Lip tattoos (including lip blush tattoos, lip liner tattoos and other forms of cosmetic tattooing) are becoming super popular in the beauty world. Many are choosing semi permanent makeup for their lips as it’s long lasting and no daily hassle of traditional lipstick. Cosmetic tattooing is a more permanent solution for beautifully defined lips with results that can last for months. But one of the most common questions about the procedure is: Is lip tattooing painful? If you’re getting a lip tattoo, understanding the pain level, healing process and how to manage the discomfort will help you prepare for the experience.
Purpose of lip blush tattoos
Lip tattooing is the application of pigment to your lips using a tattooing needle. The result is a semi permanent enhancement of your natural lip colour. There are several types of lip tattoos to choose from including lip liner tattoos, lip blush tattoos and Ombre lip tattoos each with varying degrees of coverage. Cosmetic tattooing can also include specialized techniques like lip neutralisation which is designed to correct or enhance lip tones that may be uneven or too cool toned. The procedure can enhance the natural lip colour, add definition and even correct uneven or faded lips, it’s a beautiful alternative to traditional lipstick. With cosmetic procedure results that last 8-14 months it’s no wonder why lip tattoos are so popular for long lasting beauty. But what about the pain?
How much pain does lip tattooing cause?
Pain level of lip tattoos vary depending on individual factors such as pain tolerance, skin tone and the type of tattoo you are getting. On a pain scale most people say mild discomfort but can range from mild stinging to intense pain depending on your skin sensitivities.
The lip tattoo is done on a delicate area of the body and the skin on your lips is thin and sensitive. So discomfort is normal. But an experienced tattoo artist will use the right technique to minimize the pain and will apply numbing cream or secondary numbing to keep the area as comfortable as possible.
For most people the pain is like a slight pricking or scratching sensation. Some say it’s like having your lips exfoliated. But if you have low pain tolerance or sensitive to broken skin the discomfort may feel more intense.
Factors that Affect Pain During Tattoo
- Pain Tolerance: Everyone’s pain threshold is different. What feels mild to one person may be more painful to someone else.
- Tattoo Type: A full lip blush tattoo or Ombre lip tattoo which requires more coverage may be more uncomfortable than a lip liner tattoo.
- Skin Sensitivities: If you have oily skin, broken skin or skin sensitivities these will contribute to more irritation during the process. Lifestyle choices such as smoking can also affect your comfort and healing.
- Tattooing Process: Tattooing involves small punctures in the skin so the blood vessels in the area will also affect your pain. The blood flow during the process will make it more uncomfortable.
- Aftercare Instructions: Proper aftercare instructions is crucial to avoid complications and can also affect your overall comfort post procedure. If you don’t follow the healing instructions properly you might experience soreness or sore outbreaks.
Pain Management During Tattooing
If you’re worried about the discomfort here are some pain management techniques that can help reduce pain during lip tattooing:
- Numbing Cream: Before starting your cosmetic tattoo artist will apply a numbing cream to the lips. This cream will minimize the pain and numb the area so the procedure will be more tolerable.
- Cold Compress: Apply cold compress or cold pack to the lips before or after the procedure to reduce swelling and numbing effects so the process will be more bearable.
- Medication: Over the counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help with the discomfort before and after the procedure. But blood thinners like aspirin should be avoided as it can cause bleeding.
- Relaxation: Stay calm and relaxed during the procedure to reduce the pain. Tensing up will make it more uncomfortable.
During and After Procedure
During the procedure the tattoo artist will use specialized tattooing needles to apply the ink to your lips. The process will take 1-2 hours depending on the lip tattoo procedure. As I mentioned earlier you will feel some discomfort but the numbing cream will take most of the pain away.
Afterwards your lips will be swollen and tender for a couple of days. This is all part of the healing process. You may also notice your lips start to peel and flake during the healing phase which is normal for most tattoos. During the healing period you need to follow proper aftercare instructions. This means no spicy food, no acidic food and no alcohol that can irritate the healing skin and disrupt the tattooing process.
Antiviral medication may be prescribed if you’re prone to cold sores as it will prevent any outbreak that can interfere with the healing process.
A Little Pain for a Lasting Gain
Lip tattooing may be painful but many clients find it’s worth it. A beautifully shaped and colored lip can save you time and money on makeup especially if you’re someone who wears lipstick daily. The long term effects of the procedure (1-3 years) can be a good investment for those looking for a low maintenance beauty solution.
Conclusion
Lip tattooing may be painful but the pain is manageable with the right numbing techniques and aftercare. If you have a moderate pain tolerance and choose an experienced tattoo artist the pain will be minimal and it will be worth it for the beautiful long lasting lips.
If you’re ready to get a cosmetic lip tattoo make sure to choose a professional tattoo artist with experience in lip tattoos. They will make sure your lips look amazing and the process will be as painless as possible.
FAQ
How long does the pain last after a lip tattoo?
The pain will last only a few hours to a couple of days after the procedure. Swelling and tenderness will subside in a few days.
Can I eat after getting a lip tattoo?
No spicy food, no acidic food and no hot drinks for at least a few days.
What if I get a cold sore after my lip tattoo?
If you’re prone to cold sores consult your doctor for antiviral medication and follow the aftercare instructions.
How long do lip tattoos last? Lip tattoos
last 6-12 months depending on skin tone, lifestyle and aftercare.
Can I remove a lip tattoo if I don’t like it?
Lip tattoo removal is possible but it’s a long process. Consult your artist or a professional if you want to remove.
