Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco and Beverly Hills

4 Proven Ways to Reduce Pain During Aesthetic Injectables | Dr. Roy Kim

May 1, 2025

If you’ve ever hesitated to get Botox or dermal fillers because of fear of pain, you’re not alone. Many patients worry about discomfort during aesthetic injectable treatments, and this concern can sometimes delay or even prevent them from enjoying the benefits of these popular cosmetic procedures.

Over the years, I’ve refined my approach to make injectables as comfortable as possible for my patients. Today, I’m excited to share with you the four proven ways to reduce pain during aesthetic injectables – an update from my previous three-method approach. 

These techniques include the use of:

  1. very strong numbing creams,
  2. ice packs, 
  3. vibration tools like the NueVibe, and 
  4. high-quality sharp needles. 

 

Together, these methods help my patients “fly through” their treatments with minimal discomfort. Let’s dive in!

Why Pain Happens During Aesthetic Injectables

The Science of Injection Pain

When you receive an injectable treatment, tiny needles puncture your skin to deliver Botox or dermal fillers beneath the surface. This needle puncture activates nerve endings called nociceptors, which send pain signals to your brain. The speed of injection, needle sharpness, and your individual nerve sensitivity all influence how much pain you feel. Additionally, anxiety and anticipation can heighten your perception of pain, making the experience more uncomfortable than it might otherwise be.

Impact on Patient Experience

Pain during injectables isn’t just unpleasant; it can affect your overall satisfaction with the procedure. Studies show that nearly 40% of patients delay or avoid cosmetic treatments due to fear of pain. Minimizing discomfort not only improves your experience but also encourages repeat visits and better treatment outcomes. That’s why pain management is a critical part of any aesthetic procedure.

Method 1 – Strong, Custom-Formulated Numbing Cream

 What Makes 30% Numbing Cream Different?

Most over-the-counter or prescription numbing creams contain around 4% lidocaine, which provides mild to moderate numbing effects. However, in my practice, I use a custom-formulated numbing cream with a 30% concentration – about seven and a half times stronger than typical creams. This potent formulation is prepared by a specialized compounding pharmacy to ensure safety and efficacy. The higher concentration means faster onset and deeper numbing, significantly reducing the pain you feel during injections.

How It’s Used in Practice

Before your treatment, I apply this numbing cream generously to the areas being injected. It typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to achieve optimal numbness. Because it’s so strong, it doesn’t completely eliminate all sensation, but it dramatically reduces discomfort and makes the procedure much more tolerable. The cream is safe when used properly and under medical supervision.

Results and Patient Feedback

Patients often tell me that the numbing cream makes a noticeable difference. While it doesn’t make the injections entirely painless, it reduces the sharp sting and burning sensations many associate with needles. This allows you to relax more during your treatment, which further helps reduce pain. My protocol combining this cream with other pain management techniques has helped countless patients enjoy a more comfortable injectable experience.

Ready to experience nearly painless injectables?

Contact us today!

Method 2 – Ice Packs for Numbing and Vasoconstriction

How Ice Packs Work

Ice packs are a simple yet highly effective way to reduce pain and bruising during injectable treatments. Applying cold to the skin numbs the nerve endings, dulling pain signals. 

Additionally, the cold causes vasoconstriction, which means your blood vessels tighten. This reduces blood flow to the area, leading to less bleeding and swelling after injections – two common causes of discomfort and visible bruising.

Best Practices for Use

To get the most benefit, ice packs should be applied immediately before your injections. It’s important to use a clean, wrapped ice pack to avoid frostbite or skin irritation. Some patients also find that icing the area after treatment helps reduce swelling and tenderness.

Clinical Evidence

Research supports the use of ice for pain and bruise reduction. Studies have shown that vasoconstriction from cold therapy can reduce bruising by up to 30%, and patients report less pain when cold is applied before injections. Ice packs are an easy, cost-effective addition to any pain management plan.

Method 3 – Vibration Tools (NueVibe) for Distraction

The Gate Control Theory of Pain

The science behind vibration tools like the NueVibe is based on the gate control theory of pain. This theory suggests that non-painful stimuli, such as vibration, can “close the gate” to painful signals traveling to the brain. By stimulating certain nerve fibers (A-beta fibers), vibration distracts your nervous system and reduces the perception of pain.

