After Care Instructions
Permanent Lip Color After Care
Lips require extra attention during healing because they are constantly in motion — eating, drinking, and talking. Following these instructions carefully will protect your results and help your color heal evenly and beautifully.
Had a different procedure? See our Microblading, Eyebrow (Solid/Powder), or Eyeliner After Care guides instead.
Styles We Offer
Permanent Lip Styles
Aftercare is the same for all lip styles. Here's a quick overview of what each style looks like once healed.
Lip Liner
A defined outline around the lip border to add shape, symmetry, and the appearance of fuller lips. Heals as a soft, natural-looking edge.
Lip Blush
A soft wash of color over the entire lip for a natural, flushed look — like your lips but better. One of the most popular permanent lip styles.
Full Lip Color
Complete color saturation from liner to the full lip. Delivers the most dramatic and long-lasting result. Requires the most thorough aftercare.
Lip Correction
Reshaping or recoloring lips affected by asymmetry, scarring, or previous permanent makeup. Results vary based on existing pigment and lip structure.
First 24 Hours
Immediately After Your Appointment
Gently blot the lips with a clean cotton pad every 30–60 minutes for the first 2–3 hours to absorb lymph fluid. Use a light dabbing motion only — never rub or wipe across the lips.
Apply a thin layer of the aftercare ointment provided immediately after blotting and continue reapplying every 2–3 hours throughout the day. Keeping the lips moist is critical — do not let them dry out or crack.
Begin drinking through a straw right away to avoid water and beverages touching the lips directly. Continue using a straw for the first 3–5 days.
Eat soft foods only — yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup (not too hot). Avoid anything spicy, salty, acidic, or that requires a wide bite.
Expect significant swelling on the first day — your lips will look much larger and darker than the final result. This is completely normal and will reduce substantially within 48 hours.
Healing Guidelines
Do's & Don'ts
Do
- Keep lips clean and dry for the first 5–7 days — blot gently with a clean cotton pad as needed.
- Apply the provided aftercare ointment in a thin layer every 2–3 hours to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Drink through a straw for the first 3–5 days to minimize water contact with the lips.
- Eat soft foods and avoid opening your mouth very wide during the first week.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase and try to sleep on your back.
- Let all peeling and flaking shed completely on its own.
- Once fully healed, apply SPF lip balm daily to protect pigment from UV fading.
- Attend your touch-up appointment 6–8 weeks after your initial procedure.
Don't
- Do NOT get the lips wet — avoid kissing, licking your lips, or drinking directly from a glass for 5–7 days.
- Do NOT pick, peel, or rub any flaking skin — this pulls out pigment and can cause scarring.
- Do NOT apply lipstick, lip gloss, or any lip products over the healing area.
- Do NOT eat spicy, salty, or acidic foods during the first week — they irritate healing skin.
- Do NOT smoke during the healing period — it dries out the lips and affects pigment retention.
- Do NOT expose the lips to direct sunlight or tanning beds during healing.
- Do NOT have lip fillers or injections for at least 4 weeks before or after your procedure.
- Do NOT submerge in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean until fully healed.
What to Expect
Healing Timeline
Lip healing tends to be more noticeable than other areas due to swelling and peeling. Here's what to expect at each stage.
Bold & Swollen
Lips appear very dark, vivid, and significantly larger than normal due to swelling. The color will look much more intense than the final healed result. Some tenderness and mild oozing of lymph fluid is normal.
Swelling Reduces
Swelling begins to subside and the true shape of the lips becomes more visible. The color is still very bold. Lips may feel dry, tight, and chapped — keep ointment applied consistently.
Peeling Begins
The outer layer of skin begins to peel away from the lips in sheets or patches. The color underneath will look very light and uneven. Do NOT peel — let every piece fall off naturally.
Faded & Patchy
After peeling, the lips may look extremely faint, blotchy, or almost colorless. This is completely normal and temporary. The pigment is still present beneath the surface and will resurface.
Color Returns
Pigment gradually resurfaces and the lip color begins to come back. The shade will look softer and more natural than immediately after the procedure.
Color Settles
The lip color settles into its true, healed shade. Shape and definition become more apparent. Any uneven areas or light patches will be addressed at your touch-up.
Touch-Up Appointment
Your follow-up session is scheduled once healing is complete. This is when we perfect the shape, even out the color, and ensure you love your final result.
The Faded Stage — This Is Normal
Between days 6–10, after the skin peels, your lip color may look almost completely gone — very faint, blotchy, or uneven. This is one of the most alarming stages for clients, but it is entirely expected. The pigment is still present beneath the surface of the skin. As healing continues over the next 2–3 weeks, the color will gradually resurface and deepen into its true, final shade. Please do not judge your results during this stage, and do not book a correction appointment until at least 6 weeks have passed.
Maintaining Your Results
Long-Term Care Tips
SPF lip balm every day
UV exposure is the fastest way to fade lip pigment. Use an SPF 30+ lip balm daily, especially outdoors.
Stay hydrated
Well-hydrated lips hold pigment better and look fuller and healthier. Drink plenty of water and moisturize regularly.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Even after healing, extended sun exposure will fade your lip color over time. Reapply SPF lip balm throughout the day.
Schedule a color refresh
Most clients benefit from a touch-up every 2–5 years depending on lifestyle, sun exposure, and skin type.
Other After Care Guides
Questions About Your Healing?
Donna is always happy to answer questions about your aftercare or healing process. Don't hesitate to reach out.