I had my first Vanquish treatment today, and it was painful.

Hi Amy,The procedure should feel like there is a warm blanket hovering over your skin. Use of a numbing agent is unnecessary. Please be sure there is no direct contact with the panel during treatment. If there is, this may be the reason for the burning sensation.  I would contact your provider and have your concerns addressed before the subsequent treatments.Hope this helps!

I suggest seeing an expert, this shouldn't be painful if the applicator is applied correctly.  Best, Dr. Emer.

While Vanquish can feel warm it should not bepainful. We’ve not had any patients complain about Vanquish being painful. Itis important that the individual performing the treatment is qualified,credentialed and has received proper training. If you are not receivingtreatment at a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office, Iwould recommend doing so. While you can take ibuprofen prior to the procedureit may not help reduce the pain. No topical medication is needed and should not be used. If you feel pain during the procedure let the tech know and they will changed the applicator so it's not uncomfortable. Often times running a fan will help decrease the significant heat that is felt and does not impede the treatment effects.

Vanquish isn't painful, but can feel very hot. Discuss this with the provider. There's a tuning process that is done at the onset of the procedure; make sure that the person setting you up has addressed that. The use of a fan to cool your skin is very helpful. Neither a numbing cream or ibuprofen will be likely to be helpful. 

The most I have heard from clients is that it is hot. We use a fat and that makes things comfortable. It is possible it wasn't tuned correctly. Also, if there is moisture, it needs to be dried, otherwise a burn can form.