Using NueVibe in the Clinic

The NueVibe device is a small, gold-colored tool that vibrates gently near the injection site while the needle is inserted. This vibration effectively distracts your nerves from the pain of the needle puncture. Many of my patients report that the sensation of the vibration is more noticeable than the injection itself, making the experience much more comfortable.

Benefits and Limitations

Vibration tools can reduce injection pain by up to 50%, according to patient feedback and clinical observations. They are portable, easy to use, and non-invasive. However, some patients may find the vibration sensation unusual or distracting in a different way. Cost and availability can also be limiting factors, but many clinics now incorporate these devices due to their effectiveness.

Curious if vibration tools like NueVibe can help you?

Schedule a consultation to find out how these innovative devices can improve your treatment comfort.

Method 4 – High-Quality, Sharp Needles

Why Needle Quality Matters

The needles used for injectables may be small, but their quality makes a big difference in your comfort. I use needles made from high-quality Japanese or Korean steel known for maintaining sharpness even after multiple uses. A dull needle causes more tissue trauma, which you perceive as increased pain.

Needle Gauge and Inner Diameter

My needles have a smaller external diameter (smaller footprint) but a larger inner diameter. This means the hole created in your skin is tiny, reducing tissue damage, but the fluid flows efficiently through the needle. This allows me to inject the filler or Botox faster and more smoothly, shortening the time you feel any discomfort.

Real-World Results

Using these premium needles, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in patient-reported pain and bruising. Patients often comment on how much more comfortable injections feel compared to previous experiences with standard needles. This improvement in comfort helps patients relax during treatment, which further reduces pain.

Combining All Four Methods for Optimal Comfort

Each of these four methods-strong numbing creams, ice packs, vibration tools, and high-quality needles-works in synergy to minimize pain during aesthetic injectables. When combined, they can reduce pain by up to 70% compared to no intervention. 

I encourage patients to discuss these options with their provider to create a personalized pain management plan tailored to their needs and preferences. This holistic approach ensures your injectable treatments are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Conclusion

Pain during aesthetic injectables is a common concern, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to achieving your beauty goals. By using strong, custom-formulated numbing creams, ice packs for vasoconstriction, vibration tools like NueVibe, and high-quality sharp needles, you can significantly reduce discomfort and enjoy a smoother, more pleasant treatment experience. 

If you’re interested in pain-free injectables, I invite you to contact my office to learn how these four proven methods can transform your next cosmetic procedure.

 Interested in pain-free aesthetic injectables?

Contact Dr. Roy Kim’s office today to schedule your consultation and discover the difference expert pain management can make.

FAQs

1. Does numbing cream completely eliminate pain during injectables?

No, numbing cream significantly reduces pain but does not completely eliminate it. The 30% lidocaine cream I use provides much stronger numbing than typical creams, greatly improving comfort.

2. How long should I apply ice before my injection?

Applying an ice pack for 5 to 10 minutes before your injection is most effective for numbing and reducing bruising.

3. Is the NueVibe vibration tool safe and effective for all patients?

Yes, NueVibe is safe for most patients and has been shown to reduce pain by distracting nerves during injections.

4. What needle gauge is best for cosmetic injectables?

Smaller gauge needles with a larger inner diameter, like the high-quality Japanese or Korean steel needles I use, provide less pain and more efficient fluid delivery.

5. Can these pain reduction methods prevent bruising and swelling?

While ice and gentle injection techniques help reduce bruising and swelling, they may not prevent it entirely. Individual factors also play a role.

6. Are there any side effects of using strong numbing creams?

Side effects are rare when numbing creams are used properly under medical supervision. Always follow your provider’s instructions.

7. How can I prepare for my injectable appointment to minimize pain?

Discuss pain management options with your provider ahead of time, avoid blood thinners, and follow any pre-care instructions they provide.

If you are interested in watching a video instead, please click on this link to watch me talk about this topic on my YouTube channel.

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