Lip Tattooing · St Kilda, Melbourne

Reconstructive Lip Tattoo Melbourne

Rebuild your natural lip shape, restore symmetry and bring back the definition that time and sun have faded. Full lip restructuring is one of our specialities.

  • $870 · Touch-up $150
  • Appointment approx. 3 hours
  • Perfecting session at 6–8 weeks

Looking for a softer wash of colour? Compare all our lip tattooing styles.

Reconstructive lip tattoo before and after – Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, St Kilda

What is reconstructive lip tattooing?

Reconstructive lip tattooing, also called full lip restructuring, is designed for clients with significant lip asymmetry, thinning, or age-related loss of definition along the vermilion border, the natural edge of the lip.

Over time, especially with sun damage and natural ageing, the vermilion border fades into the surrounding skin, so lips look thinner and less defined than they really are. Most aged lips are actually fuller than clients think; the colour has simply receded. We blend pigment through the entire lip, with no harsh graduation of colour, to rebuild the natural shape, restore symmetry and bring back a defined border.

This is one of our most technically demanding lip procedures, and it takes real experience and colour knowledge to achieve a natural result. At CTM, it is one of our specialities.

Reconstructive lip tattooing is a great fit if you

  • have noticeably uneven or asymmetrical lips
  • feel your lips have thinned or “shrunk” over the years
  • have lost the natural lip line (the “white line”) to sun damage or age
  • find your lipstick bleeds and won’t stay in place

Another technique may suit you better if you

  • are happy with your lip shape and just want a soft hint of colour: Lip Blush
  • have naturally darker or uneven lip pigment: Lip Neutralisation
  • want a richer, saturated lipstick colour: Lipstick Look
  • love a gradient of two colours: Ombré Lip

We’ll look at your lip shape, skin tone and the look you want, and recommend the technique that will heal best for you.

Reconstructive lip results

Real CTM clients. Every lip is designed for the client’s own face, lip shape and skin tone, and results vary with skin type and aftercare.

Your lip artists

Your reconstructive lip tattoo is created by one of our senior artists, in our private St Kilda salon.

Shelley, owner and principal cosmetic tattooist at Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, St Kilda

Shelley

Owner · Principal Cosmetic Tattooist

17 years in the beauty industry, with regular advanced masterclasses here and overseas. Shelley uses only premium pigments and works to the highest clinical standards.

Irina

Irina

Cosmetic Tattooist

An internationally recognised artist with over 10 years of experience in permanent makeup, known for precise, natural-looking brows, lips and eyeliner.

How your appointment works

Lip tattooing is always a two-step process: your first appointment and a perfecting session 6–8 weeks later. With reconstructive work we take extra time over the design, because the shape is everything.

Consultation & lip mapping

We look at your natural lip, measure for symmetry and draw the restored shape, then colour match from our extensive pigment range. Nothing is tattooed until you approve the design.

Full lip colour

A topical anaesthetic is applied before and throughout. Your artist blends pigment through the whole lip and back from the border, so there is never a harsh line.

Healing

Expect mild swelling for up to 24 hours and dry lips for the first week. The colour looks much stronger at first, then softens to your healed result.

Perfecting session

At 6–8 weeks we fine-tune shape, symmetry and colour based on how your lips have healed, the Baby Steps way.

  • Day 1: mild swelling for up to 24 hours. A cold pack wrapped in glad wrap helps.
  • Days 1–5: the colour looks darker and more intense than the final result. This is normal.
  • Week 1: lips feel dry and lightly flake. Keep them moisturised with your aftercare balm and don’t pick.
  • Weeks 2–4: the colour can look lighter while the lips finish healing, then gently comes back through.
  • Weeks 6–8: your healed shape and colour have settled, ready for your perfecting session.

Reconstructive lip aftercare

Good aftercare is what makes your new lip shape heal soft and even, and last. Here is what we ask of you.

