Lip Blush/Neutralization is the Enhancement You've Been Looking For!
At Emerald Studio, we offer several styles of lip tattoos - natural lip blush to enhance your personal features, a lipstick look which is a little more bold, and lip neutralization for melanin rich lips (Fitzpatrick IV-VI clients). Lip tattoos are created by gently implanting the color of your choice in layers using a very fine needle, kind of like pixelation. The pixels or layers build up to create a colorful and perfectly kissable pout!
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There are many shades to choose from and a color will be custom designed just for you, based on your goals and complexion.
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Tara is trained in lip neutralization color theory and techniques for melanin rich lips and is proud to offers services to clients of all Fitzpatrick levels! Emerald Studio can help all clients achieve their lip goals. Depending on the client's goals and the level of melanin in the lips, 2-5 sessions may be necessary for effective neutralization. Each client's goals, services, and timeline are unique! Neutralization is not a once and done service.
Clients are given an aftercare package to take home that includes instructions and supplies for proper aftercare, along with other goodies!
Lip Healing Stages
Immediately after the procedure, your lips may be red or swollen. You may wish to apply a cold compress at times during the first 24 hours if you experience swelling. Do so for brief periods of time with a wet wipe or other clean barrier between your skin and the ice, so as not to cause ice burn or introduce germs to the lips.
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Lip blush usually fades 20-50% when healed, compared to the deep color that is seen immediately after treatment. You may actually notice color changes each day for the first 7 to 14 days! Don't panic! This is normal!
The color will start out intense immediately after your appointment, and may darken the next day or two. It may then begin to lighten or start to peel. After the skin peels or flakes, the newly implanted color may appear very light or almost non-existent. This is called "ghosting" and is a normal step in the process. With lip neutralization in melanin rich lips, this is very common. Don't worry, the color will come back! Over the next few days or weeks, the color will continue to bloom to its final state. Your lips will be healed at about 6 weeks post treatment and at this time, you'll see the long term results. For lip neutralization clients, the final healed look is seen at 10-12 weeks post treatment.
At 6-12 weeks (depending on your personal timeline), you will be ready for your free finishing session! The finishing session provides a check-in with Tara to observe pigment retention and perfect any areas that need a tweak. We can also add additional color at this time if needed. For lip neutralization clients, a second session is always recommended. Permanent makeup is a process and sometimes more than one session is necessary to achieve the desired results for any client, not just neutralization.
Cold Sores
Lip blush treatment may cause a cold sore outbreak in those who have had them in the past. If you are prone to cold sores, you must get a prescription medication from your doctor (not over the counter) to start a few days prior to your appointment. No exceptions.
Hypo/HyperPigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV-VI Lips
Lip blush treatment carries an increased risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation in melanin rich lips (Fitzpatrick skin types IV through VI, see image below) because the human body releases melanin to healing skin (i.e. lip tattoos). Clients who naturally have more melanin in their lips are at increased risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after a lip blushing treatment. We want to provide our clients with beautiful healed results and Tara has been trained to use proper techniques and tools to achieve a beautiful enhancement for melanin rich lips. However, clients who have a known history of PIH or hypopigmentation due to skin trauma are not recommended to undergo lip neutralization or lip blushing. This can easily be discussed/determined during a free consultation if you have any questions.
PRE-Care
If you have ever had a cold sore in the past, obtain a prescription medication from your doctor to start prior to your treatment. Follow MD instructions.
Use an exfoliating scrub 3 days before your treatment appointment, and keep the lips moisturized until then.
Drink water in the days leading up to your appointment, to stay hydrated and avoid chapped lips on the day of treatment.
DO NOT have Botox, fillers, or chemical peels for at least 4 weeks before or after the treatment.
DO NOT take Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin, or any other NSAIDs for 24-48 hours prior to your appointment.
DO NOT drink alcohol the day before or day of your treatment.
AFTER-Care
Keep your hands away from your lips as they heal, unless you are performing the aftercare steps. Always clean your hands with soap and water prior to beginning the aftercare steps.
Do not apply makeup or any glosses, lipstick, or tints on the lips for 7-10 days while healing.
Wash the lips gently in the morning and at night, and after each meal to keep them clean. Pat softly with a clean cloth to dry. Do not rub or pick at the healing skin. You may use the gentle soap provided in your aftercare package, or rinse with plain water. Do not scrub, use abrasive or harsh soaps, or wash cloths. This is important for pigment retention.
Use a clean cotton swab provided in your aftercare kit to apply the ointment at least 3-6 times a day for the first 7-10 days, or until peeling is complete. The goal is to keep the lips clean and moisturized all day long to assist with healing and prevent loss of pigment retention.
Use a sterile nipper or scissor to trim any peeling or flaking skin that is bothersome. DO NOT pick at it, pull on it, or rub it off.
Do not wear a mask that will rub against your healing lips for the first 7-10 days. Use a mask that is tented away from the face.
Avoid sweating for the first 7-10 days.
Contact your physician immediately if you experience any signs of infection.
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Please read the Important Information Page prior to booking.
Fitzpatrick Skin Types
