Lip Care For Pigmented Lips

by Puspanjali on September 28, 2008

Lip Pigmentation|Permanent Lip Color| Tips And Information

Going for lip pigmentation or permanent make up is an important decision.Once you have gone through the pros and cons of the procedure the next step is to find technician to do the job.Depending on your place of residence you need to do a local search and find a suitable technician. Contact his/her previous clients to get some background information.The next step is to consider the “before” and “after” care.

One thing to remember when scheduling a permanent make up procedure is that complete healing will take time. You will neither look your best nor feel too well……………So plan accordingly.

Do a shopping trip ahead of time for items you will need……..ointments, straws (I will soon tell you why you may be needing straws), napkins for blotting, Q-tips, OTC pain relievers and of course if you are planning to stay indoor out of sight for the entire period of healing then a good book and a few of your favorite DVDs.

Pre-care Instruction for Permanent Lip Color

Please do not consider the procedure immediately before an important event like vacation, weddings or other social activities as you will have to wear an aftercare ointment on your procedure site(s) for one week following the procedure(s).

  • If you are planning a lip color procedure and have ever experienced a cold sore, even one time in your life, it is recommended you obtain a prescribed anti-viral medication. The medication must be taken two days prior to the procedure.
  • If you are required to take antibiotic medication prior to seeing your dentist, you will need to take antibiotic medication prior to having your procedure done.
  • It is necessary to be off of Accutane for one year, prior to all procedures. It is necessary to be off Retin A or Renova for 30 days, prior to a procedure.
  • Try to avoid aspirin and non-aspirin products for 7 days prior to all procedures unless medically necessary.
  • Try to avoid Vitamin E and Niacin for two weeks prior to all procedures unless medically necessary.
  • Avoid alcohol or caffeine prior to procedure.
  • Getting a procedure while on your period can make you hypersensitive.
  • Avoid extreme exercise prior to and directly after procedure! No sweating.
  • Avoid alcohol the night before all procedures.
  • Do not take aspirin, niacin, vitamin E, and/or ibuprofen unless medically needed 48 hours prior to procedure.

Some medications and herbs can increase bleeding and swelling. Never discontinue a medication your physician has recommended for you without consulting him or her.

General Rule for Lip Pigmentation|Permanent Lip Color

Lips may take up to 3 sessions to be perfect.Lips are muscles without hair follicles or pores.If you have a lot of scar tissue on lip, it may result in weak color intensity.One thing to remember to avoid disappointment is that lip pigmentation process does not give the look of lipstick applied to your lips permanently.A beautiful natural hue should be a realistic goal.

Lips heal in 3 stages.

  • Too light (immediately after the procedure).
  • Too bright (after sloughing).
  • Just right …….the chosen color returns in 3-4 weeks.

Lip Care after the Permanent Lip Pigmentation  Procedure

Lips will be swollen and very dry after your treatment. You need to apply the prescribed ointment for the suggested period…….Usually 14 days post- treatment.

  • Do not allow lips to become dry. This may interfere with the healing color.
  • Any time the lips feel dry apply generous amount of ointment.Apply with a light hand ……..Do not rub.3.Use a fresh Q-tip to apply ointment. Taking such precautions will reduce the risk of secondary infection.
  • There will be residual pigment coming off the lips for some days.In the next stage when lips are no longer tender they start becoming flaky.This is normal and expected. Do not pick or scratch them. If you do so this may result in significant reduction in the amount of pigment uptake.
  • Avoid smoking when the lips are healing.

Things to Avoid After Lip Pigmentation Procedure

  1. Do not rub lips.
  2. Avoid any friction to lip area.
  3. For the first few days, drink through a straw, no citrus fruits and juices; do not eat greasy, salty, oily or spicy foods until your lips are completely healed.
  4. Avoid exposure to sun and tanning beds.
  5. Avoid chlorine pools, Jacuzzis and saunas.
  6. Do not use terry towels and hot showers.
  7. Take care that you avoid dirt and dust. So no gardening or cleaning and vacuuming for the first 3-4 days.
  8. Before you shower apply a thin coat of sterile Vaseline to your lips.
  9. Shower with your back to water to avoid the direct flow of water and also to avoid shampoo and conditioner getting on your freshly pigmented lips.
  10. Avoid soaps and facial cleanser on pigmented lips…..Wash around.
  11. Do not use any Glycolic, Hydroxy, Carmex or fruit acid products on lips.
  12. It is a good idea to brush your teeth with just water for 72 hours, post-treatment. Do not apply lipstick until after 7 days.  It is possible that an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the lipstick may occur should you apply within this period.
  13. You can start using lipstick once lips are healed. Please use a new lipstick for hygienic reasons as your lips are sore, tender and new after the flaking.

Redness, swelling, tenderness, dryness………All are common post-treatment side effects and will dissipate in a short period of time.

Healing Process After Permanent Lip Pigmentation Procedure

Swelling differs with each individual. To eliminate swelling you can place ice on the treated area for about 10 minutes. Make sure you are rolling the ice…..do not leave them in one place.

The older the client is, the longer the healing period will take. Waiting an extra week before any retouches is advisable for clients over 50 years of age. This extra week will allow the restoration of the natural collagen to the lip tissue.

General Information

If you are planning injection such as Botox or Collagen remember it can alter the shape of your lips and hence the pigment.

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