Lip fillers are perceived as painful. On average, clients give a treatment a pain score of 3-4 (scale 1-10). There are various anesthetic options and treatment techniques. Read all the information below and find a suitable clinic near you.

Are lip fillers painful?

Many people considering cosmetic filler treatments dread the pain. This isn't always the case. Some treatments are painless, while others take just seconds. Some filler treatments can be painful. Most people find lip fillers somewhat sensitive. There are various treatment techniques, some more sensitive than others. There are also ways to numb the area. Is lip filler surgery painful? This article provides tips and tricks for dealing with painful procedures!

Do lip fillers hurt?

Lip fillers pain

In general, a lip filler treatment is considered sensitive. However, the level of discomfort varies greatly per treatment. Important factors include the injection technique used, the type of anesthesia, the skill of the doctor, and the client’s personal pain threshold. The following lip filler treatment techniques are common:

Lip fillers with needle, standard technique

With the standard technique (also called the "normal technique" or "linear technique"), the lips are filled using a needle. An ultra-thin needle (typically 30 gauge, much thinner than a vaccination needle) is inserted into the lip tissue. With each injection, the filler is distributed in small amounts across the desired areas.

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Russian technique (Russian technique)

With the Russian Technique, the lips are filled with many small injections starting from the lip edge. The Russian technique is more painful because the lip line is more sensitive than the lip red. Multiple injections are also required. The Russian technique can optimize the shape of the lips. For example, 'flat lips' and 'heart-shape lips' are trends that can be better achieved with the Russian technique.

Lip augmentation with a cannula

Lips can also be filled with a cannula. A small hole is made in the corners of the mouth through which the blunt cannula can be inserted. The cannula then fills the entire lip with a retracting motion. This treatment is safe, but slightly less precise than lip fillers with a needle.

Lip filler anesthesia

There are several methods to numb the lips before a treatment. This can be done with Emla cream, a “dental anesthetic,” or with anesthesia mixed into the filler itself. Each method has its own characteristics and benefits.

Emla cream lip filler

EMLA is a cream that numbs the skin. It is often used for lip treatments. With EMLA, the needle prick is felt less. The cream must be applied at least 30 minutes before treatment. It works fairly well, but not as effectively as a dental anesthetic.

Dental anesthetic for lip filler

A “dental anesthetic” involves 2 small injections. Using an ultra-thin needle, the lips are completely numbed for several hours. The active ingredient is lidocaine. This method provides the least painful lip treatment.

Lip filler with anesthesia

Many fillers already contain lidocaine mixed in. Brands such as Belotero, Juvéderm, and Restylane commonly include it. The advantage is that you don’t need to wait 30 minutes (like with EMLA cream) or receive an extra injection (like with a dental anesthetic). The downside is that the anesthetic takes a few seconds to work, and the syringe contains a fraction less filler since part of the content is lidocaine.

Do fillers hurt?

For most filler treatments, the pain level is similar to lip fillers. However, areas such as tear troughs, jawline, or chin fillers are generally considered less painful. You can always discuss anesthesia options with your doctor.

How long does pain last after lip filler?

After treatment, the lips may hurt due to swelling or peeling skin. This creates tension in the lips. It is recommended to cool the area regularly (with a cloth between the ice pack and skin). Applying Vaseline in the first few days also helps. All discomfort should disappear within 2 weeks. If not, contact your treating doctor.
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Read Reviews:

I had my second laser session and it was a really good experience. Anne was super friendly, kind, and made me feel very comfortable the whole time. She explained everything clearly and was very professional. The session was easy and there was barely any pain at all. I felt very relaxed and taken care of. Highly recommend Anne!
11 January 2026 07:07
I was in Al Wasl Road branch to get HydraFacial in this clinic. They have one more clinic in Al Barsha btw. Clinic is beautiful and modern, has convenient location for people from Business bay and Downtown. I like HydraFacial because it's perfect for all skin types, noninvasive and leaves complexion instantly smother, brighter and radiantly refreshed. Ms F... Show more »
I was in Al Wasl Road branch to get HydraFacial in this clinic. They have one more clinic in Al Barsha btw. Clinic is beautiful and modern, has convenient location for people from Business bay and Downtown.

I like HydraFacial because it's perfect for all skin types, noninvasive and leaves complexion instantly smother, brighter and radiantly refreshed. Ms Flora made just a great procedure, made a compliment for my skin and mentioned things I could improve. Face really looks great and clean. The most painful part is nose because of black dots but I wanted to get rid of them.

In this clinic you can find as well laser treatments, microneedling, anti-wrinkle treatment injections and facelifts. Just don’t forget to make an appointment in advance because I saw there many people even during my visit Show less »
Elena Titkova
Bionix Clinic
11 January 2026 04:04
I have researched in Thermage for a long time. After reached out to many clinics and hospitals, only Lucia has the machine I am requesting- Thermage FLX( 5th generation). I did the treatment here at Lucia Clinic today. It was a painful but definitely worthwhile experience. We had some miscommunication about price. But the manager handled it well. I am happy... Show more »
I have researched in Thermage for a long time. After reached out to many clinics and hospitals, only Lucia has the machine I am requesting- Thermage FLX( 5th generation).
I did the treatment here at Lucia Clinic today. It was a painful but definitely worthwhile experience. We had some miscommunication about price. But the manager handled it well. I am happy with the result.
Jelly was my therapist, she did my treatment with profession. I appreciate how she interacted with me. I listed some questions and points for the treatment. She patiently explained well to me and made the process so much easier.
After all, it was a pleasant experience with Jelly, at Lucia. Show less »
8 January 2026 14:02
Great experience with Dr. Feras. He was very kind, professional, and made me feel completely comfortable. I didn’t feel any pain at all, even though it was my first time. Highly recommended💐❤️
7 January 2026 14:02
I had a wonderful experience at CosmoSurge for a complex revision surgery. From the moment I walked in, the staff were incredibly attentive, polite, and helpful, making me feel completely at ease. I specifically chose Dr. Levente to fix a perforation and complications from a previous surgery elsewhere. His work was nothing short of miraculous, I woke up wit... Show more »
I had a wonderful experience at CosmoSurge for a complex revision surgery. From the moment I walked in, the staff were incredibly attentive, polite, and helpful, making me feel completely at ease.

I specifically chose Dr. Levente to fix a perforation and complications from a previous surgery elsewhere. His work was nothing short of miraculous, I woke up with no pain and no bruising, and I didn't even need painkillers during my recovery. The clinic is clean, professional, and the nursing team is excellent. I am so happy with my results and the care I received. Show less »
5 January 2026 10:10

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pain of Lip Fillers

How painful are lip fillers?

Does lip augmentation hurt?

How long does it hurt after lip filler?

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