Healthy, full lips have always been considered attractive. Lipstick is the traditional answer and does a wonderful job creating a full, luscious appearance.
Still, touching up your makeup several times a day is a hassle. Plus, it's a pain to scrub off your wine glasses. These are just a couple of reasons why more people are considering lip tattoos.
Is a Lip Tattoo Permanent?
These are unlike the types of tattoos you might get on the rest of your body. They're not designed to be fully permanent and will need re-doing every few years. The duration depends on the type of ink used.
Being in contact with your mouth, the pigment gets wet frequently and is exposed to acidic food you might eat. This causes it to fade, and the color declines over time.
An advantage is that for those 1-5 years, you won't have to worry about putting on lipstick before a date, or before you go out with friends - ever. Your lips will look full and beautiful all the time.
Is a Lip Tattoo Painful?
Short answer - yes. Lips are one of the body's most sensitive areas, with many nerve endings. It's also difficult to ignore the pain in areas that instinctively recoil when they feel something uncomfortable.
A numbing cream is often used to reduce sensitivity. Most people find getting the tattoo uncomfortable but would argue that the results justify the temporary discomfort. There'll also be a few days of soreness and swelling afterward.
Is a Lip Tattoo Safe?
It's important to take care of your oral health immediately after getting the tattoo. Use a non-abrasive mouthwash and if the swelling doesn't recede after a week or so, contact your doctor to inspect for an infection.
Infections are fairly rare, provided you take good care of your lips in the days after getting the treatment.
Do Inner Lip Tattoos Affect Your Teeth?
Certain agents used in some dyes (for example, cinnabarin some red inks) can be irritating to the mouth. However, it's highly unlikely that your teeth will be dyed or affected by the treatment. Your mouth is constantly cleaning itself with saliva, preventing most staining.
Deciding if a Lip Tattoo is Right for You
The old saying “beauty is pain” is nonsense. You're allowed to look good and feel good all the time. However, the rewards of having long-lasting full, gorgeous lips outweigh the temporary pain of getting the tattoo for many people. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.