Permanent makeup normally requires multiple sessions. To achieve the best results, you may need to come back for a touch up between 8-12 weeks after the initial appointment.

Be prepared for the color to be significantly sharper/bolder immediately after the procedure. This will subside & soften as the skin heals. This process can take a week or more.

**Please note: you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

If you have EVER had a cold sore/fever blister/herpes, you MUST take Zovirax, Famvir or Valtrex or other anti-viral pre and post procedure to help prevent the outbreak of cold sores. There are NO exceptions to this rule!

If you do have an outbreak, it will usually occur on the third day following lip blush. This rule holds true for each and every time you have lip blush, including the touch up. You will need to call your physician in order to obtain your prescription strength anti-viral medication. You must inform them of your decision to have your lips permanently tinted and they will need to call your prescription in for you to pick up at your pharmacy.

Taking preventative medication is a MUST on the day of and the day after your procedure as a potential outbreak can occur as the skin’s natural reaction to the procedure. If you experience frequent outbreaks, please note that lip blush can only be done after 4 weeks from your most recent outbreak. All other questions or concerns regarding medications and outbreaks should be discussed with your healthcare physician.

If you haven’t had a cold sore/fever blister/herpes it is still HIGHLY recommended to take Lysine pre/post appointment as you can still unknowingly carry the herpes virus and not have an outbreak yet.

• Botox and filler in the lip area should be avoided for 6-8 weeks prior to procedure.

• Avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, microdermabrasion or facials for 1 month prior to procedure.

• Discontinue skincare products containing Retinol / AHAs two weeks prior.

• Avoid sun and tanning two weeks prior to procedure.

• Begin 5 day regiment:
  - Vitamin A&D ointment should be applied throughout the day. After showering when lips are soft and supple, gently scrub your lips with a light exfoliant, especially the middle of the lips, and apply a layer of Vitamin A&D. You can make a homemade scrub by mixing brown sugar, honey and olive oil in the same proportions.

• Do not consume alcohol 5 days leading up to procedure.

• NO caffeine 24 hours before procedure! 

• Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen, or any other blood thinner for 24 hours before procedure. Tylenol is ok.

• Avoid Fish Oil, Prenatal Vitamins, Nutritional Shakes (Shakeology, etc), “Hair, Skin, Nail” supplements 24 hours prior to procedure.

• Begin taking antiviral (recommended even if you haven’t had a cold sore/fever blister/herpes). Read the section above on cold sores!

• Avoid exercising the day of your appointment.

• Lips should not be dry, chapped or irritated. Artis Ink Bar reserves the right to cancel your appointment if the lip skin is not properly prepared.

• Lips may swell, please make sure you don’t have anything important for the next 1-2 days after your visit (swelling varies person-to-person).

• Makeup: Come to your appointment with or without makeup on - whatever you are most comfortable with. We will be taking before/after photos. Please be prepared with examples of colors you like, 1-2 examples max. You can bring your lip products with you for color inspiration if you’d like.

• RELAX! It’s normal to be nervous. Together, we are going to create the perfect lips for you! Take a deep breath and get EXCITED!