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Does Botox® hurt? What does it actually feel like?

Many people, especially those who feel they have a low pain tolerance, worry if Botox® will hurt. They often avoid getting Botox® because they’re worried that the needles will hurt.

However, the needle used to administer Botox® is so small that most people report feeling a slight pinch or stinging sensation. 

Most physicians use a very small, fine insulin needle (30 or 31 gauge) to perform the injections, which significantly reduces discomfort.

Does Botox® hurt

For those still concerned about pain, numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area before the procedure to further minimize any discomfort.

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How painful are Botox® injections?

Botox® feels like several small pinches, similar to a bug bite, and that the discomfort does not last long. It’s not a painful treatment, especially once you get used to the feeling of the injections. On the scale of injectables, Botox® is considered the most comfortable’ by most patients. As this study shows, there are patients who have a fear of needles not specific to Botox®.

Does the training of the injector impact how painful Botox® injections are?

The technique used by the person injecting the Botox® significantly impacts how much pain is felt by the patient. Whether or not Botox® hurts is dependent on the technique of the injector and the needle gauge (how large) that injector uses.

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Does getting Botox® hurt the first time?

When the injection is taking place, you will feel a slight stinging at the injection site. This can be reduced by the use of a topical cream or ice pack.

How long does pain last after Botox®?

After getting Botox®, it’s typical to have redness, tenderness, and swelling. These side effects usually disappear in 1 day.

Does Botox® make you bleed?

Botox® might lead to a small amount of bleeding. There is usually pin-point bleeding- meaning a small dot of blood- from the entry of the needle, but this quickly stops. Just some gentle pressure is needed.

Why was my Botox® painful?

A few different factors can cause the discomfort or Botox® injection pain; a large gauge needle hitting a nerve receptor and/or poorly or wrongly mixed Botox® can both cause more discomfort than normal.

Also, If the Botox® was reconstituted with anything other than buffered saline, it does hurt. To reduce the discomfort of the injections your physician can use especially small, narrow-gauge needles, and can allow the reconstituted material to come to room temperature.

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