Lip Neutralization – BBXartistry

WHAT IS DARK LIP NEUTRALIZATION?

Dark Lip Neutralization is a specialized treatment series for those with cool or dark lips. We use cosmetic tattooing to neutralize the darkness in the lips to reach a desired colour. We look at your lips and neutralize them by cancelling out the original colour. Clients must understand that skin rich in melanin (natural pigment in darker skin tones) require more correction sessions, more careful selection of safe brightening pigments and longer healing to reach the desired lip colour.

Approximately 2-4 sessions may be required to achieve full neutralization, each client is different! Some clients may have darker and deeper pigmentation than others. Each session is spread out at least 8-12 weeks apart. There are special cases in which additional sessions are needed. Typically, we will do dark lip neutralization in those who are Fitzpatrick Scale 3 and up. Every client requires a different approach to reach the best outcome because every lip is unique.

What causes darkening of the lips?

It is very important to find out the exact reason for the darkening of the lips before consulting with your Artist. Some factors may include: natural ethnic characteristics, dark lips can be the result of injuries, hormonal disruptions, genetic diseases, certain types of medications, years of smoking, too much time in the sun etc. In each case, individual recommendations will be required based on the condition.

How Does The Healing Process Take Place for Dark Lip Neutralization?

After Dark Lip Neutralization, the standard healing process of the lip blush tattoo takes place — they appear swollen for 24-48hrs then begin to peel off and become encrusted. It doesn’t look very pretty, but it’s only temporary (approx. 7 days). In the first couple weeks, the colour of the lips may be even darker than it was before the colour correction. Healing for this procedure may take a little longer — up to 8-12 weeks, before the lips are completely healed. But in the case of lightening dark lips, this is normal.

What is the difference between Dark Lip Neutralization and Lip Blushing?

How long does the appointment take?

Each lip neutralization session usually takes 2-3 hours depending on the colour of your lips, how big your lips are, and if you may be requiring any breaks. We value your comfort so we will not rush your appointment.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Make sure to exfoliate the lips a week to 3 days prior to your appointment for optimal results. You can do this at home with a drop of coconut oil and sugar to create your own sugar scrub. Dry lips cannot be worked on so it is important to stay hydrated and to moisturize your lips everyday. We recommend using Aquaphor!
24-48 hours (1-2 days) before your appointment, make sure to avoid any type of blood thinner, including, but not limited to: Alcohol, coffee, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aspirin, Fish Oil, etc.
Please bring in your favourite lip gloss or lip colour; this is how we will make sure that your desired colour is matched without simply stating a “red” or “pink” colours, as this varies.
Always let us know your personal goals for your lip, and we will take care of the rest.

As always, our goal here is to match YOUR goals! Please reach out with any further questions and let us know how we can get those goals met.

Contraindications

Lip Neutralization procedures is not recommended for those who are OR have any of the following:

Under the age of 18
Pregnant or nursing
Diabetic (please advise your doctor before going through with the procedure)
Epilepsy
Undergoing chemotherapy (please advise your doctor before going through with the procedure)
Viral infections or diseases
Sick with the cold or flu like virus
Used Accutane in the last 6 months
had lip fillers within the last month (please wait 1 month to book your appointment to give your fillers time to settle in)
Eczema on the area of procedure
Chemical peels within the last 2 weeks (Please wait 2 weeks to book your appointment)
History of Keloid Scars
Anemia (Iron Deficiency)
Hemophilia – disorder where blood is unable to clot properly or an other bleeding disorders
AIDS (HIV)
Hepatitis/Jaundice
Have glaucoma
Taking blood thinning medications
Have allergies to alcohol, numbing agents, or makeup colours
Have heart problems, healing disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure
Skin cancer or any kind of skin disorders near the treatment area (i.e. shingles, psoriasis, rashes, eczema or anything else near lips)
Core Sores outbreak on the day of the appointment, your procedure cannot be performed (If you have a history of cold sore, it is recommended to go to your family doctor and get Valtex orZovirax or another antiviral medication prescribed to take (5 days prior procedure, the day of, and 5 days after)
Have previous tattooed lips that is too dark or large. Please send us an email with a clear unedited photo with no makeup of your lips for evaluation prior to booking

What is the healing process for Lip Neutralization services?

(See example reference photos below.)

It is very important for clients to remember that healing for dark lips isn’t pretty. Dark lips will go through many weird stages. After the scabs come off, the lips will appear darker, patchy and uneven. Clients must trust the process and recognize that their lips will fully bloom out and heal in 8-12 weeks. After the scabs have come off you may wear lip tint or lipstick to cover your lips during the healing period.

Day 1: “I’m excited!” …immediately after the procedure: Lips experience swelling, tenderness and high colour intensity.
Day 2: “I look like a puffer fish, this colour and shape looks so dark!” Swelling usually subsides within 24 hours. Lips may appear darker than intended – this is normal! They will heal and become 40-50% lighter. Be patient!
Day 3-4: “The scabs are falling off, my lips are peeling and the colour is gone!” You will experience severe dryness, do NOT pick at scabs! This is part of the healing process, treat your lip tattoo like you would for any wound.
Day 5-7: “There is no difference! My lips are so pale and so uneven” After the flakes have naturally fallen off, your lips will appear lighter than expected. In the following weeks, the colour will surface and bloom into the intended colour.
Day 7-10: Ghosting stage. “The colour looks very light!” This normal and part of your healing process.
Week 2-3: Darkening Stage. “My lips look darker than before! I really hope it lightens up!”
Week 6-8: “The colour is coming back! I wish it was a little brighter! I also see some small patches” Get ready to book your touch up appointment!
After touch up: “I love it! I want to come back for regular touch ups to keep my colour looking vibrant!”

Remember, everyone heals differently! Some clients may experience healing a lot faster/slower than others, this is normal! This is simply a guideline to guide you through what to expect for your healing process.

Please contact us for promos, pricing and appointment bookings.

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Cash, E-transfer & Visa are accepted.

Please note that Visa payments have a 12% Tax + service fee.

Note that all Lip Blush/ Lip Neutralization appointment bookings require a $50 non-refundable deposit. This is e-transfered to bbxartistry@gmail.com and will be deducted from your final total. Once we have confirmed the transfer of the deposit, you will receive an appointment confirmation with all the details of your booking. Bring the remainder of the balance to your appointment in cash.

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Email: bbxartistry@gmail.com

info@bbxartistry.com