The Blog Do Lip Fillers Hurt?

Lip fillers have become so widely accepted and beloved as a quick, simple and highly effective cosmetic treatment, that it’s easy to forget how the procedure might feel to receive.

But the question does pop up: do lip fillers hurt?

The prospect of plush, luscious, full and sexy lips is too exciting to even think about the pain factor! But if you’re curious about what it really feels like to get lip fillers, then here’s the low-down.

When it comes to lip filler pain, some report a highly tolerable experience, while others can feel a bit more sensitive, so it’s certainly a case-by-case matter.

What we can tell you is that our expert doctors and cosmetic injectors use numbing cream for all patients, and there’s also the option of ‘happy gas’ to make your procedure as comfortable as possible.

 

Does Lip Filler Hurt?

Now, we must remember that this is an injectable treatment, and therefore sensation will be felt from the entry point of the injection. But having said that, our patients report an increasingly comfortable experience with repeated treatments. Read: the more you get, the better it gets!

The filler itself is not painful while being administered, but some patients may find the initial injection entry quite uncomfortable, as the lips are a very sensitive area. 

Also, some parts of the lip may be more sensitive than others for some patients. While it may feel quite touchy to receive the filler in the cupid’s bow, for example, the same person may find the filler being placed in the bottom lip very tolerable, and so on. 

Our practitioners are masters at providing the most comfortable experience to our patients and are extremely experienced and educated in how to administer treatments with efficiency, causing you the least amount of discomfort possible, and making the procedure quick and easy to receive. 

At Contour Clinics, we are highly conscious of after effects caused by the delivery of injectables such as bruising, and are incredibly skilled at administering treatments in such a way as to avoid this altogether where possible. 

While some clinics may use multiple injection points to achieve a certain look, which can be quite uncomfortable to endure, our doctors and cosmetic injectors are highly capable at creating beautiful results with minimal injection points where possible, making your procedure experience a breeze.

Is the Recovery from Lip Fillers Painful?

Once you’ve had your lip filler treatment, the results will be seen immediately. How exciting! 

Keep in mind though, the initial swelling will make your lips larger than what they will end up. Swelling from lip fillers usually lasts between 1-3 days. Many patients only experience noticeable swelling from their first treatment, and then very minimal swelling from all treatments thereafter. 

Also, some patients find their top lip looks larger than the bottom during this swelling phase, but don’t be alarmed – the filler will settle and the swelling will subside, allowing for the perfect final result. 

When it comes to the recovery period, does lip filler hurt? No, it doesn’t! 

Once the filler has been placed into the lips, it’s quickly integrated and it does not cause any pain whatsoever. 

The only discomfort you may experience is possible swelling of your lips in the initial post-procedure period (usually about 24-48 hours), which can make them feel slightly warm or tender. 

However, this doesn’t happen to the same degree with repeat treatments; most patients only experience noticeable swelling after their first-ever treatment.

Minimising Pain from Lip Fillers

You can do a few things to reduce the potential pain or side effects from your lip fillers treatment. 

Don’t consume any alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure (preferably 48 hours). Alcohol is a blood thinner, and if present in your system, can cause bleeding from your lip injections, and contribute to possible bruising. 

For the same reason, we recommend abstaining from painkillers containing ibuprofen or aspirin. 

Stay hydrated! Keep up your water intake, especially on the day of your treatment. Avoid coffee if you can, as this is a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration. As lip fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, which draws water to the area in which they’re placed, it’s best to be hydrated so that the fillers can keep your new lips lush and juicy. 

For the procedure itself, your doctor or cosmetic injector will use numbing cream to ensure you feel as little as possible. There’s also the option of ‘happy gas’, which you can inhale through a mouthpiece as your own leisure, to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. 

After your treatment, if you feel any discomfort or swelling, this can be relieved by softly holding a covered ice pack to your lips. Remember to keep one in the freezer ready for when you come home from the clinic, just in case. 

Overall, lip fillers are not a painful procedure to receive, and the majority of patients only experience noticeable swelling the first time, and then almost no swelling every time afterwards. 

Our tip for during the procedure: follow your doctor or cosmetic injector’s instructions to breathe. It’s over in seconds!

Do Lip Fillers Hurt with Numbing Cream?

For the procedure itself, your Contour Clinics doctor or cosmetic injector will always use plenty of numbing cream, and will wait for it to take full effect before beginning your procedure, to ensure you feel as little as possible. 

While the numbing cream works wonders to prevent you feeling much from the lip fillers being administered, you will still feel the sensation of each entry point. Some people describe this as a quick sting, which subsides as fast as it began. 

Our practitioners are highly skilled at creating beautiful results with minimal injection points, making your procedure a breeze, so if you do feel any sensation, it’s over as fast as you felt it.

What Do Lip Fillers Feel Like?

What does it actually feel like to have fillers in your lips, and do lip fillers hurt while they’re in there? 

Straight after the procedure, some people find their lips feel a bit tender at the injection points, and if there’s some swelling this may make the lips feel a bit warm and sensitive. Conversely, other patients barely notice anything after a couple of hours. 

Probably the strangest sensation you’ll feel post-treatment is the numbing cream wearing off. We recommend that you eat and drink before your appointment, as eating may feel a little bit alien while your lips are still numb, and you don’t want to risk accidentally biting your lip. 

Some people might notice the filler feels a bit strange inside their lips for the first day or two. This will subside; the filler product soon softens into the lips and eventually feels exactly like your natural lip tissue, so don’t feel concerned about this initial feeling of having slightly firm lips. It will absolutely soften and will look and feel completely natural.

How To Prepare for Lip Fillers

You can do a few things to reduce the potential side effects from your lip fillers treatment and maximise its results. 

• Don’t consume any alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your procedure (preferably 48 hours). Alcohol is a blood thinner, and if present in your system, can cause bleeding from your lip injections, and contribute to possible bruising. It can also increase the likelihood of lip filler pain being felt. 
• For the same reason, we recommend abstaining from painkillers containing ibuprofen or aspirin, which are also blood thinners. If you need pain relief, take Panadol. You can take this directly before your appointment if you’re concerned about potential lip filler pain, or you can take it afterwards if you experience any discomfort from swelling. 
• Stay hydrated! Keep up your water intake, especially on the day of your treatment. Avoid coffee if you can, as this is a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration. As lip fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, which draws water to the area in which they’re placed, it’s best to be hydrated so that the fillers can keep your new lips lush and juicy. 
• Keep your face clean and don’t apply makeup for the first 24 hours after your treatment. Lip balm (such as pawpaw ointment) is fine to use, and will help to protect your lips and keep them feeling comfortable. 
• Be gentle when cleansing and applying skin care. Don’t use skincare products containing any active ingredients such as vitamin A or vitamin C for 24 hours following your treatment. Just stick to the gentle, hydrating stuff. 
• Check your calendar. Plan your appointment so that it doesn’t clash with any social events where you might need to wear makeup or will be drinking alcohol. Similarly, try to hold off from any passionate kissing for 24 hours following your treatment. Not only will it feel a bit uncomfortable but it also poses an infection risk.