Sep 29
How Non-Surgical Treatments Are Made More Comfortable
How Non-Surgical Treatments Are Made More Comfortable
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments - like Botox, fillers, or laser procedures - are quick, effective, and require no downtime. Still, many patients worry about discomfort. The good news? Providers use several techniques to make these treatments more comfortable. Here’s how:
1. Topical Ice
Applying ice before treatment helps temporarily numb the skin and reduce swelling or bruising afterward. It’s simple but effective for small injections.
2. Topical Numbing Cream
Numbing creams containing lidocaine, tetracaine, and/or benzocaine are applied 20–30 minutes before treatment. They dull sensation in the skin, making procedures like microneedling or laser treatments much more tolerable.
3. Cooling Devices (like the Zimmer or even a chilled spoon!)
Cooling air devices such as the Zimmer blow a steady stream of cold air on the skin during laser or energy-based procedures. Even something as simple as a chilled metal spoon can calm the skin and make treatments more comfortable.
4. Lidocaine Inside the Injectable
Most modern dermal fillers and many neuromodulators are formulated with lidocaine, a numbing agent that works instantly once injected. This makes the procedure smoother and more comfortable from the first injection.
5. Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective inhaled gas used in medical and dental procedures to reduce pain and anxiety. Often called "laughing gas," it allows patients to remain conscious and responsive throughout treatment, with effects that wear off quickly once the gas is stopped.
Comfort is a priority in modern aesthetic medicine. With topical cooling, numbing creams, innovative devices, and built-in anesthetics, non-surgical treatments are easier than ever to experience confidently.
