Injections can hurt. Facial fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. Botox injections to reduce wrinkles. The benefits are great, but sometimes Ouch!
What can we do to reduce this pain?
- Use a vibration device near the injection. This closes the nerve “gate” so you can’t transmit the pain input to your brain.
- Use small gauge needles. (I do this- 31 gauge for Botox, 27 gauge for filler)
- Use a longer needle for filler injections so you go through the skin less
- Switch to fresh needles if doing multiple injections.
- Cooling has a faster onset than topical anesthetics like EMLA cream. Both pain and sensation travel along the same nerve pathway, so if the path is overloaded with cold from the ice, pain is less likely to be felt.
- EMLA cream (topical anesthetic) can help, but it needs to be on for 30-60 minutes prior to injection.
What can the doctor do?
- Going in at 90 degree angle hits less pain nerves in the skin.
- A slow injection technique, with smaller volumes, minimizes pain.
- Pinching the skin toward the needle lets you “puncture” the skin in a quick short maneuver which hurts less
What can you, the patient, do?
- Distract yourself. Have a simple conversation
- Anticipate it WON’T hurt a lot.
- Stretch or scratch the skin, pinch, put pressure where you are going to inject.
- Stress balls
- Ultimately pain is subjective. If you are comfortable and in a good mood, things hurt less.
- Play soothing background music
- Aromatherapy
Sadly, we can’t make it totally pain free, but these techniques can help.
My thoughts?
It’s funny- when I read this I do a ton of these things already. Small needles, switch needles, stress balls (pre Covid), icing, fabulous conversations (I love this part the best!), pinching the skin when I inject, going in at a 90 degree angle….
So what else should I add? Lavender? Enya?
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