The first 2 weeks

  • Avoid water directly on the lips for the first 2 days
  • Avoid spicy food, hot drinks, citrus, red wine and kissing for 5 days
  • Keep your lips moisturised with your CTM aftercare balm; don’t let them dry out
  • Don’t pick or pull at dry or flaking skin; let it shed naturally
  • No lipstick, gloss or other lip products for at least 5 days
  • Avoid swimming, saunas and heavy sweating for 2 weeks

Long term

  • Apply an SPF lip balm every day; sun is the main cause of lip tattoo fading
  • Keep glycolic acid, AHAs and active skincare away from the lips
  • Try not to lick your lips; saliva breaks down pigment, especially in the centre
  • No makeup, chemical treatments or facials on the area for 4 weeks
  • Book a touch-up every 1–2 years to keep the colour fresh
  • You can’t donate blood for 1 month after your procedure
Our promise

The CTM Baby Steps Method

At CTM, we guarantee satisfaction through our Baby Steps Method. Rather than rushing to create the boldest colour in one session, we take a measured, considered approach, building the result gradually so there is no room for error. It is always easier to add to a tattoo than to remove it, and this philosophy ensures every client leaves happy with a result they can grow into confidently.

Why Choose Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne?

When you visit Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, you can feel confident knowing you’re in experienced, professional hands.

17 Years of Beauty Industry Experience

Extensive experience in cosmetic tattooing, beauty and advanced treatments.

Over 8,000 Clients Serviced

Thousands of clients have trusted us for their cosmetic tattooing and beauty treatments.

Over 590 Google Reviews

Proudly backed by hundreds of Google reviews from our valued clients.

Highly Skilled in Cosmetic Tattooing

Specialising in eyebrow tattooing, nano brows, powder brows, ombré brows, combination brows, lip blush tattooing and eyeliner tattooing in Melbourne.

Committed to Infection Control & Best Practice

We follow strict hygiene and infection-control procedures so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your treatment.

Fully Licensed & Certified

Professionally trained, licensed and certified, with a strong commitment to safe and high-quality treatments.

Continual Advanced Training

We are constantly upskilling our techniques, attending advanced masterclasses and travelling overseas to learn the latest cosmetic tattooing methods and industry innovations.

Diverse Tattooing Skill Set

Our extensive range of techniques allows us to tailor each treatment to your individual features, skin, style and desired result.

Personalised Results

Every cosmetic tattoo is carefully designed to enhance your natural features rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

With 17 years of industry experience, more than 8,000 clients serviced and over 590 Google reviews, Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne is proud to provide professional cosmetic tattooing from our St Kilda, Melbourne salon.

Payment options

Spread the cost of your treatment with interest-free payment plans.

