07/04/2024 
One of the first questions clients considering a lip blush treatment ask is what the treatment feels like. The idea of a needle going over your lips multiple times might sound unpleasant, but it’s not as scary as it seems.
How Exactly Is Lip Blush Done?
Permanent makeup involves opening the skin and depositing pigments. Lip blushing uses a PMU machine, a pen-shaped handheld device with a thin needle. The needle moves in and out at high speed, creating tiny punctures on the lips’ surface. These punctures are shallow since the lip skin is thinner than the rest of the facial skin. The shallow depth and small needle diameter make the treatment relatively pain-free, though it usually requires at least 2 sessions with multiple passes each to build up color saturation.
Does Lip Blush Hurt?
The answer to “Does lip blush hurt?” isn’t straightforward, as pain tolerance varies among clients. Generally, it may cause slight discomfort rather than pain.
The artist minimizes discomfort using a topical anesthetic. A numbing cream is applied and left for about 20 minutes before starting. The treatment begins once the lips are numb.
The first pass is often the most uncomfortable because the skin is not yet broken. After the first pass, a secondary anesthetic is applied, which works faster and provides more intense numbness, making the rest of the treatment smoother. The Cupid’s arch and the corners of the lips are typically the most uncomfortable areas, while the central areas are less sensitive.
If you experience major pain during the treatment, inform your artist immediately. They may need to adjust the needle depth or reapply the numbing cream.
If Lip Blushing Doesn’t Hurt, What Does It Feel Like?
Clients who have had lip blushing describe the sensation as:
- Hard pressure on the lips
- Pinching
- Scratching
- Repeated mosquito bites
The predominant sensation is the vibration of the machine, similar to an electric toothbrush, which is generally not unpleasant.
Does Lip Blush Hurt After the Treatment?
Post-treatment, your lips will be tender and may swell as the numbing effect wears off. This should subside within 48 hours, and applying a cold compress can help.
For a few days, your lips will feel tight and dry, and a thin scabby film will form. This can crack with sudden lip movements, so keep your lips moisturized and avoid making large motions. Cut your food into small bites and drink through a straw. The scabby film will flake off within a few days, after which you won’t need to take special care of your lips.
Anything Else I Need to Know?
In addition to tenderness and cracking, your lips may sting if they come into contact with certain foods and drinks. Avoid:
- Spicy foods
- Sour foods
- Foods high in vitamin C
- Alcohol
- Salty foods (which can dry out your lips further)
Drink more water to keep your lips hydrated.
Final Notes on Does Lip Blush Hurt
“Does lip blush hurt?” is a tricky question to answer definitively, as experiences vary. While some clients may find the treatment uncomfortable, others may not feel much pain. Understanding the process and being mentally prepared can help. In the end, most clients find that the results are worth the temporary discomfort.