A young woman who underwent a semi-permanent lip tattoo revealed a photo of her lips, which were swollen over five times their normal size.
The New York Post reported that Tash Evans, 21, from Hull, North Yorkshire, received the procedure to define her lips and add color and volume.
“I was tired of applying lipstick every morning,” Evans explained. “I thought lip tattoos would give me a natural tint and make my life easier.”
But when Evans saw her lips after the procedure, she was shocked. “My lips felt like they had ballooned to five times their normal size, and the color was an alarmingly intense red,” she recounted.
“As time passed, my lips became hard, and the swelling and pain intensified,” Evans added. “I looked like a character from ‘Monsters, Inc.’!”
Despite the alarming appearance, Evans clarified that it was just a temporary side effect, expecting the swelling to subside within 3 to 4 days.
Lip tattoos: Convenient but not without risks – Why you should get tested before taking the plunge
Lip tattoos inject red pigment into the epidermal layer of the lips to make them look more vibrant. They are popular among women because they are convenient, as they do not require the application of lipstick or tints.
While swelling after the procedure varies, it typically decreases within 2 to 3 days. Applying cold compresses can help reduce the puffiness.
However, side effects can depend on the individual’s skin type, aftercare, and the procedure’s environment. Common side effects include swelling, pain, pigmentation changes, and a burning sensation. If you experience any of these, it is necessary to seek professional advice.
For safety, it’s important to have an allergy or skin sensitivity test before the procedure. Due to the higher risk of side effects, semi-permanent procedures should be avoided altogether, especially for those with metal allergies or a tendency to develop keloid scars.
People prone to sores around the lips due to the herpes virus should also be cautious. If the skin barrier around the lips is damaged during the procedure, the herpes virus can activate when the immune system weakens. Those frequently with cold sores should follow the doctor’s advice and take antiviral medication before the procedure.
To prevent side effects from semi-permanent procedures, it is essential to check the clinic’s safety, ensure clean tools, and confirm proper hygiene practices. Getting the procedure in a clinic with inadequate hygiene management increases the risk of infections like hepatitis B and C, HIV, staph infections, tetanus, and tuberculosis.
