Let’s be honest: nobody enjoys needles. But if you’re weighing up dermal fillers, you’re probably wondering just how uncomfortable the whole thing actually is.
The short answer? It varies. Some areas are more sensitive than others, and everyone’s pain threshold is different. But there are plenty of ways to make the experience far more comfortable than you might expect.
Here’s what it really feels like, how pain is managed, and what to expect afterwards.
What treatment feels like
Different parts of the face have different levels of sensitivity. Here’s a realistic rundown.
Lips
Lips are one of the more sensitive areas because they’re packed with nerve endings. You’ll feel a sharp scratch with each injection, followed by pressure and sometimes a stinging sensation as the filler goes in. Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than unbearable. The good news? Lips usually get numbing cream, and most fillers contain lidocaine, which kicks in quickly.
Cheeks
Cheeks tend to be less painful than lips. The tissue here is thicker, so while you’ll feel the needle going in, it’s more of a dull ache than a sharp sting. If your injector uses a cannula (a blunt-tipped needle), there’s usually just one entry point per side, which means fewer pricks overall.
Nasolabial folds
The lines running from your nose to the corners of your mouth can be a bit tender, but it’s generally tolerable. You might feel some pressure as the filler is placed, and occasionally a slight burning if it’s near more sensitive areas. It’s over quickly, though.
Jawline and chin
The jawline and chin are surprisingly manageable for most people. The skin is thicker here, and there’s less nerve density. You’ll feel the injections, but it’s usually more pressure than pain. That said, if you’re having definition work done along the bone, you might feel some deeper discomfort.
Tear trough
Tear troughs are delicate, and the skin under the eyes is incredibly thin. This area can feel quite uncomfortable, though many injectors use a cannula to minimise the number of entry points. Expect some stinging and a strange sensation as the filler is placed so close to the eye. It’s brief, but it’s not the most pleasant.
Pain control options
The good news is that clinics have several ways to keep discomfort to a minimum.
Topical numbing cream
Most clinics apply a numbing cream about 20 to 30 minutes before your treatment. It takes the edge off significantly, especially for more sensitive areas like the lips. If your clinic doesn’t offer this as standard, ask for it.
Lidocaine in the filler
Many dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic that’s mixed directly into the product. As the filler is injected, the lidocaine starts working almost immediately, so the area becomes progressively number as the treatment goes on. The first few injections are usually the worst; after that, it gets easier.
Ice, vibration, and breathing techniques
Some practitioners use ice packs before and during treatment to numb the skin. Others use vibrating tools that confuse your nerve signals and reduce the sensation of pain. And don’t underestimate controlled breathing: slow, deep breaths genuinely help you stay calm and reduce how much discomfort you perceive.
Swelling and bruising:
Once the treatment’s done, the real question is: what happens next? Swelling and bruising are common, but the degree varies from person to person.
Day-by-day timeline
Immediately after treatment, expect some redness and swelling at the injection sites. Your lips, if treated, will likely look overfilled and feel tight. That’s normal. By the end of day one, swelling usually peaks. You might notice some bruising starting to appear, especially if you’re prone to it or were treated around areas with more blood vessels.
Day two often feels worse than day one in terms of swelling, particularly in the lips. Don’t panic. By day three, things start to settle. Swelling begins to go down, though you might still look a bit puffy. Bruising, if present, will be yellowing and fading.
What to expect at 1 to 2 weeks
Most swelling resolves within a week, though subtle puffiness can linger for up to two weeks, especially in the under-eye area. Bruising typically fades within 7 to 10 days. By the two-week mark, you should be seeing your actual results, not the swollen version. This is usually when clinics schedule a review appointment to assess whether any adjustments are needed.
Tips that actually help
You can’t eliminate swelling and bruising entirely, but you can minimise them.
What to avoid
Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after treatment: it thins your blood and increases bruising risk. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours, as increased heart rate and blood flow can worsen swelling. Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths for a few days. Heat makes swelling worse.
Sleep position and cold compress guidance
Sleep propped up on two pillows for the first couple of nights to reduce fluid pooling in your face. Apply a cold compress (wrapped in a clean cloth, not directly on the skin) for 10 to 15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours. It helps bring down swelling and feels soothing.
Symptoms that are not normal
Contact your clinic straight away if you experience severe pain that worsens rather than improves, blanching (skin turning white or pale), or any sudden vision changes. These could indicate a vascular issue, which is rare but serious. Similarly, if you develop signs of infection (increasing redness, heat, or pus) get in touch. Lumps and bumps are common in the first few days, but if they’re hard, painful, or not improving, your injector should assess them.
