LIP BLUSH/LIP NEUTRALIZATION
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds. Skin that has experienced direct sun exposure needs recovery and cannot be tattooed until it returns to its natural homeostatic functions.
Discontinue the use of any anti-aging, skin brightening or anti-acne skincare products. Particularly those that contain Alpha Hydroxy (AHA), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Retinol etc.
Avoid facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels and/or laser treatments.
1 WEEK BEFORE
Gently exfoliate your lips using an organic, sugar-based lip scrub every other day. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
Moisturize your lips daily using a fragrance-free lip balm like Aquaphor or coconut-oil.
Discontinue using matte lipsticks, lip stains or any drying lip products that contain alcohol.
Avoid taking Fish Oil, Vitamin C, Glucosamine, Ginger etc. as they thin the blood and prevent the pigment from implanting correctly.
Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of veggies/fruit packed in natural antioxidants to promote hydration from within.
24-48 HOURS BEFORE
The lips must be free of all irritations including blemishes, eczema, dry patches etc., and they must be well-hydrated.
Caffeine, alcohol, and anticoagulant medication such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, vitamin E etc. should not be consumed for at least 48hrs prior to the procedure.
Completely avoid coffee, energy drinks, teas, or ginger the day of the appointment.
Tylenol can be consumed the day of the appointment if you have a low pain threshold.
PLEASE NOTE!
You may be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
If you are prone to cold sores or have had cold sores at least once in your life you will need to take an anti-viral medication such as Valtrex upon consulting with your family doctor.
AFTERCARE
Use an icepack, chilled cucumber slices or ice-cubes for the first 24hrs after the procedure to reduce any swelling or inflammation.
Do not consume any spicy or salty food or drink any hot beverages for at least 7 days after the procedure. Drink directly from a straw instead of sipping from a cup.
Refrain from touching or picking at your lips until fully healed. This step may take 7 days for surface healing or until all the flakes have fallen off.
Gently wash your lips with antiseptic, fragrance-free soap twice a day - AM and PM - or after every meal for the first 7 days.
Apply a GENEROUS layer of your aftercare ointment/chapstick as frequently as possible for the first 14 days. The more hydrated your lips are during the initial healing stages, the better they will heal!
Do not apply makeup directly to the lip or wear lipstick for 7 days after the procedure.
Please avoid Matte lip products for 14 days as they contain alcohol.
Avoid direct sun exposure on your lips for at least 2 weeks after the lip blush and 4 weeks after the lip neutralization procedure.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The colour will look bold and bright immediately after. Your lips may feel swollen. The size of your lips will shrink back to normal within 24-48 hrs and the colour will significantly fade up to 50% within the first 3 days.
You will lose colour on the inside of your lips first, the edges last. This is NORMAL and it does not mean your lips will heal unevenly.
Within 3-5 days your lips will start to flake away revealing a lighter and more natural colour. Trust the process!
The lips will be very tender at first. Choose foods you can place in your mouth easily without touching the lips. Think smoothies, cold soups, etc.