Inner Lip Tattoos surged in popularity about a decade ago. While the initial hype has decreased, many people are still curious about getting an inner lip tattoo.
However, many of those who got inner lip tattoos in the past no longer have them, and not because of removal. They have a much shorter lifespan than you might expect.
Here’s what you need to know before scheduling your appointment.
How Long Do Inner Lip Tattoos Really Last?
Many factors influence tattoo longevity. Common causes of tattoo fading include dehydrated skin and unprotected sun exposure.
Since the inside of your mouth is constantly moist and shielded from the sun, you might think an inner lip tattoo would last longer than tattoos on other parts of the body. However, the opposite is true.
The skin inside your mouth is designed for continuous regeneration. It wears away due to acids and sugars in food, and your body constantly replaces it.
This rapid cell turnover in the mouth’s wet tissues means an inner lip tattoo will last a maximum of five years. Most people notice significant fading after just one year. Some inner lip tattoos essentially disappear over time, becoming almost semi-permanent.
Diligent aftercare during the healing phase can help your inner lip tattoo start strong. Making informed decisions about oral hygiene and diet after getting an inner lip tattoo can slightly extend its lifespan.
How Long Does It Take for an Inner Lip Tattoo To Heal?
Moisture is beneficial for healing wounds, including tattoos. For tattoos on external skin, keeping the area moist speeds up healing.
Fortunately, the inside of your mouth is naturally moist. An inner lip tattoo can fully heal in as little as two weeks because it is never at risk of drying out.
This two-week healing period is ideal and isn’t always guaranteed. Neglecting proper aftercare can slow down healing or even permanently damage your inner lip tattoo. For a quick recovery, strictly adhere to aftercare instructions.
Inner Lip Tattoo Aftercare: Key Tips for Success
Tip 1: Watch What You Eat
Being mindful of your diet is generally good practice, but it’s crucial when you have a fresh inner lip tattoo. Remember the sting of lemon juice on a paper cut? Imagine that sensation on a fresh tattoo inside your mouth. Ouch.
Despite your love for orange juice, spicy foods, and tomato sauce, you’ll need to temporarily abstain from these favorites. Spicy or acidic foods can irritate your healing inner lip tattoo.
Irritation can harm the tattoo and prolong healing. Abstain for a few weeks.
Tip 2: Don’t Smoke or Vape Anything
We aren’t here to dictate your habits. You’re likely aware that smoking carries more risks than benefits.
While some substances people smoke or vape have medicinal applications, switching to edibles might be wiser while your inner lip tattoo heals.
Tip 3: Lay Off the Love
Humans express affection through exchanging bodily fluids, including kissing and other intimate mouth activities. Unfortunately, bodily fluids are germ-rich.
Passionate kissing puts stress and pressure on your lower lip. This combination is detrimental to your inner lip tattoo. Hold off for a couple of weeks; you’ll be back to kissing soon.
Tip 4: Mouthwash is Your Best Friend
Inner Lip Tattoo
While our tattoo aftercare kit is excellent, it’s not suitable for inner lip tattoos. Inner lip tattoos are unique because they are technically inside your body.
You can’t use standard tattoo aftercare products for an inner lip tattoo because you’ll inevitably swallow some product. Your tattoo artist will advise you to avoid eating or drinking (except plain water) for a few hours post-tattoo. Eating before your appointment is advisable to delay hunger.
The most crucial step in inner lip tattoo aftercare is frequent mouthwash use. Avoid harsh, alcohol-based mouthwashes that cause stinging! Alcohol can dehydrate your healing tattoo and slow down recovery.
Opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash without colors or strong flavors. Imagine intense peppermint on a fresh tattoo – definitely not pleasant.
Use mouthwash after every meal or drink (excluding water). Aim for about five rinses daily, and be gentle when brushing your teeth to avoid irritating the tattoo.
The Final Verdict on Inner Lip Tattoos
Inner Lip Tattoo
Inner lip tattoos can be a cool, discreet form of self-expression, but remember they are not permanent. If you want a lasting tattoo, consider getting it on your outer skin.
If discretion is paramount, consider locations like the back of your neck, behind your ear, or your inner bicep. We offer the best tattoo numbing cream to ease discomfort during your tattoo session for these areas.
If you proceed with an inner lip tattoo, take excellent care of it. Its unique location will require adjustments to your routine for a few weeks, but it’s already in a conducive environment for healing. Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions to facilitate the process.
Sources:
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: What It Is & Its Effect on Your Skin | Cleveland Clinic
Saliva and wound healing | PubMed
Should You Bandage a Cut or Sore or Let It Air Out? | Cleveland Clinic
