Lifting Procedures: Is More Pain Always Better Results?

Lifting procedures are generally performed after applying numbing cream 30-60 minutes beforehand. For those sensitive to pain, sleep anesthesia, non-sleep inhalation anesthesia (airnox) using nitrous oxide, or additional pain-relieving injections may be used.

In particular, non-sleep inhalation anesthesia (airnox) provides a relatively simple and very safe pain relief effect without concerns about safety incidents such as respiratory depression, and it is actively used during radiofrequency and ultrasound lifting procedures.

Sleep anesthesia is not necessary for most non-invasive lifting procedures and is only considered in limited cases, such as for those who are very sensitive to pain or when undergoing multiple procedures together.

The anesthesia method depends not only on the device but also on individual sensitivity and the treatment area, so if you inform us of your pain concerns in advance, we can adjust accordingly.

The level of pain does not directly indicate the degree of effectiveness. The results of lifting procedures depend on whether the appropriate energy is accurately delivered to the target layer; pain is merely a result of the energy type, depth of action, and individual sensitivity.

On the contrary, excessive pain that is difficult to endure may be a sign that the energy is being applied more intensely than necessary, so forcing yourself to endure it is not advisable. Devices that reduce pain through cooling or vibration are not necessarily less effective.

Therefore, rather than enduring pain based on the common belief that 'pain equals effectiveness,' it is important to proceed safely at an appropriate intensity. If the pain becomes too much during the procedure, do not endure it and inform us immediately.

If you are sensitive to pain, radiofrequency lifting with pain-relief technologies such as cooling and vibration, or laser lifting that primarily provides a heating sensation, are relatively less burdensome.

In particular, devices like Alltite, which use real-time cooling to alleviate heat, and Soprano Titanium, which delivers multiple wavelengths in a warming manner, are often more comfortable even for those with low pain tolerance. Combining these with topical anesthesia and gradually increasing the intensity can further reduce discomfort.

It is difficult to uniformly designate a 'least painful procedure' because the appropriate choice depends on skin condition, goals, and pain threshold. If you have significant concerns about pain, please mention it during your consultation so we can plan pain-relief methods together.

Immediately after the procedure, you may temporarily experience tingling, burning, mild swelling, or a feeling of pressure, but these usually subside within a short period. This is a natural recovery response of the tissue that has been heated.

During this period, it is helpful to avoid excessive heat exposure (saunas, intense exercise) and irritating treatments, and to ensure adequate moisturizing and sun protection for recovery.

The heat sensation and skin redness after radiofrequency procedures like Thermage® FLX typically subside within a day. The feeling of pressure, especially tingling or throbbing when touching the treated area after ultrasound lifting like Ultherapy PRIME®, may persist for several weeks but gradually resolves on its own.

If pain or swelling lasts longer than expected or worsens, do not endure it and contact the clinic where you received the procedure for safety. Recovery patterns vary by individual, so it is advisable to follow the guidance of your dermatologist.