It’s hard to imagine anything involving a needle not hurting, but surprisingly, most patients tell us that cosmetic injections really aren’t that bad. Still, it’s important to understand that pain is very subjective. Some patients are more sensitive than others, and what feels like minor discomfort to one person may feel more intense to someone else.
At our practice, we never assume injections are painless. Before any treatment, we talk with you about your comfort level and pain tolerance. Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable as possible. We offer several options for patients who feel nervous or sensitive about injections.
Botox and Dysport Injections
Botox and Dysport injections use some of the smallest needles available. While this doesn’t make the procedure completely painless, it significantly reduces discomfort.
For patients who are concerned about the sensation, we often use an ice pack to gently numb the area before the injection. This simple step is usually very effective. Interestingly, some patients say the cold from the ice pack feels more uncomfortable than the injection itself.
Dermal Filler Injections
Dermal filler injections feel a bit different from Botox or Dysport. The needles are still very small, but the product itself is thicker and more substantial.
Unlike Botox, which is a liquid, dermal fillers are gel-like substances. As they’re injected, they gently move and shape the surrounding tissue, which can create more noticeable pressure or discomfort.
How We Reduce Discomfort During Filler Treatments
We use several methods to make dermal filler injections more comfortable:
Topical numbing cream:
We apply a highly effective numbing cream to the treatment area. This helps reduce the feeling of the needle entering the skin.
Ice packs:
Cold therapy helps numb the surface and slightly deeper layers of the skin before treatment.
Fillers with lidocaine:
Many modern dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic. Similar to what’s used at the dentist, it provides deeper numbing once the injection begins, so most patients only feel mild pressure.
Does the Treatment Area Affect Pain?
Yes, the location of the injection makes a difference. Some areas of the face are more sensitive than others.
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Cheeks: Typically less painful due to deeper injection placement
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Lips and around the mouth: More sensitive, so injections may feel more uncomfortable
Even with numbing techniques, you may feel some discomfort in highly sensitive areas. However, most patients find the treatment very manageable.
Our Commitment to Your Comfort
We take your comfort seriously. From discussing your concerns beforehand to using multiple numbing options, our goal is to ensure that every treatment is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