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What our clients say

5
Based on 591 reviews
powered by Google
  • Iva Stankovic Avatar
    Iva Stankovic
    23 October 2026
    SHELLEY DID MY BROWS AND IRINA DID MY LIPS. AMAZING RESULTS AT CTM!! I HAD MY EYES DONE WITH ULTRAFORMER MPT. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!!
    Georgia Elliott Avatar
    Georgia Elliott
    17 October 2026
    Perfect experience! Shelley did a great job with my brows and so happy with the results. Extra points for sugar the doggy! 🌸
    Lisa A Avatar
    Lisa A
    16 October 2026
    CTM helped me feel super comfortable with getting cosmetic tattooing - something I haven’t done before. I wasn’t sure what to expect but am happy with a natural looking (younger... read more looking) version of my eyes.
  • Brett Davison Avatar
    Brett Davison
    10 October 2026
    Shelley’s training course is absolutely amazing. I learned so much and feel extremely confident in my skills as a cosmetic tattoo artist. If you are wanting to learn... read more new skills in the beauty industry I highly recommend this cosmetic tattoo training course.
    Anna-Rose Keogh Avatar
    Anna-Rose Keogh
    7 October 2026
    Lovely experience today with Shelly - feels nice to be in safe hands. See you again soon thank youuu
    Gemma Attfield Avatar
    Gemma Attfield
    7 October 2026
    Amazing service, 10/10 would recommend!
  • Laurie Jeffery Avatar
    Laurie Jeffery
    6 October 2026
    I recently upskilled in powder brow, microblading, and nano strokes with Shelley at CTM. I thoroughly enjoyed my course and would highly recommend to anyone looking to expand their brow... read more services into cosmetic tattooing. Shelley was attentive, informative and supportive. She is always available for questions or when I need help with my technique. We had so much fun on my training days, it was like learning from an old friend. 10/10 Recommend.
    Violet Avatar
    Violet
    2 October 2026
    I had HIFU Ultraformer on my jawline and I couldn't be happier. The results are noticeable but still natural. The best part? A friend commented on how much weight I'd... read more lost in my face, with no idea I'd had a treatment. Both Shelley and Nik were lovely to deal with and clearly know their stuff. I'm so happy I'm going back for my Nasolabial Folds. I'd highly recommend!
    niamh m buckley Avatar
    niamh m buckley
    1 October 2026
    Had my lip blush done twice with Shelley and really recommend, she is amazing ! Have had so many compliments on them 🙂 I also started getting laser tattoo removal with... read more Nick and have been going to him for over a year now, he is brilliant. My tattoos are almost gone! They gave me such a great deal too, best price I could find. Highly recommend!!
  • Grace Avatar
    Grace
    30 September 2026
    Nick did a fantastic job with HIFU MPT today. It is a lovely salon and he and Shelley are very reassuring and friendly. Highly recommend.
    Hayley Avatar
    Hayley
    28 September 2026
    I recently completed training with Shelley her salon is lovely, bright, welcoming and located in a great spot. She was helpful throughout my training taking time to go through things explaining... read more clearly and answering any questions I had. Shelley also offers lots of other beauty services in her salon as well as training courses. Thanks again for your kindness and care.
    Laurie Jeffery Avatar
    Laurie Jeffery
    25 September 2026
    I had such a great experience with Shelley getting my brows tattooed. She mapped the shape perfectly to suit my face and absolutely nailed the colour selection. She made me... read more feel comfortable throughout the whole appointment and created such a fun, relaxed environment. I’m so happy with how my brows turned out and would highly recommend Shelley to anyone considering getting theirs done!
  • Dominique Karatsolgou Avatar
    Dominique Karatsolgou
    25 September 2026
    Shelley is so kind, efficient and lovely. Her work is absolutely gorgeous! Couldn’t be happier!
    Alyce Hinton Avatar
    Alyce Hinton
    25 September 2026
    Fantastic! Love my eyebrows. Shelley was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend.
    Malia Skjefte Avatar
    Malia Skjefte
    24 September 2026
    Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne provided excellent service for my microblade removal. After doing some research online, they looked like the perfect match for being able to remove my very dark and... read more patchy brows that I developed over many years of microblade sessions from different artists. They even offer a test/ trial appointment so you can learn about the process and ask any questions. The staff is very educated and informed on the best and most effective ways to remove previous microblade design. The whole removal took about 5 seconds for each brow with only about 2-3 sessions required for the complete removal. The clinic made me feel very welcome and calm from start to finish. Highly recommend for anybody considering brow removal in the Melbourne area!
  • Amelia Higney Avatar
    Amelia Higney
    23 September 2026
    Shelley is amazing! I was really unsure about having tatoo make up but the results are so natural and it's boosted my confidence to no end. The team are kind,... read more professional and really listen to you from the minute you walk in the door. Honestly 10/10 thank you CTM!!! 🥰🤗❤❤❤
    Naaz Delhiwale Avatar
    Naaz Delhiwale
    18 September 2026
