Lip Micropigmentation

What is it?

Lip micropigmentation — often called lip blush — is a semi-permanent technique that deposits soft pigment into the lips to restore colour, even out tone and redefine the border. It is not a filler: it changes the colour and the outline, not the volume.

How does it work?

Pigment is implanted in light, translucent layers with a fine digital device, building the shade gradually rather than in one pass. The colour and the border are drawn and agreed with you first, under a topical anaesthetic. Almost everyone needs a second session 6–8 weeks later, once the first has healed and settled — that is part of the treatment, not a correction.

• Restores colour to pale or uneven lips
• Redefines a border that has softened with age
• Evens out tone and small areas of scarring
• Semi-permanent — fades gradually rather than needing removal
• Colour and shape agreed with you before any pigment is applied

Who is a good candidate?

Suited to patients wanting colour and definition rather than volume. If what you actually want is fuller lips, the honest answer is lip filler, not pigment — and we will tell you that at consultation rather than after.

Not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or over active cold sores, certain skin conditions or recent lip filler. If you get cold sores, tell us — the procedure can reactivate them, and antiviral cover is prescribed beforehand.

Consultation process

Your medical history, natural lip tone and any history of cold sores are reviewed. The shade is chosen with you in daylight and drawn on before anything is implanted, so you see the shape before you agree to it.

Recovery

Lips are swollen for 24–48 hours and the colour looks noticeably more intense than the result for the first few days. Light flaking follows over 5–7 days, after which the colour softens considerably — expect it to settle at roughly half the intensity you see on day one. Final colour is judged at the six-week review, not before.

Results

Once healed, lips hold a soft, natural colour with a clearer border. Results typically last one to three years, fading gradually depending on skin type, sun exposure and metabolism, and can be refreshed when you choose.