Though the alterations themselves tend to be permanent, fads in body modification come and go. Armband tattoos are popular one year, while many piercings are popular the next. The desire for permanent cosmetics and lipstick has skyrocketed, and celebrities who have disclosed having tattoos on their inner lips have drawn a lot of attention to lip tattoos recently.
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A lip tattoo is not the same as other types of body art. Here are some things to consider if you want to get ink on the inside of your mouth.
Lip Tattoo Types
When individuals discuss having lip tattoos, they often mean getting “lip liner” or “lipstick” tattooed on the outside of the lips, or getting the inside part of their lower lip inked.
Small images or brief phrases are often tattooed into the skin on the inside of the mouth as inner lip tattoos. The only way the tattoos are visible is if the subject opens their lips and bottom lip is pulled down.
Conversely, lip liner or lipstick tattoos are a form of permanent cosmetics. While lipstick tattoos can reduce or even completely remove the need to apply lipstick every morning, lip liner tattoos often provide the appearance of bigger lips.
Are Tattoos on the Lips More Dangerous Than Others?
There are hazards associated with any tattoo, as the US Food and Drug Administration notes. Tattoos can have a number of dangers, the most prevalent ones being infection, ink allergy, swelling, rashes, or scars.
According to Global News, tattoos on the inner lip may be more vulnerable to infection due to the many germs that reside in the mouth. Additionally, there’s a chance that the tattoo site will get irritated, particularly if you chew tobacco or smoke, or if you consume acidic foods like citrus fruits, vinegar, or tomatoes.
It’s also important to remember that lip tattoos, both externally and internally, usually fade faster than other tattoo styles. Due to the way the inner lip area heals, tattoos on it are most likely to disappear. An inner lip tattoo usually fades within a few years for most people. In certain instances, the tattoo may completely disappear within a few of months.
While lipstick or lip liner tattoos do not entirely disappear over time, like inner lip tattoos, they can lose color as new skin cells peel off and your lips create new ones. According to Allure, pigment is frequently used in permanent cosmetic tattoos instead of tattoo ink, which gives the design a more realistic appearance but also accelerates the rate at which the color fades.
Locating a Tattoo Artist
Although getting a tattoo on your lips carries certain risks, you may greatly lower the chance of problems or infections by selecting a qualified tattoo artist. Finding the appropriate match might be aided by prior research and suggestions from friends or family members who have tattoos.
Asking a tattoo artist to show you examples of their previous work, especially lip tattoos, is a smart idea. Check out the cleanliness of the tattoo parlor or office where the job is going to be done. You might also need to shop around since certain tattoo artists can decline to work on lips due to the hazards involved.
How to Prepare for and Care for a Lip Tattoo
To reduce the possibility of issues and promote healing, there are a few things you can do both before and after getting your lips inked. If you have a history of cold sores, you may want to think about taking an antiviral drug prior to getting a lip tattoo to lessen the likelihood of an outbreak.
After getting a tattoo, your tattoo artist will probably advise you to continue using antimicrobial mouthwash. For the following several days, you should also watch what you eat and drink. Some meals, such spicy food, acidic food, and hot beverages, can be very unpleasant.
Your tattoo artist can offer advice and tips if you’re not sure how to take care of your mouth after receiving a lip tattoo. Additionally, it could be a good idea to visit your dentist beforehand to get their opinion on the procedure and to ask if they have any recommendations for aftercare for your mouth and teeth. You may even wear a grin to cover up your new tattoo if you have any regrets!