Lip Fillers vs. Lip Tattoos: Which Hurts More?

When it comes to cosmetic treatments, two of the most popular options for lip enhancement are lip fillers and lip tattooing. Whether you’re after a subtle boost with a lip blush tattoo or volume with dermal fillers, one of the biggest concerns is the level of pain during the treatment. In this post we will compare the pain of lip fillers and lip tattoo so you can decide which one is more comfortable for you based on your pain threshold, skin type and beauty goals.

Lip Fillers and Lip Tattooing

Before we get into the pain comparison, let’s go over the basics of both.

Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid that are injected into the lips to create volume. This cosmetic treatment adds volume, smooths out fine lines and helps with contouring. Many people choose lip fillers as a non invasive alternative to more permanent procedures like lip tattooing. The process involves a needle being inserted to deliver the filler into specific areas of the lips and the results are instant.

Lip Tattooing

Lip tattooing or lip blushing is a cosmetic tattooing technique that uses semi permanent ink to enhance the natural lip colour or add definition. The process involves a tattoo needle to deposit ink into the skin, shaping and defining the lips to create a fuller or more symmetrical shape. Lip liner tattoos can also be used to outline the lips for a defined look. This is often chosen as an alternative to lip fillers especially for those looking for a long term solution with subtle enhancement of their natural shape.

Pain Levels: Lip Fillers vs. Lip Tattooing

Pain Factors in Lip Fillers

During a lip filler treatment a fine needle is used to inject the filler into the lips where volume is needed. The pain scale for this varies from person to person depending on your pain threshold.

• Discomfort: Some only feel mild discomfort or a small pinch, others more.
• Numbing Cream: Numbing cream is applied to the lips before the treatment to reduce pain sensitivity. This helps to minimize any sharp or intense pain during the injections.
• Post-Treatment: After the treatment swelling and soreness may occur but this usually subsides within a few days. Aftercare balm or aftercare cream is recommended to aid healing.

Pain Factors in Lip Tattooing (Lip Blush Tattoo)

Lip tattooing involves depositing ink into the dermal layer of the lips which can be more painful than lip fillers as it involves piercing the skin multiple times with a tattoo needle. Pain levels are higher for most but still manageable for many.

• Procedure Time: Lip tattoos take longer than lip fillers. Time can range from 1-2 hours depending on the complexity and results desired.
• Numbing Cream: Numbing cream is used in lip tattooing to reduce pain but due to the tattooing process intense pain can still be felt especially in more sensitive areas of the lips.
• Post-Treatment: After the treatment cold packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Like lip fillers aftercare instructions must be followed carefully to avoid cold sores or infection. Proper lip tattoo aftercare is key to achieve the best results.

Which One Hurts More?

Both lip fillers and lip tattooing involve needles but pain is more noticeable during lip tattooing. This is because the process involves multiple needle punctures to implant the pigment which can cause sharp pain during the treatment. Tattoo artists are skilled in making the experience as comfortable as possible but pain can still be more than the minimal pain reported during lip fillers.

Lip fillers on the other hand involve numbing cream and shorter treatment time so generally cause less discomfort than lip tattooing. Pain scale for lip fillers is lower so it’s a more comfortable option for those with lower pain threshold.

Other Factors to Consider

Cold Sores and Allergic Reactions

One of the risks of lip tattooing is cold sores. If you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex virus talk to your doctor about antiviral meds before the procedure to reduce the risk of an outbreak. Lip fillers don’t typically cause cold sores but some people may be allergic to the filler material.

Skin Tone and Lip Shape

For lip tattoos, skin tone and lip shape can affect the outcome and the pain. Darker skin tones may require more advanced colour techniques. Natural lip shape also plays a part in how the pigment settles and some lip shapes are more sensitive than others. Follow proper lip tattoo aftercare to reduce the risk of complications.

Chronic Pain Conditions

People with chronic pain conditions may be more sensitive to pain so both treatments will be more challenging. If you have conditions like abdominal pain or severe pain issues talk to a medical professional or licensed professional before either treatment.

Aftercare and Healing

Both treatments require some aftercare:

• Lip Fillers: Follow your aftercare instructions which includes no pressure on the lips, no strenuous activities and apply the aftercare balm as prescribed.
• Lip Tattoos: Healing time is longer for lip tattooing. No direct sun and follow aftercare instructions to keep the area clean and infection free. Darker skin tones may take longer to heal and touch ups may be needed to maintain the colour. Proper lip tattoo aftercare will ensure long lasting results.

Conclusion

In terms of pain, lip tattooing is more uncomfortable than lip fillers. The repetitive needle pokes during the tattooing process is more uncomfortable for many people, whereas lip fillers is only mildly uncomfortable especially with numbing cream. The choice between lip fillers and lip tattooing is up to you, your pain tolerance, desired results and cosmetic goals.

Both has its advantages, lip fillers is quicker and less painful, lip tattooing is more permanent. If you want a subtle enhancement, lip blush tattoo or lip liner tattoo is a great option, dermal fillers gives volume and contour without the commitment of permanent ink.

FAQ

Which one hurts more, lip fillers or lip tattoos?

Lip tattooing is more painful than lip fillers due to the repeated needle pokes during the tattooing process.

Can I use numbing cream for both lip fillers and lip tattoos?

Yes, both procedures uses numbing cream.

Do lip tattoos cause cold sores?

People with cold sores history may be at risk, antiviral medication is recommended before the procedure.

How long to heal after lip tattooing?

Lip tattooing takes a few days to a week to heal, full healing takes a few weeks. Aftercare balm and following aftercare instructions is important for proper healing.

Can lip fillers be a substitute for lip tattooing?

Yes, lip fillers is less painful and temporary for lip volume and shape, lip tattoo is more permanent enhancement.