How to Care for a Lip or Inner-Mouth Tattoo: A Complete Guide

Inner-lip and inner-mouth tattoos are the ultimate secret statement. They are a fun, rebellious, and deeply personal piece of art that you get to choose exactly when and with whom you share it. But this unique placement comes with an equally unique set of rules for the procedure, the pain, and especially the aftercare.

How do you heal a tattoo that's constantly in a wet environment? Do lip tattoos hurt? And the most common question of all, how long do lip tattoos last?

This is your complete guide to the world of inner-mouth tattoos, from the pain and the process to the crucial aftercare that will give your secret ink the best chance of survival.

The Pain Factor: A Short but Intense Experience

Let's address the big question first. Yes, getting your inner lip tattooed is very painful. The skin inside your mouth is incredibly thin and packed with sensitive nerve endings. On a pain scale of 1 to 10, it's a solid 8-9/10.

However, the saving grace is that these tattoos are almost always very small, simple designs, and the session is incredibly fast—often less than 15-20 minutes from start to finish. It's an intense but very brief experience.

For the part of a lip tattoo that may be on the outer skin, our No Pain Tattoo Numbing Cream can be used to manage the pain, but it should never be used inside the mouth.

The Longevity Question: A Semi-Permanent Reality

This is the most important thing to understand before you commit: inner-mouth tattoos are not always permanent. The rapid regeneration of the mucosal cells inside your mouth, combined with the constant friction and acid from food and drink, means these tattoos are notorious for fading.

How long do lip tattoos last? A well-done lip tattoo can look bold and crisp for a few years, but it will almost certainly fade over time and will likely require frequent touch-ups to maintain. Some may fade away almost completely within a year. You must go into this process with the expectation that it is a semi-permanent tattoo.

The Unique Aftercare Routine

Healing a tattoo inside your mouth is the opposite of healing a tattoo on your arm. You are not trying to keep it moisturized; you are trying to keep it clean and dry in a constantly wet environment.

1. Keep It Clean (with the Right Rinse)

Your mouth is full of bacteria, so keeping the area clean after eating is your #1 priority. For the first week, you must rinse your mouth out after every single meal and snack.

• The Rinse: Use a gentle, alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash. Do not use a harsh, alcohol-based product like Listerine, which will sting and irritate the tattoo. Swish gently for 30 seconds and spit.

2. Keep It Dry (As Much as Possible)

This is the trickiest part. For the first few days, try to "air out" your tattoo as much as you can. This might mean sitting with your lip pulled down for a few minutes at a time while you're at home watching TV. It sounds strange, but it helps the skin to heal.

3. Avoid Damaging Foods and Habits

For the first week, you must be very careful with what you eat.

• Avoid spicy, acidic, or very salty foods and drinks, as they will cause a painful burning sensation.

• Avoid hard, crunchy foods that could scrape against the tattoo. Stick to soft foods for a few days.

• Avoid smoking or vaping, as the smoke can irritate the area and introduce bacteria.

The Verdict: Lip and inner-mouth tattoos are a unique and fun way to get inked, but they are a serious commitment with a challenging healing process and a semi-permanent lifespan. By following a strict cleaning routine and being mindful of what you eat, you can give your tattoo the best possible chance to heal well and last as long as possible.