My doctor wants to give 2 injections prior to Ultherapy on lower face, demerol and toderol.

Question

I never heard of this and wondering just how painful procedure is. Most other places suggest sedative and advil.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

In my practice we do nerve blocks and topical creams so that pills and shots aren't needed but this is common place in most practices as ultherapy is very painful.  Best, Dr. Emer.

James DeStephens, MD · Answer

Ultherapy can be variably uncomfortable depending on your sensitivity but is no where close to laser treatment.  I think injections of Demerol or Toradal prior to the procedure are a bit of overkill but don't really object to it.  I really don't want my patients to be uncomfortable so I err on the side of giving them some oral codeine or demerol about a half hour prior to the procedure.  I make sure that they are clear before releasing them to go home or perhaps even have someone else drive them home.  Most people however, don't need anything at all.  But I'd rather them feel a little woozy for awhile than to have them experience unnecessary discomfort.

Ramsey Elhosn, MD · Answer

We do not recommend injections before Ultherapy .  Pain is minimal and temporary usually Advil will ease the pain during treatment.

Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

From personal experience, Ultherapy face treatment hurts only during the procedure. there is no pain afterwards.  We recommend oral pain relievers like Ibuprofen or for those who want something stronger, Lortabs.  We have found that virtually everyone does fine with one or the other.  Injections of narcotics such as demeral are not needed and have associated risks of respiratory depression and other complications associated with them.   Topical anesthetic creams are not very helpful because Ultherapy focuses energy deep to the skin's surface.  While nerve blocks may relieve pain, your whole face would have to be blocked to do a full face treatment- which I believe is overkill and generally not recommended by our Ultherapy trainers.  With that said- do what you feel comfortable with.   Ask your doc whether a pain pill might suffice instead of shots.   Keep in mind that it takes up to a year to see the end result after a properly done Ultherapy treatment- so be patient.  I wish you the Best of luck!

My doctor wants to give 2 injections prior to Ultherapy on lower face, demerol and toderol.

Answers (4)

Answer: Narcotic injections and anesthetic field blocks are typically not necessary for comfortable Ultherapy

Answer: Narcotic injections and anesthetic field blocks are typically not necessary for comfortable Ultherapy

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Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

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My doctor wants to give 2 injections prior to Ultherapy on lower face, demerol and toderol.

Answers (4)

Answer: Narcotic injections and anesthetic field blocks are typically not necessary for comfortable Ultherapy

Answer: Narcotic injections and anesthetic field blocks are typically not necessary for comfortable Ultherapy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.