Radiesse injections in the midface are a great way to restore facial volume and soften nasolabial folds. Topical numbing agents help with the needle pinch and are strongly advised. The nice thing about Radiesse is that it is now standard of care to mix the product with lidocaine just prior to injection. This essentially makes the injections pain free! Other tricks, like using ice immediately before injection and even taking a mild sedative 45 mins beforehand can limit needle phobia and lessen anxiety about pain. (Just make sure you have someone drive you home afterward!) The more relaxed you are for your treatment, the better experience you will have.
Make sure you locate a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who does a lot of injections and can talk to you about other things to do to make your Radiesse injections pain free. And regarding swelling: somewhat depends on how many cc's are injected. Ice for the first 24 hours after injections will help with swelling. Good luck and enjoy!
