If you're an expectant mom in San Diego, you're probably focused on doing what's best for your baby's health and safety. That may mean putting certain cosmetic treatments on hold for the time being. When it comes to lip blush, a semi-permanent lip tattoo procedure, experts advise against getting it done during pregnancy.

There are a few key reasons why lip blush is not recommended for pregnant women:

Infection Risk

Any procedure that breaks the skin can potentially lead to infection, which is especially concerning during pregnancy. Infections may require antibiotics that could impact the baby, and make breastfeeding more difficult if it becomes necessary.

Pigment Resistance

The hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause the body to reject or irregularly distribute the pigments used in lip blushing. This could result in poor color retention or an uneven appearance.

Medication Exposure

Lip blush procedures typically involve the use of numbing creams or local anesthetics. While the amounts are small, these medications can potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect the baby if exposure occurs during a crucial developmental window.

Facial Changes

Many women experience swelling or fluid retention in the face during pregnancy, which can temporarily alter the shape and appearance of the lips. Getting a lip blush while these changes are taking place could mean being unhappy with the final results once the pregnancy is over.

Unknown Ingredient Risks

While tattoo inks are closely regulated, there is still a lack of data on how lip blush pigments could impact a developing fetus if absorbed into the mother's bloodstream. Allergic reactions in the mother are also a possibility.

For all these reasons, most cosmetic providers in San Diego and across the country recommend against lip blush procedures until after pregnancy and breastfeeding have concluded. This allows the mom's body to return to its pre-pregnancy state and ensures minimal risk to the baby.

If you're interested in lip blushing but are currently pregnant or nursing, your best option is to wait until a few months after weaning. Be sure to discuss the procedure with a reputable San Diego provider and get their professional opinion on if and when it would be safe for you to get lip blush.