How long inside lip tattoos last

It's a good idea to ask a tattoo artist to see pictures of past work and pictures of lip tattoos in particular. Visit the office or tattoo business where the work will be performed and pay attention to how clean it is. Additionally, some tattoo artists may refuse to do work on lips because of the risks, so you may need to shop around.

There are a few things you can do before and after getting your lips tattooed to help minimize the risk of complications and to help the area heal.

If you have a history of cold sores , you might consider taking anti-viral medication before tattooing the lips to reduce the chance of an outbreak. Your tattoo artist will most likely recommend that you keep using antibacterial mouthrinse after you get the tattoo.

You'll also want to be careful about what you eat or drink for the next few days. Some foods may be particularly irritating, such as spicy dishes, acidic foods, and hot beverages. If you're unsure about how to care for your mouth after getting a tattoo on the lips, your tattoo artist can provide guidance and pointers.

It might also be a good idea to check in with your dentist first to see what they think of it and to see if they can offer any tips for caring for your teeth and mouth afterward. And if you have any regrets, you can hide your new ink with a smile! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved.

The pigments in the tattoos are broken down by the acids and absorbed in the body which causes fading over time. How to extend the life of your lip tattoo? Every tattoo has to be taken care of accordingly, and the lip tattoo requires special attention because of the uniqueness of the site.

To start with, get inked by a professional. Lip tattoos are not very popular compared to the others, which is why you need an artist who has done this before. There is much you can do to eliminate the possibility of lip tattoo fading. However, there are anti-fading creams which can slow down the process to some extent. You should not drink or eat anything immediately the tattoo is done.

Your tattoo artist will let you know how long the window period should be. If you are a smoker, you need to rinse your mouth after the occasion. The same applies too after you are done eating.

To make the ink penetrate deeper, place a paper towel between your lips and press. However, do not overdo it to avoid smudging. You may have to get used to lifestyle changes for a short period until the tattoo is completely healed.

There is a high likelihood of getting infections at the tattoo site because the mouth is always swarming with bacteria. Thus, you need to buy an alcohol-free mouthwash like Colgate Total Pro-Shield to use after every meal or smoking episode. However, infection prevention does not end with the use of the mouthwash. Reduce the chances of harmful microorganisms finding their way there. You need to keep the site dry and avoid foods and beverages that will irritate it before healing takes place.

However, do not let it dry to the point of cracking. Your lips are packed with nerve endings, making them one of the most sensitive areas of your body. This means that, unfortunately, getting a lip tattoo can hurt quite a lot. The good thing, though? You also have to hold your lip out at a weird angle during the inking process, King says. Thanks to that speedy cell turnover rate in the mouth, you can expect your inner lip to be back to normal in about two weeks , says King, especially if you take really good care of the area while it heals.

See the recommended protocol below. As with all tattoos, aftercare is super important. Not only does it help speed up the healing process, but proper aftercare will preserve the integrity of your fresh piece of body art. To ensure everything cleans up nicely, King recommends rinsing with an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash twice daily to keep bacteria at bay.

You should also avoid eating foods that are spicy or acidic, as this can aggravate the wound. Another thing to keep in mind? Wait until your lips are fully healed before you make out with someone or do other mouth-related activities. The last thing you want is to introduce even more bacteria while your tattoo heals. Speaking of bacteria, one of the riskiest things about inner lip tattoos is the chance of infection.