So you’re torn between a lip blush tattoo and lip fillers? You’re not alone. At Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne Studio Face Figurati, this is a common question during consults. The short answer? It depends on what you want, your natural lip shape and how much volume you already have to work with.
This blog goes into the pros and cons of getting lip blush before or after lip injections, what to expect from both and how I (Olha Po, cosmetic tattoo artist with nearly a decade of experience) help clients decide what’s right for them. So if you’re trying to line up your cosmetic procedures without wasting time or budget, keep reading.
What each treatment actually does
Both lip blushing and fillers can make your lips look more defined, symmetrical and youthful — but they work very differently.
Lip blush: Enhances shape and colour, not size
Lip blush is a form of cosmetic tattooing, using a tattoo machine to implant pigment into the lip tissue. It evens out tones, defines the lip line and adds a soft natural hue. A lip blush tattoo is perfect for people with pale, uneven or fading natural lip tone.
What won’t it do? Add volume. Lip blush can give the illusion of fuller lips by enhancing the vermilion border (that edge between your skin and lips) but it won’t plump like a dermal filler.
Lip fillers: Boost volume and structure
Lip fillers are injectable treatments using hyaluronic acid-based gels to add volume, correct asymmetries or lift the corners of the mouth. This form of lip augmentation can dramatically or subtly change your lip shape depending on the technique and amount used.
Fillers are great for:
- Naturally thin lips
- Volume loss due to ageing
- Balancing uneven sides
- Shape adjustment after injury or scarring
But they won’t fix faded colour or discoloured borders. That’s where a lip blush tattoo comes in as a complementary aesthetic treatment.
Which comes first
Now to the good stuff. In most cases I recommend getting lip fillers before your cosmetic tattoo settles. Here’s why.
Why fillers first makes more sense (for most clients)
When you get lip injections, the shape of your lips can change, especially if it’s your first time or you’re going for a bigger change. If I tattoo your lips before filler the pigment may not sit where you want it to once the lips expand.
Getting lip blush done after filler allows me to:
- Map the exact shape of your new lip borders
- Even out the pigment over the full, final lip shape
- Prevent colour migration outside the lip line if your lips expand later
Plus filler swelling can last up to 2 weeks and affect pigment retention if you try to tattoo too soon.
When blush is first, it might be a better choice
That said there are exceptions. If your main concern is tone correction (e.g. blue or cool-toned lips) or faded vermilion borders, starting with blush can lay the foundation for a polished look.
This is especially true for:
- Fitzpatrick 4–6 skin tones (where undertones need to be neutralised first)
- Clients with scarring or pigment loss
- Those who want minimal volume but want refreshed colour
At Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne Studio Face Figurati we often recommend this route for clients who want a colour boost before structural change.
But I always recommend waiting at least 6 weeks between cosmetic procedures to allow for proper healing time.
Treatment timeline: What to expect and when
Here’s what a typical treatment plan might look like if you’re getting both lip tattoo and filler.
| Treatment Stage | What Happens | Healing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Lip filler | Volume and shape are adjusted using dermal fillers | Lip swelling for 2–7 days, full settlement in 3–4 weeks |
| Step 2: Lip blush (after filler settles) | Pigment is implanted for tone and colour correction via a tattoo session | Peeling in 3–7 days, full healing process 4–6 weeks |
| Step 3: Lip blush touch-up (optional) | Refinement of colour or shape with cosmetic tattoo | Light healing 4–7 days |
How do I do this at Face Figurati
Every face is different, and not everyone needs both. At Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne Studio Face Figurati, I start with a consultation to assess your natural lip shape, skin tone and goals. Some clients with full lips only need lip blushing to add symmetry and colour. Others need to start with subtle lip augmentation, then fine-tune with permanent makeup.
And yes, we chat about lifestyle, healing process, cold sores, allergic reactions, sun exposure and even seasonal factors (your lips heal differently in Melbourne’s humid summers versus dry winters).
What if you get blush before filler?
If you’ve had a lip blush cosmetic tattoo and are now considering dermal fillers, don’t stress. It’s doable — but timing matters. Let the tattoo fully heal first and keep in mind:
- The tattooed lip line may get pushed out if volume is added after
- You may need a touch-up to reframe the shape after the filler settles
This is why working with experienced cosmetic artists trained in both pigment behaviour and facial anatomy is key.
What’s trending in 2025?
We’re seeing more clients go for natural-looking enhancements over plumped-up drama. In Melbourne especially, subtle is in. That means:
- Soft neutral tones over bright unnatural colours
- Cosmetic tattooing that stays within your natural lip shape
- Combining light dermal filler with lip blushing for a hydrated, youthful glow
According to the 2025 aesthetic medicine trend reports, combo treatments like lip tattoo + filler are up 23% as clients are looking for low-maintenance beauty solutions.
Final thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “Should I get lip blush or fillers first?” But with a custom treatment plan you can have both — and have them look natural.
As a cosmetic tattoo artist my goal is to enhance your natural features while keeping patient safety in mind. If you’re unsure which order suits your lip tissue, volume and skin tone, book a consult and we’ll chat through it.
Still got questions? Contact Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne Studio Face Figurati or browse our client gallery to see real healed results from lip tattoo and brow styling procedures.
FAQ
How long do I wait between lip filler and lip blush?
At least 4 weeks, ideally 6. This allows swelling to settle and prevents pigment from being deposited in the healing tissue.
Can I get lip filler on top of healed lip blush?
Yes, but the shape may change slightly. A touch-up after filler can correct the outline or add pigment to compensate for expansion.
Will lip blush make my lips look bigger?
Not physically — there’s no added volume. But defining the lip line and adding colour gives the illusion of fullness.
What if I don’t want both treatments?
Totally fine. Some clients only need cosmetic tattooing for balance and definition. Others just want volume from lip injections. We work out what you need.
How do I know which lip tone suits me?
During consults we swatch pigment against your skin tone. Most Melbourne clients suit warm, peachy or rose tones — great for our climate and seasonal changes.
