After lip pigmentation, individuals prone to herpes or with a history of cold sores will experience a herpes virus outbreak on the third day of healing in 99% of cases. Here is some important information and tips for management and prevention:
Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving the best possible result. Typically, two sessions are necessary for optimal results. Should you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will provide you with the essential products after your treatment to ensure you are well-prepared for the healing process.
You will find the care instructions for lip neutralization below.
Important Healing Information:
- The color will appear more intense and sharply defined immediately after the treatment.
- Day 1–3: The color appears darker, and the lips are very dry. During this time, please moisturize your lips regularly and thoroughly with the fatty cream to prevent dryness.
- Day 3-4: Itching may occur, and the lip will peel. This happens in irregular patches and is completely normal. The better you have moisturized, the smoother the lip will peel.
- After the lip has peeled: The pigment may initially appear lighter. The final color will develop over the 4-week healing period.
- After 2 weeks: The outer skin layers have healed, and the final color becomes visible.
- After 4 weeks: The inner skin layers are also fully healed.
Slight irregularities in color distribution are normal and can be adjusted in the second session (from week 6).
Normal symptoms during the first 4 days:
- Swelling (severe swelling for 3 hours, mild swelling for up to 24 hours), redness, and sensitivity
- Oozing of wound fluid during the first 24 hours
- Dry lips during healing
- Itching
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- Clean your lips daily with a moistened cotton pad.
- You may cool your lips to minimize swelling; please ensure you wrap a clean paper towel around the cooling pad.
- Apply a thin layer of healing ointment regularly, several times a day. Use clean fingers or a cotton swab for this (a new swab each time to avoid contamination). The fatty cream should be used for 5-7 days; after that, you can switch to “Eucerin Aquaphor” or another suitable cream.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably through a straw, for the first 2 days.
We recommend these products for good healing:
- Tattoo Med After Tattoo Cream (face and body care)
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+(face care)
- CeraVe Cleansing Lotion (mild cleansing for dry skin)
- TattooMed Cleansing Gel (mild cleansing, for oily skin)
- Eucerin Aquaphor Protect & Repair Ointment (lip care)
- La Roche Posay Linea Cicaplast (lip care)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF 50 (sun protection)
- La Roche Posay Anthelios Lipstick SPF 50+ (lip care with sun protection)
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID:
- Do not rub, scratch, or touch your lips to avoid uneven healing and infections.
- No makeup on the lips for approximately 1 week.
- Do not apply a thick layer of cream – too thick a layer can impair healing and cause the skin to swell. Less is more!
- Do not submerge your lips in water for 1 week; a short shower is fine.
- No hair removal (waxing, electrolysis, laser) in the lip area for 2 weeks.
- Do not expose lips to direct sun, tanning products, hot tubs, saunas, saltwater, chlorinated pools, or direct shower spray.
- Do not use active cosmetics (acids, Vitamin A and C, etc.) on or near the lips for 2 weeks.
- No hyaluronic acid treatments or other injections for 4 weeks after the treatment.
- Aftercare for Lip Pigmentation
Use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50) to prevent faster fading of the pigmentation due to sun exposure.
Why can herpes occur?
Lip pigmentation can irritate the lip area and strain the immune system, which can trigger a herpes outbreak in susceptible individuals. If you have a predisposition to herpes or have had cold sores in the past, the risk is higher. What you should do:
What to do:
- After Treatment: If you notice symptoms of a herpes outbreak after pigmentation, such as itching, burning, or blistering, stop using the healing ointment and instead use a special herpes cream.
- Doctor’s Visit: If a herpes outbreak develops, act as you would for past outbreaks or contact your doctor. They may prescribe antiviral medications to alleviate symptoms and support healing.
- Avoiding Complications: Avoid close contact with others, especially individuals with open wounds or weakened immune systems, to prevent virus transmission. Also, avoid kissing or touching your lips.
- Additional Tips:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: UV rays can increase the risk of a herpes outbreak. Protect your lips with a high sun protection factor.
Eat Healthily: A balanced diet strengthens your immune system and can help prevent an outbreak.
- Remember that herpes after lip pigmentation is not uncommon, but with proper prevention and treatment, you can minimize symptoms and support rapid healing. Herpes can affect the longevity of the pigment, and a touch-up may be necessary.
- If you have any questions or concerns, I am always available to assist you.
Herpes after Lip Pigmentation
Long-term Care:
Information for you if you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment, or MRI: The pigments used contain iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and carbon.
- Inform the blood donation service if you wish to donate blood, as you may not be allowed to donate for 4 months after the treatment.
- Touch-up Treatments:
- Color touch-ups are recommended every 1-2 years to keep the pigmentation fresh.
Infection Prevention:
- Proper care of your lips is crucial to prevent infections during the healing process. Strictly follow the instructions above to optimally protect your new lips. The treatment is performed under sterile conditions, all materials are disposable, and the treatment room is thoroughly cleaned after each session. Should an infection occur, it is usually due to insufficient aftercare. In case of yellow discharge in the treated area, please contact your doctor immediately to initiate antibiotic treatment.
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Please note that the color will appear brighter and more sharply defined immediately after the treatment.
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For darker skin, the healing process may take a little longer, depending on various factors. The earliest possible follow-up treatment is after 8 weeks, provided there are no significant dark or light spots remaining.
Remember that slight color irregularities are normal. The purpose of the second session is to make necessary adjustments to optimize the final result.
Healing Process for Lip Neutralization:
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