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AIBU?

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AIBU to keep my camera off after having facial filler?

35 replies

SunshineOnIslington · 02/06/2026 12:05

I've been having Botox for a few years now and am totally open about it if it comes up in conversation or if anyone says I look younger than my age (40). However later today I'm having filler for the first time as well - lips and nasolabial folds. Although I've asked for the smallest amount possible as I want it to be subtle, I know that I will end up with bruising and swelling. My skin bruises really easily so usually have a couple of small ones at the injection site after Botox. Obviously though swelling would be more obvious and I can't hide the bruising with makeup in the first 24 hours.

I WFH the majority of the time and deliberately booked it for a day where I had no meetings tomorrow... except that now a couple have been put in my diary and I'm a bit conscious of the bruising/swelling being noticeable on camera. The meeting is with people I know fairly well so I don't know if I should just admit why I look that way, or to pretend my wi-fi is playing up and turn off my camera!

Silly thing to be worried about but I already feel like I'm judged at work due to my appearance.

AIBU - yes you are, just own it and own up
AINBU - no, just keep the camera off

OP posts:
QPZM · 02/06/2026 12:21

LarksAscending · 02/06/2026 12:15

I’d just put concealer on and sit back from the camera

From the OP

"Obviously though swelling would be more obvious and I can't hide the bruising with makeup in the first 24 hours."

SunshineOnIslington · 02/06/2026 12:21

I can't wear makeup for the first 24 hours...

OP posts:
LarksAscending · 02/06/2026 12:15

I’d just put concealer on and sit back from the camera

TheLilacFinch · 02/06/2026 12:14

Teams has a smoothing filter that might help? But yeah the old “omg what’s wrong with my WiFi today it’s so slow! Sorry all, I have to stick with camera off for now” is what I would do.

LaurieFairyCake · 02/06/2026 12:10

Definitely keep it off. 8 years ago I had half a ml injected in my lips, I looked like something off the Kenny Everett show for first 24 hours.

I’m sorry you feel they’re judging your appearance, that’s really shitty - I’m sure you look like a perfectly normal human Flowers

whatifs1 · 02/06/2026 12:10

You may not bruise and swell as much as you think, especially if having minimal amounts. I’ve just had some cheek filler and also nasolabial folds done and had minimal bruising/swelling. I also bruise like a peach normally! Apparently if done with a cannula there is much less trauma to the skin. Maybe ask if this is the way it’s done?

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 02/06/2026 12:09

Have you checked out your image? Mine offers filters of varying kinds, making it a bit less harsh! Try moving the camera a bit further away, wearing ‘reading glasses’ etc to distract.
I’m assuming you can’t wear make up yet?

letsallavoidourproblems · 02/06/2026 12:08

Camera off if you can't cancel the call; the swelling after filler looks so bad in the first 24 hours. Tell them it's network issues if anyone queries, just because you're open about work done doesn't mean it needs to be a topic of discussion at work.

QPZM · 02/06/2026 12:07

Since you're so open about it, I'd keep the camera on.

But obviously the decision is yours.

Justyouraveragehuman · 02/06/2026 12:07

Just join the meeting with camera on. You don’t have to explain anything. If they ask be honest but really it’s nothing to do with them