Botox worries. How painful are the injections?

Question

I am thinking about having Botox but I am not very good with needles, how painful are the injections?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox is just like any other injection. Patients may experience a sensation similar to a pin pick. The needle used is very small and slender. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine your candidacy. 
Best wishes,

Peter Hyans, MD · Answer

Many patient's share your concern.  In general most patients do not find Botox very panful.  Very small needles are used  Most patients state that they feel a "crunching sensation and a slight pinch".  There is no pain after the procedure.  Numbing cream or topical spray can also be used to help diminish any sting from the needle .  Best of luck.

Paul Munsanje, MD · Answer

Hi Dan,
For first time Botox patients pain is always a worry! However with an experienced doctor there should be little to no discomfort particularly if you are confident in their work! The needles used are very small and are actually smaller than anything you would have experienced at a doctors office. The treatment itself is very quick and depending on how many areas you are having will take under 2 minutes.

Kind Regards,
Dr. Paul

Tracy Mountford, MBBS · Answer

Thank you for your question, I get asked this question a lot in my practice. It feels like a sting only. Equivalent to plucking eyebrows. Over in a few minutes - hope this helps? Dr Tracy Mountford.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question. This is one of the biggest concerns of new Botox injection patients. Of course there is individual variability but the needles used in Botox injections are quite small and tolerated very well by the vast majority of patients. In my office, I use an individual needle for each muscle which limits the number of needle sticks to 3 for each needle. This results in a sharper needle which has much less discomfort than a dull needle from too many sticks.

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Most doctors, myself included, use some of the thinnest needles available to inject Botox to minimize the discomfort of injections.  While I do offer topical anesthetics prior to all injections, most of my patients opt to have their Botox treatments without any numbing.  They feel that numbing is unnecessary as most Botox injections feel like a slight pinprick.I would recommend that you schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist to discuss your concerns, and to determine the best treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.  Best of luck!

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Botox injections are not really uncomfortable if the injector is gentle and slow. I use a 31 gauge insulin syringe to inject the Botox and this minimizes pain. Most of my patients require no numbing prior to the procedure. If you are still uncomfortable, I would suggest asking the doctor to apply topical numbing prior to treatment. Good luck!

Dinesh Maini, MBChB · Answer

Dear Dan
Thank you for your question. 
If you go to a good practitioner, it is unlikely you will feel the needle. What you will feel is the coldness of the botox solution as it is injected in.
Don't expect anything more.
Depending on the muscles being injected and your way of expressing yourself, occasionally patients describe an aching sensation for a few days after the injections that is helped by a cool pack or 2 paracetamol. This is normally only with the first ever treatment. After this nothing much.
Good Luck 
Kind Regards 
Dr Dinesh Maini 
Zenith Cosmetic Clinics

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

If you are scared of the pain then all you need to do is apply some topical numbing medicine for an hour before your procedure.  That way you will hardly feel the needles.  We always offer topical numbing cream to our patients before injections. Best, Dr. Green

Cameron Raine, MBChB, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

A very common question!  The vast majority of patients tolerate the treatment with no difficulty at all and return at regular intervals to have the treatment repeated.  Many patients are concerned about the injections and each individual will respond differently however, unless you have a pronounced fear of needles I think you are likely to be fine.  My advice is to discuss the treatment with an experienced practitioner, to put your mind at rest, before proceeding.

Botox worries. How painful are the injections?

Answers (12)

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