Natalie Westphal Blog
The Healing Process for Lip Blush: What to Expect Week by Week
If you're thinking about getting a Lip Blush tattoo or you've just had your appointment—congrats, beauty! You're about to experience the magic of waking up with naturally enhanced, tinted lips that actually stay put all day long. 💄

But here’s the thing I always want my clients to know: while the final results are so worth it, the healing process is just as important as the procedure itself.

This article will walk you through exactly what to expect during the healing stages after lip blush. I’ll be sharing what’s normal, what’s not, and what you should (and definitely shouldn’t) do while your lips are healing.

Let’s go step-by-step, so you feel 100% confident and ready for the journey.
Lips right after procedure
First, What Is Lip Blush?

Lip blush is a semi-permanent tattooing technique that enhances the natural color and shape of your lips. Think of it as the most natural-looking lip tint that doesn't smudge, fade by lunchtime, or need reapplying after every coffee.

It's not meant to look like lipstick—it’s more like your lips, but better. 💕

I use a special machine and ultra-fine needles to deposit pigment into the lips, creating a soft, shaded effect. And yes, I customize the color just for you, based on your skin tone, undertones, and your goals—whether that’s a soft pink, a peachy nude, or a rosy flush.

Now let’s talk about what happens after the magic happens.

The Healing Process: A Realistic Timeline

Lip skin is delicate. It's not like the rest of your face—it’s thinner, more sensitive, and reacts differently to pigment. Healing typically takes 7–10 days on the surface and up to 4–6 weeks for the pigment to settle fully into the skin.

Here’s your week-by-week healing journey:

Day 1 – The Fresh Look 💄

Right after your appointment, your lips will look brighter and bolder than expected. This is normal and temporary. The color will soften significantly over the next few days.

What you’ll feel:
  • Lips will feel swollen, tight, and possibly a little numb.
  • You might feel a tingling or slight burning sensation—kind of like a sunburn.

What you should do:
  • Keep lips clean and moisturized. I’ll give you a healing balm—apply as directed!
  • Drink through a straw for the first few days.
  • Use a clean tissue to dab your lips if needed—no wiping or rubbing.
  • Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods (ouch 😖).
  • This is the day to relax, hydrate, and let your lips rest. And yes, it’s totally okay to admire your reflection a few extra times in the mirror!

Days 2–3 – The Peel Begins 🫣

Here’s where the healing officially kicks in. Your lips will start to scab and peel, revealing lighter pigment underneath.

What you’ll feel:
  • Lips may feel dry, itchy, or tight.
  • Peeling will be patchy—it’s not always pretty, but it’s part of the process.

What you should NOT do:
  • Don’t pick or peel the scabs! Seriously. I know it’s tempting, but doing this can pull pigment out and cause uneven healing.
  • Don’t over-moisturize either—just follow the aftercare instructions I gave you.

What’s normal:
  • Patchy color
  • Flaky skin
  • Lips feeling “weird” (tight, stiff, sensitive)

Hang in there. This phase is short but critical. Your job is to be gentle and patient.

Days 4–6 – Where Did the Color Go?! 😱

This is the part where most people panic—and I want you to know, it’s completely normal.

You might think your pigment disappeared. It didn’t! What’s happening is that your lips are in their “ghosting” stage—where your skin is regenerating and temporarily masking the pigment.

What to expect:
  • Lips look too light
  • Color may appear uneven or almost invisible
  • Skin still feels a bit dry, but peeling is mostly done
  • Your lips are just going through their natural cell turnover process. The pigment is still in there—it just needs time to resurface.
Trust the process. 🙌

Week 2 – The Comeback ✨

Around day 7 to 10, the scabs are gone, the dryness is easing up, and you’ll notice a soft tint starting to peek through again. Hello, pretty lips!

But keep in mind:
  • Color will still be healing underneath the skin.
  • It takes about 4–6 full weeks for your final healed color to settle in.
  • The color will slowly bloom and intensify during this time.
  • This is the time to keep lips hydrated and protected. Avoid direct sun, aggressive exfoliating products, or anything that could disturb the skin while it's still healing.

Week 4–6 – The Final Reveal 💋

Now you’re seeing the real results!

Your lips are soft, smooth, and the pigment has settled into its final tone. The color looks more natural, blended, and true to what we aimed for during your appointment.

What might happen:
  • Some areas may still look a bit uneven (this is why we schedule a touch-up).
  • You might wish the color were a bit darker—that’s also what touch-ups are for!
  • Remember: Lip Blush is a two-step process. The touch-up appointment (around 6–8 weeks after your initial session) is where we perfect everything—adjust shape, tweak color, and boost intensity if needed.
Day 3 of healing
Your Lip Blush Aftercare Rules (Non-Negotiables)

Great results come with great aftercare. Here’s what I tell all my clients—and what I’m telling you now:

✅ DO:
  • Apply healing balm as instructed (not too much, not too little)
  • Use a straw when drinking
  • Keep lips clean, but don’t over-wash
  • Sleep on your back if possible (avoid rubbing your lips on pillows!)
  • Gently pat lips if needed—never rub

🚫 DON’T:
  • Pick, peel, or scratch your lips (this one’s huge!)
  • Apply lipstick or gloss until fully healed
  • Get facials, chemical peels, or laser near the area for at least 2 weeks
  • Go swimming or expose lips to steam rooms, saunas, or sunbathing
  • Kiss (sorry, babe! It’s just for a few days 😘)
Healed lips before touch up
Common Questions I Get (And Real Answers)

Q: Will my lips be super swollen after?
A: A little swelling is normal, especially on Day 1—but it usually goes down within a few hours to a day.

Q: Why does the color fade so much at first?
A: The body is doing its job—healing and regenerating the skin. This can cause the pigment to temporarily look invisible. Don’t worry, it resurfaces!

Q: What if one side looks lighter than the other?
A: That can happen! Everyone’s skin heals differently. That’s exactly why the touch-up needed—so we can even it out and make it perfect.

Q: Can I still wear lipstick after it’s healed?
A: Absolutely! Once fully healed, you can wear any lip color over your blush, or just enjoy your natural tint. Most of my clients say they ditch lipstick altogether!

What Happens at the Touch-Up?

  • Your perfecting session is just as important as the first appointment. It allows us to:
  • Reinforce the color
  • Adjust shape or symmetry
  • Add definition if needed
  • Fill in any spots that didn’t retain pigment

It’s not uncommon for the body to “reject” small areas of pigment—it’s part of how skin heals. That’s why touch-ups are part of the process.

A Final Word From Me 💛

Lip Blush is more than just a beauty treatment—it’s confidence. It’s saving time in the morning. It’s not worrying about smudges, fading lipstick, or pale lips when you run out the door. And most importantly—it’s feeling beautiful without trying so hard.

Yes, the healing process has its awkward moments. You’ll question if it’s fading too fast, if you did something wrong, or if it’s going to come back.

But trust me—I've done this on hundreds of clients, and if you follow the aftercare and stay patient, you’ll LOVE the final result.

It’s so worth the wait.

If you're reading this and still have questions, send me a message or check out my FAQ page. I'm here to help you feel confident every step of the way! 💌

And if you're ready to wake up to naturally enhanced lips every day—book your appointment now. Your dream lips are just a healing journey away 💋
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