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.

Read more:

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Read Reviews:

Professional and welcoming atmosphere! ❤️The staff are friendly, and the treatment was quick and completely painless. I had a great experience and would definitely recommend this clinic to others☺️
Bożena Urban
Clinic Asthetika
29 August 2025 18:06
Attended today for mole removal. Felt very comfortable and Dr Raj explained the procedure throughly and necessary aftercare. Procedure was quick and painless! Overall very good experience.
26 August 2025 17:05
This was an awesome experience. I didn't think I would be the person would go for an aesthetic treatment of this type. I thought that it wasn't "for me", because I'm 45 and married, and pretty settled in my life and with what I saw in the mirror. But I had seen the work Dr. Parwaiz had done for a mate of mine, and it made me curious. Because he just looked b... Show more »
This was an awesome experience. I didn't think I would be the person would go for an aesthetic treatment of this type. I thought that it wasn't "for me", because I'm 45 and married, and pretty settled in my life and with what I saw in the mirror. But I had seen the work Dr. Parwaiz had done for a mate of mine, and it made me curious. Because he just looked better, and I couldn't exactly tell why - so I took the plunge.
And man, am I happy with the results! Because I still look like me, but a me that sleeps properly, eats well and has a proper skin care regime. It's subtle and so well done!
The process wasn't painful ( I'm kind of scare of needles) and Dr. Parwaiz explained everything in language that I could understand when it came to the the process, the minimal risks it had, and how the healing process was going to happen. I'm a very happy client - and I'll definitely do it again! Show less »
25 August 2025 18:06
I did 3 sessions of laser removal for eyebrows and so far the process was very smooth and effective . Special thank you to the amazing specialist joy, she is very professional and caring . Its almost 0 pain when she does it .
Still have few sessions to go.
Definitely recommend this clinic
24 August 2025 21:09
I have been going to these ladies for a couple years now and would not ever go anywhere else. Never had a bruise or lump. Had Botox and lip filler multiple times and had Endo laser every visit with amazing results. I have a huge phobia of needles to the point of passing out every time I have had blood tests etc. yet still manage to get these procedures done... Show more »
I have been going to these ladies for a couple years now and would not ever go anywhere else. Never had a bruise or lump. Had Botox and lip filler multiple times and had Endo laser every visit with amazing results. I have a huge phobia of needles to the point of passing out every time I have had blood tests etc. yet still manage to get these procedures done with these lovely ladies as they put you at ease make you feel comfortable and relaxed and you never feel a thing. The numbing cream they use on your lips is great, most people say lip filler is painful but it definitely isn’t here. My mother and sister are now clients and would not go back to their previous as the service and results is second to none. Honestly the most professional, thorough, kindest and honest people. The thing I love most is if I believe I want something doing and they disagree, they will not just take the money they will say their honest opinion as their reputation and integrity is worth more to them than money. Show less »
Alanagh Taylor
ML Aesthetics Clinic
20 August 2025 20:08

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pain of Lip Fillers

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