Cosmetic Lip Tattoo
- Procedures
- Lips
- Cosmetic Lip Tattoo
Evidence Based
Cosmetic lip tattoos create the illusion of fuller, more pigmented lips. Candidates with undefined vermillion borders or with an ill-proportionate red lip show may seek a cosmetic lip tattoo as a permanent option for a fuller appearing pout.
E
Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Article History
Procedure Overview
Concerns
Ideal Candidate
Recovery
Side Effects
Results
Average Cost
Pros
- Short Recovery
- Quick Results
Cons
- Maintenance Sessions
- Unsatisfactory Results
- Unnatural
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
The Skinny
Average Recovery
1 weeks
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Injected
Surgical
No
Cost
$50 - $800
The Specifics
What is a cosmetic lip tattoo?
A cosmetic lip tattoo (like other permanent makeup techniques) is a minimally invasive, semi permanent procedure to augment the borders of the lips, the color of the lips, and the definition of the lips. The goal of a cosmetic lip tattoo is to improve, refine, and define the "red" part of the lips. The red lip is the pigmented part of the lips, and is separate from the "white roll", or vermillion border of the lips, which is the border between the red lip and the skin surrounding the mouth.
What cosmetic concerns does a cosmetic lip tattoo procedure treat?
Lip Shape: A cosmetic lip tattoo will create the illusion of fuller lips and more pigmented lips through the application of tattoo ink complementing a patient's existing skin tone and lip colour.
Who is the ideal candidate for a cosmetic lip tattoo procedure?
Ideal candidates for a cosmetic lip tattoo are 18 and older looking to refine and define the vermilion border, and create a fuller lip with a natural appearing lip colour. Lip tattoos are not recommended for those with infections in and around the mouth (like cold sores), smokers unwilling to quit around the time of the procedure, and those who are pregnant or nursing. Cancer survivors are advised to wait six months post treatment before considering a lip tattoo. Those actively undergoing cancer treatments will need special approval from their medical provider.
What is the average recovery associated with a cosmetic lip tattoo procedure?
Temporary side effects from a cosmetic lip tattoo usually resolve almost entirely within 10 days. Many patients can resume most normal activities within 24 hours. Precautions around the oral area will need to be taken for one week during aftercare.
What are the potential side effects of a cosmetic lip tattoo procedure?
Possible side effects from a cosmetic lip tattoo include bleeding, bruising, scabbing, scarring, and exacerbation of chronic lip infections.
What can someone expect from the results of a cosmetic lip tattoo procedure?
A cosmetic lip tattoo will provide immediate, semi-permanent results. Maintenance sessions will be required, however, timing is entirely dependent on the individual.
What is the average cost of a cosmetic lip tattoo procedure?
This is a semi permanent non-surgical procedure that can cost anywhere from $50 to $800. The actual cost of the procedure is dependent upon location, provider, and length and involvement of the procedure.
Pros
- Short Recovery
- Quick Results
Cons
- Maintenance Sessions
- Unsatisfactory Results
- Unnatural
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Cosmetic lip tattoos create the illusion of fuller, more pigmented lips. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a cosmetic lip tattoo.
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 1 week
- No alcohol 1 day prior
- Take an antiviral medication 1 week prior
During Treatment
Procedure will vary among individuals since aesthetic goals will differ from person to person. Generally:
- A consultation with provider to determine shape and shade
- Lips will then be cleansed, numbed, and marked
- Provider will tattoo lips
Immediately After Treatment
- Lips will be swollen
- Color may appear darker than expected but will fade
1-10 Days After Treatment and Beyond
- So not get the new tattoo wet for at least 1 week
- Scabs will form and naturally fall off
- Avoid messy foods and makeup for 10 days
- Avoid sun exposure
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 days
Result Notes
- Long lasting but not permanent
- Touch up tattoos will be necessary to maintain results
- Common to have 2 procedures to achieve desired results
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 1 week
- No alcohol 1 day prior
- Take an antiviral medication 1 week prior
During Treatment
Procedure will vary among individuals since aesthetic goals will differ from person to person. Generally:
- A consultation with provider to determine shape and shade
- Lips will then be cleansed, numbed, and marked
- Provider will tattoo lips
Immediately After Treatment
- Lips will be swollen
- Color may appear darker than expected but will fade
1-10 Days After Treatment and Beyond
- So not get the new tattoo wet for at least 1 week
- Scabs will form and naturally fall off
- Avoid messy foods and makeup for 10 days
- Avoid sun exposure
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 days
Result Notes
- Long lasting but not permanent
- Touch up tattoos will be necessary to maintain results
- Common to have 2 procedures to achieve desired results
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 1 week
- No alcohol 1 day prior
- Take an antiviral medication 1 week prior
During Treatment
Procedure will vary among individuals since aesthetic goals will differ from person to person. Generally:
- A consultation with provider to determine shape and shade
- Lips will then be cleansed, numbed, and marked
- Provider will tattoo lips
Immediately After Treatment
- Lips will be swollen
- Color may appear darker than expected but will fade
1-10 Days After Treatment and Beyond
- So not get the new tattoo wet for at least 1 week
- Scabs will form and naturally fall off
- Avoid messy foods and makeup for 10 days
- Avoid sun exposure
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 days
Result Notes
- Long lasting but not permanent
- Touch up tattoos will be necessary to maintain results
- Common to have 2 procedures to achieve desired results
The Takeaway
A cosmetic lip tattoo is a semi permanent cosmetic tattooing procedure to enhance lip colour and create fuller lips. Tattoo ink is selected to match a patient’s skin tone and natural lip colour. Aftercare is straightforward and typically lasts about one week. Touch-up appointments and maintenance treatments will be required.
Is this article helpful?
To learn more about our content creation practices,visit our Editorial Process page.
Source List
+
AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Related Procedures
Learn More About
Cosmetic Lip Tattoo in The AEDITION
Find Top Aesthetic Providers Near You
Providers by Locations
- Alpharetta, GA Providers
- Brookline, MA Providers
- Cockeysville, MD Providers
- Fort Lauderdale, FL Providers
- Glendale, CA Providers
- Lake Bluff, IL Providers
- Lone Tree, CO Providers
- Metairie, LA Providers
- More Locations
- New Haven, CT Providers
- Prairie Village, KS Providers
- Scottsdale, AZ Providers
- Southfield, MI Providers
- Springdale, AR Providers
- Washington, DC Providers
Providers by Specialties
- Cosmetic Dentistry Providers
- Cosmetic Dermatology Providers
- Cosmetic Surgery Providers
- Dermatologic Surgery Providers
- Dermatology Providers
- Esthetician Providers
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Providers
- General Surgery Providers
- Hair Restoration Surgery Providers
- Head and Neck Surgery Providers
- Medspa Providers
- More Procedures
- Oculoplastic Surgery Providers
- Other Providers
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Providers
Providers by Procedures
- Acne Scar Treatment Providers
- Acne Treatment Providers
- Birthmark Removal Providers
- Blepharoplasty Providers
- Botox Providers
- Brow Lift Providers
- Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Reduction) Providers
- Cheek Augmentation (Cheek Implants) Providers
- Cheek Surgery Providers
- Chemical Peels Providers
- Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty) Providers
- Dental Treatments Providers
- Dermabrasion Treatment Providers
- More Specialties