Do Lip Fillers Hurt? What the Experience Really Feels Like

If you’ve been thinking about lip filler but feel hesitant because you’re worried it might hurt—you’re not alone. Fear of pain is one of the most common reasons people delay their first lip injection. The good news? With today’s advanced techniques and numbing methods, most patients find the experience far more comfortable than expected.

At Ageless Aesthetics, our team in Indianapolis and Greenwood takes special care to make every part of your treatment as smooth and stress-free as possible. From numbing creams to gentle injection techniques, we’re here to walk you through exactly what the process feels like—and what you can do to stay comfortable from start to finish.

The Fear Is Often Worse Than the Reality

For many first-time patients, the idea of a needle going into their lips sounds intimidating. But the actual procedure is usually much more tolerable than expected. It’s normal to feel some anxiety about the unknown, especially if you’ve never had any type of injectable before.

What surprises most patients is how quick and manageable the experience is. The lips are sensitive, yes—but we use effective numbing agents and a careful, artistic technique to minimize discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure, pinching, or light stinging, rather than outright pain.

How We Numb the Area

Before your lip filler treatment begins, we apply a strong topical numbing cream. This sits on your lips for about 15 to 20 minutes and dramatically reduces sensation. Many patients say they can barely feel their lips by the time the injections begin.

In addition, the fillers we use at Ageless Aesthetics contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that continues to numb the area as the product is injected. This creates a layered comfort effect—topical numbing plus internal numbing from the filler itself.

If you’re especially sensitive or anxious, let us know. We can take extra steps to ease discomfort, including slower injection pacing or additional numbing options.

What the Injections Feel Like

Everyone experiences lip filler a little differently depending on their pain threshold, hydration, and the amount of product being used. Generally, the treatment involves a series of very small injections or threading of the product using a fine-tipped needle or cannula.

The feeling isn’t sharp like a traditional shot. Instead, patients describe it as a series of pinches, sometimes followed by a sensation of pressure as the filler is placed. You might feel mild warmth or a stretching sensation during placement. Some areas—such as the Cupid’s bow or outer edges—may feel more tender than others.

The entire process typically takes under 10 minutes once the actual injecting begins.

What Hurts More: Top Lip or Bottom Lip?

There is some variability here, but many patients report the top lip feeling slightly more tender than the bottom. That’s because the top lip is generally thinner, and it tends to have more nerve sensitivity in areas like the philtrum and Cupid’s bow.

If you’re only enhancing one area or doing a very light first-time session, discomfort tends to be minimal. The key is going to an experienced injector who knows how to pace the treatment and keep you comfortable throughout.

Common Sensations During and After

After your appointment, your lips may feel swollen, tight, or mildly sore—similar to the feeling you get after biting your lip or having a dental cleaning. You might feel a little tender to the touch or notice small bumps or unevenness in the first few days as the product settles.

Some patients feel a dull ache, while others feel a bit numb or puffy. These sensations are temporary and tend to subside within 2 to 5 days. Swelling usually peaks on day two and tapers quickly afterward.

Here are a few normal sensations you might notice:

Mild soreness when smiling, eating, or touching the lips
A feeling of fullness or pressure
Small firm spots where filler is still integrating
Slight bruising or discoloration

These are all typical and not signs that anything is wrong. If you ever feel sharp pain, significant heat, or notice skin discoloration (white or dusky areas), contact your provider immediately.

What You Can Do to Stay Comfortable

Managing post-treatment discomfort is simple and doesn’t usually require medication. Most patients go about their day as usual after the procedure, though we recommend taking it easy for the first 24 hours.

Here’s how to minimize pain and swelling after treatment:

Use cold compresses gently on and around the lips (wrapped in a soft cloth)
Avoid touching or pressing on the area
Sleep slightly elevated to reduce overnight swelling
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Skip spicy foods, straws, and vigorous kissing for 24 hours

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol can be used if needed—but avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen unless advised, as they can increase bruising.

The Emotional Side of Discomfort

It’s not just physical discomfort that matters—there’s often an emotional aspect to your first aesthetic treatment. Some patients feel nervous during their appointment and may experience an adrenaline rush that makes them more aware of sensations. Others feel anxious after the fact, second-guessing their decision or worrying about how the results will look once swelling subsides.

This is completely normal. The emotional “aftershock” of a first-time cosmetic treatment fades as swelling improves and the results begin to settle. We always encourage follow-up communication, and we offer two-week touch-up assessments to ensure your results are not only comfortable—but exactly what you envisioned.

Pain Should Never Be the Price of Beauty

Modern injectables, when administered by experienced professionals, should never be overwhelmingly painful. With the right numbing, technique, and support, discomfort is kept to a minimum—and results are delivered with care and confidence.

At Ageless Aesthetics, we take pride in how gentle and patient-centered our lip filler treatments are. Our providers are known for their precision, patience, and calming presence, which makes all the difference—especially if it’s your first time.

The Takeaway

Lip filler shouldn’t be scary. With the right provider and the right preparation, the experience is quick, controlled, and very manageable. Most patients leave saying, “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought”—and return feeling much more confident the second time around.

If you’ve been waiting to book because of fear, we’re here to guide you through it with empathy, experience, and a gentle approach.

Call or text 317.855.9100 to schedule your consultation.
Let Ageless Aesthetics help you feel at ease—before, during, and after your first lip filler appointment.