean that the whole thing will be redone. It will depend on the extent of the faded tattoo. Perhaps you might need touch-ups for specific colors. You could also get your lips touched up if you would like to change the color entirely. This is usually common for permanent makeup.
Conclusion
A lip tattoo can be more painful and more complicated compared to tattoos on other areas of your body. However, when it is performed by a reputable artist, then you can enjoy the effect of having your lips tattooed or filled in. Just keep in mind that in case any side effects might emerge, you should contact your doctor right away. They can give you some recommendations on how to resolve the infection so it will not lead to scarring. If you experience any adverse reactions to the tattoo ink then you should talk to your doctor.
If you want to have a lip tattoo, then you can get it done at Luxe Beauty. Aside from a lip tattoo procedure, we also offer eyelash extensions, body treatments, facials, waxing, permanent makeup, and laser hair removal. For more information, you can give us a call at 801-898-8919 or send us your message at rsuyeyoshi@gmail.com.