How Long Does A Lip Tattoo Last? [Tips To Last Longer]
The average lifespan of lip tattoos is between 1 to 5 years. This time can vary depending on several factors:
- The body chemistry of the tattoo holder
- Skin type of the tattoo holder
- Amount of moisture content
- Amount of acidity in the environment
- How well the tattoo is cared for after
- Depth of the ink
- Personal habits like smoking, sun exposure, or swimming.
Follow the article to know how long lip tattoos last and what factors affect their longevity. You will also learn how you can increase its longevity.
Key Takeaways
- The average lifespan of lip tattoos is between 1-5 years.
- The longevity of lip tattoos is affected by several factors. Such as body chemistry, skin type, moisture content, acidity, aftercare, ink depth, and personal habits.
- To make lip tattoos last longer it is important to consult a professional artist, follow proper aftercare instructions, and avoid certain foods and activities.
How Long Does A Lip Tattoo Last?
The average lifetime of lip tattoos is usually one to five years. However, like the longevity of finger tattoos, the longevity of this ink design varies from person to person and depends on various factors.
These factors include moisture, acidic environment, lifestyle, etc. However frequent maintenance and touch-ups are vital in deciding how long a lip tattoo lasts.
Is Lip Tattoo Permanent Or Temporary?
Lip tattooing is semi-permanent lip color and fades with time. It involves pigmentation and will not remain for a long time compared to other tattoos. The longevity of lip blushing is usually five years.
Follow this video to learn how lip tattoos work
Factors Affecting The Longevity Of Lip Tattoos
Here are the factors that affect the longevity of lip tattoos:
Body Chemistry
Every body has their own system and every skin has its own durability of PMU absorption. So, the longevity of lip tattoos depends on how quickly one’s body can absorb or dissolve the pigment.
The mucosal cells covering our mouth’s inside area determine how long lip blushing lasts. These cells can regenerate faster than other body parts.
The extraordinary self-regenerating capacity of mucosal cells promotes lip tattoos to heal faster. The wound on the lips usually heals faster than on other body parts.
The faster regeneration of mucosal cells prevents the tattoo’s ink from lasting long, and as a result, the lip tattoo fades over time.
Some bodies will absorb the pigment while others will tolerate and retain it. However, if you have anemia, your lip tattoo will fade faster.
Skin Type
The longevity of lip tattoos depends on your skin type because dry and combination skin retains pigments better than oily skin. So, in oily skin, you need frequent touch-ups of the tattoo.
Excessive Moisture Content
The saliva produced in our mouth contains a lot of moisture content. Since most lip tattoos are done on the inner lip, they come across with high moisture and do not set well. This excessively moist environment lightens lip blush, and eventually, lip tattoo fades quickly over time.
Acidic Environment
The chemicals and acids inside our mouth make it wet and acidic, which are also a cause of fading of lip tattoos. These chemicals cause the weakening of lip tattoo pigment, and the tattoo fades quickly over time.
Aftercare
To settle lip tattoos for a longer period of time, you need to follow proper aftercare steps. Especially in the initial healing stages, you need to keep your lip moisturized to avoid getting thick lip scabs. Scabs will take the pigment away with them. So, to prevent getting scabs you should use moisturizing ointments.
Ink Depth
If the ink of the tattoo is inserted at the right level in the skin, then it will last longer. However, if the ink is placed near the surface of the skin, the body will easily break the pigments and absorb them. So, if you want your lip tattoo to last longer, consult a professional and experienced tattoo artist.
Personal Habits
Personal habits like smoking, exposure to sunlight, and frequent swimming can affect the longevity of lip tattoos. When you spend a lot of time in the sun or smoke a lot, the pigment in your lip tattoo will fade faster. So, to increase the longevity of lip tattoos you should avoid smoking and avoid too much sun exposure.
Tips To Make Lip Tattoos Last Longer
Here are some tips to make lip tattoos last longer:
Consult A Professional Artist
Having a lip tattoo is a unique idea, but it is also tricky because the skin of the lips is susceptible. Therefore it is always suggested to get tattooed by a professional with complete knowledge and experience in lip tattoos. And also use a good tattoo machine to make such ink designs.
Aftercare
How long lip blush takes to heal depends on the effective aftercare routine of lip tattoos, which starts right after new tattooing and lasts almost eight to ten days.
Apply a tiny amount of ointment on the tattoo that helps moisturize and prevent scabs formation. You can also use petroleum jelly on lips to protect them from moisture.
Keep Your Lip Tattoo Dry
Keep your new tattoo design dry for 2-3 days until it completely heals. Cover the ink with the help of a paper towel. The paper towel keeps the tattoo dry. Use a straw for drinking water until your lip blush fully heals.
Foods To Avoid
Spicy foods play a significant role in slowing down the healing of a wound. Such foods will open up the wound and cause the pigment to fade. Here are some foods you’ll want to avoid with your lip tattoo:
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Spicy foods
- Overly hot foods
- Fried/crunchy foods
Infection Prevention
Lips are frequently in contact with drinks, saliva, or food causing infection in the wounded area. The inner lip tattoos are at high risk of infection because it is a breeding area for moisture and bacteria.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash after eating or drinking to prevent your lips from infection. You can opt for the Colgate Total Pro shield which is alcohol-free. You can use it after eating or even after smoking.
Touch-Up Tattoo
Lip tattoos also require frequent touch-ups because they fade over time. Getting touch-ups after regular intervals makes your tattoo vivid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How Much Would A Lip Tattoo Cost?
Small inside lip tattoos are less expensive and cost approximately $50. In contrast, outside lip tattoos are expensive and range between $400-$800 for the entire outside permanent makeup.
How Painful Is A Lip Tattoo?
According to research, some people say lip tattooing is painful, but some refuse it. The lip tattoo can be painful, whether on the inner side or outside of the lip.
Is It Possible To Remove The Lip Tattoo?
Yes, you can get your lip tattoo removed. You can get your lip tattoo removed by laser removal, saline removal, or glycolic acid. However, not all removal specialists can work on your lips. Moreover, it is best to avoid laser removal because it can turn your lips dark.
Closing Words
Coming to the question- ‘How long do lip tattoos last?’– they can last anywhere between 1 to 5 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can increase the longevity of your lip tattoos.
