Home »Botox® Library » Does Botox® hurt? What does it actually feel like?

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.

Learn to Start a Profitable Aesthetics Practice in Just 4-Days!

December 5-8
in sunny Scottsdale, AZ

Make More. Work Less.

Start your transitioning to aesthetic medicine and learn everything you need to grow a profitable aesthetics practice in just 4-days! 

December 5-8
Scottsdale, AZ

Only $4,195*
(Reg. $7,500. Save $3,605!)
Earn 33.5 CMEs

*Members preferred price for 4-day accelerated program. Save $3,605! Membership is only $295/yr and can be added during registration. Add a friend or team member and save $1,000 more on their 4-day registration!

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.

The Fastest Way to Get Certified in Botox® & Aesthetic Medicine

On-Demand Training with the IAPAM Learning Lab

Sign up today and expand your knowledge & skills in Botox®, Fillers, Lasers,
Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and PRP for Aesthetics!

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.

Related Articles

Hands-On BOTOX® Training in Scottsdale, Arizona
Gain the Confidence to Start Seeing Patients Right Away!

Attend the most comprehensive accredited AMA PRA CAT 1 CME Botox® training weekend, learn how to create a profitable practice with the top 5 most lucrative non-invasive treatments.

Add-on GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and/or business for 4-days of comprehensive, fun CME-accredited training like none other! 

Hands-on Botox® Training for Physicians

Hands-on Botox® injection training is done in a clean multi-million dollar medspa, NOT in a hotel. We provide live models and product, you show up and enjoy the weekend with our expert instructors!

December 5-8

Scottsdale, Arizona 

Save $3,605 when you become an IAPAM member and register to attend all 4-days!