Lip Aftercare
Caring for your
new lips.
Your step-by-step healing guide — please read it all the way through before your appointment.
Before We Begin
Hi friend!
This is your aftercare + prep hub. Please take a few minutes to go through everything below.
- ✓ Fill out all consent forms
- ✓ Watch any videos provided
- ✓ Read your aftercare instructions fully
We promise it's easy — and yes… there might be a little quiz at the end 😂
📋 Complete Your Consent FormEmergency Contact
If you experience excessive swelling, signs of infection, fever, or anything that concerns you — text or call us immediately.
Text or Call (502) 906-6088⚠️ DO NOT LET YOUR LIPS DRY OUT — Keep them moist at all times using Aquaphor or Vaseline only.
Lip Aftercare
Step-by-step instructions.
I know it's hard to remember everything, so I'm going to break this down the exact same way I do in the studio 👇
Blot Lymph Fluid
If your lips feel wet from lymph fluid, gently dab with a clean paper towel. You can also use an ice pack (wrapped in a paper towel) if needed.
Apply Ointment
After about 2 hours, start applying ointment or Aquaphor. Apply multiple times a day.
KEEP THEM MOIST — DO NOT LET THEM DRY OUT. Moist lips are happy lips 💋
Avoid Water & Sweat
Avoid picking and try to keep them as dry as possible from water and sweat.
Watch What You Eat & Do
- Avoid spicy, oily, or salty foods
- No kissing, no hanky panky (lol), and no makeup for 1–2 weeks
- Use a straw when drinking to prevent irritation
Watch First
Aftercare walkthrough.
Reassurance First
This is all normal.
Lip healing often surprises clients because the color shifts so dramatically. Every one of the following is expected — you're on track.
Lips Look Darker Right After
Fresh pigment always looks more saturated — it softens and lightens significantly during healing.
Swelling & Tightness
Completely expected Days 1–2. Ice wrapped in a paper towel can help if needed.
Peeling & Flaking
Around Days 3–5. Do NOT pick — let it fall off naturally or color will pull out.
Color Seems to Disappear
The ghost phase — a fresh skin layer forms over the pigment. It's still there, settling.
Uneven Healing
One area may heal lighter or faster. The Perfecting Session addresses any unevenness.
Day-by-Day
Your healing timeline.
Fresh & Swollen
- Lips will look bold and brighter than the healed result — this is expected
- Swelling and tightness are completely normal
- After the procedure, gently blot if needed with a clean paper towel
- Keep them moist — apply Aquaphor or Vaseline immediately and often
- DO NOT LET THEM DRY OUT — this is the most important rule
Peeling Begins
- Peeling and flaking begin — do NOT pick or peel
- Use a straw when drinking to protect the treated area
- No kissing, no makeup on lips, no spicy or salty food
- Continue applying Aquaphor or Vaseline multiple times daily
- Do not use lip balm or other products — Aquaphor and Vaseline only
Color Softens
- Lips may look significantly lighter or washed out — this is normal
- The color is settling under a new layer of skin
- Continue avoiding pools, saunas, and excessive sweating
- No sun exposure directly on the lips
- You may feel like the color has faded too much — trust the process
True Color Reveals
- The healed color finally shows — softer and more natural than Day 1
- Any patchiness from earlier healing should be resolving
- You can resume normal lip products and routines
- Schedule your Perfecting Session if you haven't already
6–8 Weeks After
- We'll reach out to schedule it — this is a required part of your service
- Addresses any patchiness, color gaps, or shape adjustments needed
- The true finished result is evaluated at this session
Long-Term Care
Keep them looking great.
- Always wear SPF on and around your lips — UV exposure is the fastest way to fade pigment long-term
- Avoid lip exfoliants, glycolic acids, and strong actives directly on the lip area
- Be gentle when removing lip products — no scrubbing over the tattooed area
- Schedule a Color Boost every 1–2 years to keep the pigment looking fresh and defined
Good to Know
Lip aftercare FAQs.
How do I keep my lips moist?
Use only Aquaphor Healing Ointment or plain Vaseline — no lip balm, no chapstick, nothing flavored or medicated during healing. Apply generously and often. If they feel tight or dry, add more. Dry lips during healing = poor pigment retention.
When can I eat and drink normally?
Use a straw for the first week when drinking. Avoid spicy, salty, oily, or acidic foods for at least the first 7 days. After day 7 you can gradually return to normal eating — just be mindful not to aggressively rub or wipe the lip area.
When can I wear lip gloss or lipstick?
No makeup directly on the tattooed lip area for 10 days minimum. After the flaking phase is fully complete and the skin is closed, you can resume lip products. Many clients find they don't want to after they see the healed result.
Why do my lips look like the color disappeared?
This is completely normal and extremely common — it's sometimes called the "ghost phase." A fresh layer of skin forms over the tattoo during healing, making the color look light or almost gone. The pigment is still underneath, continuing to settle. The true healed color reveals itself at 4–6 weeks.
Can I kiss during healing?
No kissing for at least 10 days. Friction, moisture, and bacteria near the healing skin can disrupt the pigment and increase infection risk. We know — trust us on this one.
When do I schedule my Perfecting Session?
You don't need to schedule it yourself — we'll reach out when the time is right (6–8 weeks after your appointment). If you haven't heard from us by then, text us at (502) 906-6088.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Know the fees before you reschedule or cancel.
Permanent makeup appointments are long, time-intensive services. When you book, that block of time is reserved exclusively for you — which is why last-minute changes carry fees.
Rescheduling Policy
First Reschedule (72+ Hours)
Complimentary
One free reschedule with 72+ hours notice, provided the new appointment is scheduled within 8 weeks.
72+ Hours Notice
$50
Rescheduling fee applies. Fees are separate from the service balance.
48 Hours Notice
$75
Rescheduling fee applies. Fees are separate from the service balance.
24 Hours Notice
$100
Rescheduling fee applies. Fees are separate from the service balance.
Same-Day (Initial Appt)
50% + $100
50% of remaining balance due, plus a $100 rebooking fee.
Same-Day (Perfecting / Boost)
50% + $50
50% of remaining balance due, plus a $50 rebooking fee.
Rescheduling fees are separate from the service balance and are not applied toward the amount owed for the appointment. They are transferable.
Cancellation Policy
Booking fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
More Than 72 Hours
Booking Fee Lost
Booking fee is forfeited. If booking fee was waived during a promotion, the standard booking fee becomes due.
72–24 Hours Notice
Booking Fee Lost
Booking fee is forfeited. If booking fee was waived, it becomes due upon cancellation.
Same-Day / No-Show
Full Amount Due
Full service amount is due. This time cannot be filled on short notice.
A waived booking fee is a courtesy extended to clients who complete their appointment. If the appointment is canceled, the waived booking fee becomes due just as it would have been at the time of booking.
Need Help?
We're here throughout your healing.
Text us any time — we'd rather answer a question than have you guess.