It is important to keep the lips as clean as possible to prevent the chance of infection and promote healthy healing.
Refrain from smoking for the first 72 hours.
For the first 7 days, drink with a straw and eat using a fork.
Avoid getting the lip area excessively wet. When taking a shower, try to keep water off your lips as much as possible. Keep a dry washcloth handy to blot the area if soapy water enters the pigmented area.
Do not pick, peel, lick, bite, rub, or scratch the procedure; this may cause scarring and/or removal of the pigment.
No cleansers, creams, or makeup in or around the lip area.
No saunas, long steamy showers, hot tubs, or swimming.
Use a clean pillowcase and avoid sleeping on your face as much as possible; especially the first two nights.
Avoid sweaty workouts for the first 7 days. Any perspiration within the first 7 days of the healing process could result in loss of pigment.
Avoid spicy foods and colored drinks.
No kissing 💋
For the first 30 days:
Do not use exfoliants or chemical peels on the lip area (retin-A, glycolic/alpha-hydroxy acids, exfoliating scrubs, etc.).
Do not use petroleum-based products including Chapstick ® brand products.
Do not use products that contain alcohol, lactose, salt, or saline on the lips
No injectables, fillers, or laser skin treatments.
Minimize exposure to direct sunlight.
Avoid dusty environments or any task where your lips could be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, or dander.
If you experience an allergic reaction or develop symptoms of an infection, you should contact your health care provider immediately.
Treatment steps:
Throughout the healing process: Regularly apply a very thin layer of aftercare balm (provided) to the procedure area using a fresh Q-tip. Always keep the lips moist. Do your best to minimize drying and cracking. Do NOT use mineral oil or any petroleum products such as Vaseline ®or Chapstick ®.
Day 1: (day of the procedure) In the evening, gently blot the lips with the antiseptic wipes provided. Only use the wipes provided, nothing else. Apply ice packs as needed to reduce swelling
Days 3 - 14: Each night, clean lips using a gentle soap and your fingers. Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to water.
Days 14 - 30: Once your scabs and flaking are fully subsided, you may resume your normal routine (sweat, wear makeup, use facewash, etc.). If you still have some scabs, that’s OK! Everyone heals at a different rate; you can continue to follow day 3 - 14 procedures until the lips are fully healed.
What to expect during the healing process:
Days 1 - 4: Lips may be tender, swollen, and the surrounding skin may feel tight. Lips will get progressively darker until day 4 (earlier for some people, later for others) as scabs are healing over the procedure area. DO NOT PANIC. Your lips will not stay this dark. The scabs are forming over the new pigment, which makes the new lip appear extra dark.
Days 5 - 12: The scabs within the procedure area will begin to flake during this period, which will look like dandruff flakes and dry skin. The lips will itch but it is ESPECIALLY important that you do not pick, peel, lick, bite, scratch, or touch the scabbing. Once you reach this stage, new skin is forming over the pigmented area, making the pigment appear lighter than you were expecting. Again, this is completely normal and no cause for alarm.
Days 13 - 21: The pigment will resurface as the forming skin completely heals and the lips will reach their final appearance. Final appearance will be darker than what was experienced during days 5 - 12.
12-16 weeks after a lip blushing procedure, a touch-up session is recommended to fill in any gaps in pigment or darken any areas that lightened too much during the healing process.
Long-term care:
It is okay and recommended to apply regular moisturizer to your lips.
To retain the color of your new lips, you should always apply SPF to the area when exposed to the sun. Direct sunlight can cause pigment to fade prematurely.
Avoid the use of exfoliants or chemical peels on the lip area (retin-A, glycolic/alpha-hydroxy acids, exfoliating scrubs, etc.).
If you follow these instructions carefully you should expect to see beautiful, polished results that you will love for the next 1-3 years!
Aftercare FAQs
Q: When do I need a touch up? A: You need an initial touch-up 12-16 weeks after your full procedure. Then you are good for about 2 years before needing to come to us for a periodic touch-up.
Q: I just had my appointment. Why are my lips getting darker?
A: Your skin is forming scabs over the pigmented area. It is completely normal for your lips to get darker during days 1 - 4. Don't worry, they will heal to a beautiful, natural color.
Q: Do I really need to skip the beach?
A: Yes. During the healing process, direct exposure to sunlight and water expel pigment from the skin. We love the beach too, but we want the absolute best healed results for you :)
Questions or concerns? Let's connect!
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