Does It Hurt?
The question everyone wants answered but feels too embarrassed to ask. Here is an honest pain rating for every aesthetic treatment we offer — no sugarcoating.
Why This Guide Exists
Fear of pain is the primary reason people delay or avoid aesthetic treatments entirely. We know this because we analyzed thousands of patient messages and consultations at VERZO CLINIC. The phrase that comes up again and again, in English, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese, is some variation of: "I want to do it, but I am scared it will hurt."
The problem is that most clinic websites say everything is simply "comfortable." That is not always true, and patients know it. So here is our honest attempt: real pain ratings based on actual patient feedback, with the context you need to make an informed decision.
"When a patient asks me 'will it hurt?', I never say no. I say: 'Here is exactly what you will feel, here is how long it lasts, and here is what we do to minimize it.' That honesty builds more trust than any reassurance."
— Dr. Waleerat Thaweebanchongsin, VERZO CLINIC
The Complete Pain Scale
Every treatment rated on a 1-10 scale based on patient feedback. These ratings reflect the experience with standard comfort protocols (numbing cream applied 20 minutes before).
During Treatment
* Thread lift is rated during the procedure under local anesthesia. Without anesthesia would be higher.
After Treatment (first 24 hours)
Injectables: Botox and Fillers
Botox / Toxin Injections
Pain rating: 1-2/10. A tiny pinch that lasts less than one second per point. The needles are incredibly fine — thinner than a human hair. Most patients are surprised by how quick and tolerable it is. The entire forehead treatment takes about 5 minutes of actual injection time.
What it feels like: A mosquito bite. Brief, sharp, then nothing. No aftercare pain at all — you can go straight to dinner after.
Dermal Fillers
Pain rating: 2-4/10 depending on area. The sensation is pressure more than sharpness. Modern fillers contain lidocaine (numbing agent), so the first injection is the most noticeable and each subsequent one is less.
| Area | Pain Level | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|---|
| Cheeks | 2/10 | Dull pressure, barely noticeable |
| Chin / Jawline | 2-3/10 | Moderate pressure, brief sting |
| Temples | 1-2/10 | Very mild, most tolerable area |
| Under-eyes | 2-3/10 | Pressure and slight sting |
| Nose (non-surgical) | 3/10 | Tight pressure, brief discomfort |
| Lips | 3-4/10 | Most sensitive area, stinging that fades quickly |
| Nasolabial folds | 2-3/10 | Moderate pressure with brief sting |
Thread Lifts: The Honest Version
During the procedure: 3-4/10. This is the treatment patients worry about most, and the reality is much less dramatic than the fear. Local anesthesia is applied first — the numbing injections are a brief sting (3/10 for a few seconds), then you feel nothing sharp. During thread placement, you feel tugging and pressure, which is strange but not painful.
After the procedure: 3-4/10 for 24-48 hours. The ache sets in as anesthesia wears off — a deep, dull tightness like wearing a ponytail tied too tightly behind the ears. Paracetamol handles it well. By day 3-4, most patients report forgetting it is there unless they move their jaw widely.
What patients say most often:
"The anticipation was so much worse than the actual experience. I kept bracing for sharp pain that never came."
Energy Devices: HIFU and Radiofrequency
Ulthera (HIFU)
Pain rating: 5-7/10. We will be honest — Ulthera is the most uncomfortable non-surgical treatment we offer. It delivers focused ultrasound energy to the deep SMAS layer, and you feel a sharp, prickling sensation with each pulse. The jawline and chin areas are more intense than the cheeks.
However, the discomfort is brief (each pulse lasts a fraction of a second), manageable with proper numbing protocol, and there is zero pain afterward. Most patients say the result justified the temporary discomfort.
OligioX (Monopolar RF)
Pain rating: 3/10. Much more comfortable than Ulthera. You feel a deep warming sensation — like a hot stone massage for your face. Some areas produce brief, intense heat pulses, but these are short-lived. Most patients find OligioX surprisingly comfortable and some even describe it as relaxing.
Skin Boosters and Polynucleotides
Pain rating: 1-2/10. Skin boosters (Ejal40, Profhilo, JuveLook) and polynucleotide treatments (Rejuran, Nucleofill) are injected with very fine needles into the superficial skin layer. With topical numbing cream, most patients describe the sensation as "tiny ant bites" — noticeable but genuinely mild.
The injection technique matters here. Experienced injectors use a smooth, rhythmic technique that minimizes discomfort. At VERZO CLINIC, Dr. Waleerat uses a nappage technique for even distribution with minimal sensation.
How We Minimize Pain: Our Comfort Protocols
Pain is subjective, and we take that seriously. At VERZO CLINIC, every treatment includes a baseline comfort protocol, with additional measures available for sensitive patients.
Pre-cooling
Ice packs applied before injection to numb the skin surface. Simple but effective for reducing pinch sensation.
Topical Anesthetic
Lidocaine cream applied 20-30 minutes before treatment. Standard for all injection and energy device procedures.
Local Anesthetic Injection
For thread lifts and deep filler work. A brief sting followed by complete numbness in the treatment area.
Comfort Communication
Dr. Waleerat narrates each step so you always know what is coming. Knowing reduces anxiety, and reduced anxiety reduces perceived pain.
"For my international patients — especially first-timers — I always explain what they will feel before I do anything. In their language. Whether that is Japanese, English, or Chinese. Understanding reduces fear, and less fear means less pain. It is not just kindness; it is good medicine."
— Dr. Waleerat, VERZO CLINIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Botox hurt?
Most patients rate Botox at 1-2 out of 10 — a brief pinch that lasts less than a second. The needles are extremely fine (30-32 gauge). No anesthesia is needed.
How painful is a thread lift?
Under local anesthesia, you feel pressure but not sharp pain. Post-procedure is typically 3-4 out of 10 for 24-48 hours. Paracetamol is usually sufficient.
Which aesthetic treatment hurts the most?
Ulthera (HIFU) is generally rated 5-7 out of 10 for deeper treatment areas. Thread lifts and deep filler injections are moderate at 3-5 out of 10. Botox and skin boosters are mild at 1-2 out of 10.
Can I get numbing cream before treatments?
Yes. VERZO CLINIC applies topical anesthetic 20-30 minutes before treatment. For sensitive patients, we use a double-numbing protocol with both topical cream and local anesthetic.
What if I have a very low pain tolerance?
Tell your doctor. Options include stronger numbing cream, ice cooling, vibration devices, local anesthetic injections, and breathing techniques. The protocol is adjusted for every patient.
Is lip filler more painful than cheek filler?
Yes. Lips are the most sensitive facial area for filler, rated 3-4 out of 10 versus 2-3 for cheeks. Modern lip fillers contain lidocaine which numbs as it is injected, so pain decreases during the session.
Still Nervous? Let Us Talk About It.
Fear of pain is completely valid. Dr. Waleerat offers complimentary consultations where you can ask every question, understand the exact comfort protocol for your treatment, and make a decision with zero pressure. Available in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Thai.
VERZO CLINIC, Sukhumvit Road near BTS Ekkamai. Open daily 10:00-19:00.
Medical Disclaimer
Results vary depending on individual skin and body conditions.
Please consult a physician before treatment.
Results are not guaranteed.