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

Question

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?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It would have been helpful to know what aesthetic problem(s) you wish treated. Generally speaking, the complaint of pain is not uncommon with this type of device, and the reliance on topical anesthetics to reduce it, leaves much to be desired, as your friend found out the hard way. However, the first question to be addressed here is whether the treatment is even worth the expense and discomfort engendered by its use. The unfortunate fact is that for this device, as well as so many of the other energy-based laser, RF and ultrasound devices, the hard science to support their use lags woefully behind the heavy marketing to promote these expensive "bells and whistles."  You would be wise to make sure that you are consulting an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

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