    Very very happy with the service. Shelley has done amazing job with my Lip Neutralisation. Great set up. Hygienic, clean. Feel welcomed. Always ready to answer any questions. Prompt reply on messages. Would... read more definitely come back again.
    Daina Hastings Avatar
    Daina Hastings
    17 September 2026
    Shelley removed my milia, which I originally thought was a cyst, and she did such an amazing job! She saved me so much money as I thought I was going... read more to have to see a surgeon to have it removed. She also did my brows and I absolutely love them! I’m so happy with the results. Shelley is amazing at what she does and I couldn’t recommend her highly enough!
  • Tasha Abby Avatar
    Tasha Abby
    12 September 2026
    I had such a great experience here! I had the HIFU treatment and I’m honestly so happy with the results. Shelley was absolutely lovely and did such a beautiful job,... read more she was professional, attentive, and made me feel completely comfortable throughout the treatment. The whole experience was fantastic, and I could really tell that care was taken with the treatment. I’m very happy with how my skin feels now. I would definitely recommend Shelley and the team. Such a lovely experience!
    Shirley Lee Avatar
    Shirley Lee
    12 September 2026
    The line is precise, and beautifully tailored to enhance my natural eye shape. Irene was thorough with the topical numbing, making the fast and minimal swelling.
    Janine Lum Avatar
    Janine Lum
    10 September 2026
    I would highly recommend CTM for exceptional treatments, personalised care and results you can feel confident about. A beautiful balance between expertise, precision and natural outcomes. I couldn’t be rate... read more CYM any higher. 🫶 🤩
  • Nina Avatar
    Nina
    5 September 2026
    I’m extremely particular about who I trust with my face, particularly when it comes to something as permanent as cosmetic tattooing. I have complete confidence in Shelley — she has... read more an exceptional eye for detail, shape and what suits each individual. I always feel I’m in the safest hands with her and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for beautiful, natural results.
    Michelle Billett Avatar
    Michelle Billett
    4 September 2026
    Shelly is absolutely amazing at what she does. She is incredibly talented, warm, professional and has such an eye for detail. She always takes the time to make sure everything... read more is just right and that you feel completely comfortable throughout the process. I always leave feeling so happy with the result and genuinely trust her with my face. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough 💕
    Amelia Collins Avatar
    Amelia Collins
    29 August 2026
    I had my first session of laser tattoo removal on old faded whack micro blading eyebrows here and honestly I’m soo glad I chose to go here. I did my... read more research beforehand and phoned up over about seven different salons around Melbourne and even visited one who was super pushy and tried to force me into paying a package straight up. Never trust a place who pushes you into paying for things straight up. I’ve seen horror stories of people‘s healing online, but this did not happen to me at all at this place. I ended up going here and I couldn’t recommend it more!!! The laser tattoo removal technician here was fantastic super knowledgeable, very honest and not pushy at all. He really knew what he was doing. I did not have any scarring. I found like paying quite manageable because it’s a very quick process. It healed really well and very quickly And they gave me free After-care cream. I’ve gone to Removery for my bigger tattoos in the past, but I’ll be going back here for others that I want to get removed because honestly it’s much more affordable and you get the one technician so it’s a more personalised experience. If you’re looking for laser eyebrow tattoo removal go here! It was such a smooth process i wasn’t locked into or pressured into anything. I’ll be going back for a second session to remove the final remaining red pigment that is left underneath the brown tones and then it will be all done! Go here!
  • Clodagh Wynne Avatar
    Clodagh Wynne
    28 August 2026
    Very professional and reassuring while removing eyebrow tattoo removal.
    Isabelle Lee Avatar
    Isabelle Lee
    28 August 2026
    Had a great experience with Nik to remove my nano tattoo brows with pico way. He we so informative and clear with the process. Made me really feel at ease!... read more I’m loving the results and so glad I got it done. Thank you CTM team!
    Mietta McKinnon-Mintzis Avatar
    Mietta McKinnon-Mintzis
    17 August 2026
    So happy with the laser tattoo removal I received on my old eyebrow tattoos! After a couple of days, the tattoos are almost completely gone! And they will only continue... read more to get better! Nick did an amazing job at making the process comfortable and easy! Excited to come in for another session and see how they look in a few weeks! Wouldn't go anywhere else after this experience ☺️
  • Anita Nikora Avatar
    Anita Nikora
    15 August 2026
    Awesome, super happy with my newly tattooed lips! Shelley is so lovely and the process has been seamless. My comfort was of paramount importance, so I copied really well.
    Brent McHugh Avatar
    Brent McHugh
    15 August 2026
    Nic and Shelley are amazing - very friendly and super professional. Highly recommend.
    Kash Wall Avatar
    Kash Wall
    15 August 2026
    Pain free and relaxing. Shelley is so much fun and takes her time ♥️

