I'm a makeup artist for celebs and can honestly say that this product is awesome and it really does work- you just have to be patient and use the product to fit your needs. If anyone out there is dissatisfied with the current means of lip plumping (ie collagen, fat injections,etc), including the new creams out there that you can be allergic to- as I am- you will find that this vacuum method is the way to go to achieve full, beautiful lips. If you already have a slightly full lipline to begin with, your results will be great- and quick. If you have thinner lips, it will take a little bit longer to achieve long term effects, but you will! Just be patient and use it as directed and then adjust it to your personal needs. You won't bruise if you use it as directed. The trick is to not fight the process- when your lips are in the device, just relax them. Let it do its job. I bruised in the beginning becquse I wasn't relaxing my lips. And moisturize before you you apply the device. That really helps. I hope this advice helps- it's real "hands-on" and honest. I believe in this product and am satisfied with the results, as are my clients!