Fast facts

Permanent Makeup

What it is: Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo applied through a process called micropigmentation. The permanent makeup procedure utilizes a device that rapidly punctures skin multiple times in a desired area to embed pigment beneath the dermal layer.  

What it addresses:  Defining or enhancing certain areas of the face with color, including:

- Eyebrows
- Eyes
- Lips

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Percent of consumer reviews saying "Yes":

86% Tummy tuck
83% Invisalign
83% Blepharoplasty
81% Smart Lipo
80% Silicone breast implants
79% Photofacial
78% Facelift
78% VASER Liposelection
78% Lasik
75% Laser resurfacing
74% Rhinoplasty
74% Botox
72% Permanent makeup
70% Liposuction
69% Pixel laser
67% Active FX
67% Microdermabrasion
66% Chemical peel
63% Juvederm
61% Restylane
58% Sculptra
53% IPL
52% Radiesse
51% Fraxel Laser
50% Mesotherapy
48% Accent XL
44% Zoom teeth whitening
41% Lifestyle lift
37% Thermage
37% Lipodissolve

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Question

How long until permanent lip color shows?

I had my lips colored tattooed a week ago but i dont see any colour in them yet. What can I do? Or is it too early to tell? Does the color come later on?

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Asked by: surena
Canada b.c

Answers (3)

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1
October 24, 2008

Lips are a muscle and heal differently than skin

Maryann Livingstone
Maryann Livingstone

Many people do not realize that the lips are a muscle and not skin.   Once they have been tattooed they start to dry and peel, usually within a few days.  It's very important to saturate the lips constantly with your healing ointment for two weeks. 

The lips form a protective coating and covers the color.  Over time, usually 4-6 weeks this layer thins out and you start to see the color.  This is usually the case with the full part of the lips, the outside liner shows up first. 

Everyone is different but I usually recommend three visits for a full lip and two for a liner.  You also need to be aware that blisters may occur on any lip procedure and your artist will advise you to take precautionary measures to help avoid an outbreak.

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2
October 16, 2008

Give it time.....

Virginia Stevens, MD
Virginia Stevens, MD

Typically, cosmetically tattooed lips actually "lose" the tattooed color by peeling about a week or two after the procedure.  It may take 6-8 weeks for the color to reappear and settle in. Ideally, the tattooist tells you this, as it is a very typical pattern for lip color.  Just hang in there...!

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3
October 15, 2008

Lips take time to heal

Liza Sims, CPCP
Liza Sims, CPCP

Lips heal differently than other skin on the body. Because the lips go through a prolonged chapped period, it may take about 30 days for the color to 'bloom'. Most lip procedures require a follow up session.

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