What treatments are recommended for those sensitive to pain?

Generally, many people feel that radiofrequency, which accumulates heat on the surface, is less burdensome in terms of pain compared to ultrasound. This is because the nature of the pain differs: radiofrequency primarily involves a heat sensation as the 1–3 mm dermis is warmed, whereas ultrasound (such as Ultherapy PRIME®) can cause a deep, dull ache or vibration around the bone when energy reaches the approximately 4.5 mm SMAS layer.

However, this is only a tendency, not an absolute standard. Even with the same ultrasound, some people tolerate it comfortably depending on the output and area, while others find the heat sensation of radiofrequency difficult. Therefore, it is most accurate to adjust during consultation based on your own pain sensitivity.

Options to reduce pain are diverse and can be applied in stages, including anesthetic cream, the cooling and vibration functions of the device itself, and needle-free procedures. The basic approach is anesthetic cream applied before the procedure, and when combined with built-in pain relief features of the device, such as the vibration and cooling of Thermage® FLX, the perceived burden is further reduced.

For those who are afraid of injections themselves, Mirajet can be an alternative. Mirajet is a needle-free method that delivers medication into the skin using laser pressure, so it can be used as an introductory booster option for those with needle phobia. For procedures where pain is a particular concern, there are also ways to adjust the anesthesia method itself, so it is helpful to specifically describe the type of fear (needles, heat sensation, dull ache) during the consultation.

The common belief that pain and effectiveness are proportional is not accurate. Pain is simply a sensation that varies depending on the depth of energy delivery, the method of delivery, and nerve distribution, whereas the effectiveness of a procedure is determined by whether the necessary energy is accurately delivered to the target layer. Pain relief technologies such as cooling and vibration are devices that disperse sensation, not reduce energy.

Of course, procedures that work at different depths also have different roles. Gentle procedures do not completely replace deep-layer procedures, so rather than 'choosing only less painful procedures and doing them frequently,' it is more satisfying in the end to receive a procedure that matches the depth of your concern along with pain management. Enduring pain is not a virtue; the direction of modern procedures is to design them so that you do not have to endure.

If you have no experience with procedures and are concerned about pain, we recommend starting with treatments that involve both low downtime and little pain, such as Soprano Titanium, Hydro Lifting, and EVE Synergy. EVE Synergy is a care-type treatment that stimulates the muscle layer with EMS and microcurrents, so the procedure itself tends to be relatively comfortable, and Hydro Lifting focuses on skin hydration and texture, making it an easy first step.

Many people hesitate about their first procedure during consultation, saying 'I'm scared of painful procedures.' It is natural to first check your skin's reaction and pain threshold with these gentle procedures, and then, if needed, move up to RF Lifting in stages. Heal House has equipment for each stage, from low-pain management-type procedures to deep-layer lifting, so if you let us know that you have a pain-sensitive constitution, we will help you find a comfortable starting point together.