E-matrix: is it extremely painful? Are the results worth the pain?

Hi, I’m in my mid 40s. I get Botox and a little filler and im ready to do more- either a peel or lasers or radiofrequency. A close friend recently got e-matrix which is what my derm suggested is right for me but based on what my friend has shared im very nervous. She just got it last week and said that the pain was excrutiating and she barely made it through. This was despite 25 min of numbing cream. Is this normal? Are the results worth it and are there better treatment options with less pain?