Reconstructive Lip FAQs

How much does reconstructive lip tattooing cost?

Lip reconstruction is $870, and touch-ups are $150. Save when you book two or more treatments; contact us for a personalised package quote.

How is it different from lip blush?

Lip blush is a light, sheer wash of colour for clients who are happy with their natural lip shape. Reconstructive lip tattooing goes further: we rebuild the lip border, correct asymmetry and blend colour through the full lip, so the shape itself is restored.

Will it make my lips look fuller?

It restores what is already there. Most lips that have aged are fuller than clients realise; the colour along the border has simply faded into the skin. Bringing that definition back makes the lips look fuller and more even, without fillers.

Will I have a hard lip line?

No. We don’t tattoo a standalone lip liner. Pigment is blended into and across the whole lip, so the result looks natural rather than drawn on.

Does it hurt?

Most clients find it very comfortable. A topical anaesthetic is applied before and throughout the procedure. Lips can be more sensitive than brows, especially towards the inner lip; taking Panadol 45 minutes beforehand can help.

How long does it last?

Lip tattoos generally last 2 to 3 years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure and colour choice. Your perfecting session at 6–8 weeks is essential, and we recommend a touch-up every 1–2 years.

I get cold sores. Can I still have it done?

Yes, but please tell us before your appointment. Any lip procedure can trigger a cold sore in people who carry the virus, so we strongly recommend a course of antivirals first: Valtrex (prescription, usually taken 2 days before and 2 days after), L-Lysine (over the counter, daily for 4 weeks before), or Zovirax mixed with your aftercare balm while healing. If you have an active cold sore on the day, we’ll need to reschedule.

Can I have it if I have lip filler?

Yes. Filler adds volume but doesn’t restore lost colour or definition, so the two work well together. If you’ve recently had filler, please wait at least 2 months before your lip tattoo; if you’re planning both, we recommend tattooing first.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and caffeine on the day
  • Stop blood-thinning medications (Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Ibuprofen) at least 24 hours before; consult your GP if these are prescribed
  • Keep your lips hydrated and conditioned in the week before; well-moisturised lips heal better
  • Avoid laser, chemical peels or injectables around the lips for at least 4 weeks before
  • Start antivirals if you have a history of cold sores

Who should not have lip tattooing?

Please contact us before booking if any of these apply to you:

  • Lip filler in the last 2 months
  • Roaccutane: you must be off it for the same length of time you were on it, with a minimum of 12 months recommended
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • An active cold sore at the time of your appointment
  • Keloid scarring tendency
  • Active dermatitis or skin conditions around the lips
  • Steroid or hormone replacement therapy
  • Chemotherapy (we can only treat clients who are in full remission)
  • Under 18 years of age

When do I book my perfecting session?

Between 6 and 8 weeks after your first appointment, and no sooner. This is where we make all adjustments to colour, shape and symmetry. Skipping or delaying it affects how long your result lasts, and bookings outside the 8-week window may incur an additional fee.

Ready to restore your lips?

Book your reconstructive lip tattoo at our St Kilda salon, Suite 2/179 Barkly Street, or call us on 0412 144 015 for a chat first.