How is the number of shots for a lifting treatment decided?
The number of lifting shots is set individually by considering skin firmness, the treatment area and the result you hope for, together with objective data.
Understanding Lifting · Q13
Understanding Lifting · Q14
Lifting Pain and Numbing: Moderate and Varies by Person
Question: Does a lifting treatment hurt a lot, and how is numbing done?
Short answer
Pain during lifting treatment is generally reported as moderate in studies, and it varies greatly with the area, the device and individual sensitivity. CELITA Clinic does not routinely offer sedation, and applying numbing cream is considered depending on the type of treatment. The medical team explains ways to reduce pain before treatment.
Key points
- HIFU pain is generally reported as moderate in studies
- The level of pain varies greatly by area and person
- CELITA Clinic does not routinely offer sedation
- Numbing cream is considered depending on the type of treatment
- Treatment including numbing takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour
How much does lifting hurt?
Pain during HIFU (ultrasound) lifting is generally reported as moderate in studies, and it varies greatly from person to person.
Meta-analyses pooling several studies reported pain during treatment at a moderate level, but the figures differ between studies, so it is hard to give a single number.
Study results are averages across many people, and how it actually feels differs from person to person depending on skin condition and the treatment area.
| Device | Described sensation | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| HIFU (ultrasound) | Moderate pain reported, varies greatly by person | Meta-analyses |
| Thermage FLX | Brief heat followed by cooling, mild to moderate pain | Manufacturer safety information |
| Onda | 5°C contact cooling, no severe pain reported in a body study | Manufacturer description, small study |
Does each device feel different?
Lifting devices use different types of energy, so the sensation during treatment is described as somewhat different for each.
The manufacturer of Thermage explains that there is brief heat when the tip touches the skin, followed by a cooling sensation that protects the skin and reduces discomfort, and describes the most common reaction during treatment as mild to moderate pain. The manufacturer of Onda explains that 5°C contact cooling protects the skin surface, and a small study on body areas reported no severe pain during treatment.
These descriptions come from manufacturer information and some study results, and it cannot be said that any device involves no discomfort at all.
How is numbing done at CELITA Clinic?
CELITA Clinic does not routinely offer sedation, and applying numbing cream is considered depending on the type of treatment.
CELITA Clinic currently focuses on non-surgical treatments, and the medical team decides whether numbing cream is needed and how long it is applied based on the treatment and area. In the visit process, the treatment step takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour including numbing.
If you are sensitive to pain, mentioning it in advance during the consultation allows it to be reflected in the treatment plan.
Are there ways to reduce pain?
Papers explain that brief discomfort during HIFU treatment can be reduced with oral anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and the medical team will advise on specific methods.
Whether to use medication, and which kind, depends on the medicines you take, your medical history and allergies, so it is safer to discuss it with the medical team rather than decide on your own. It is a good idea to mention all the medicines and supplements you usually take during the consultation.
If you feel significant discomfort during treatment, it is better to tell the medical team right away rather than put up with it.
FAQ
Does it hurt after treatment too?
In Ulthera clinical studies, discomfort after treatment lasted about 2 hours to 2 days, and tenderness to the touch about 2 days to 2 weeks. The duration varies from person to person, and if it lasts longer than expected, contact the clinic.
Can minors have lifting with numbing cream?
Anyone under 19 (international age) needs consent from a parent or guardian, and consultation for lifting treatments such as Onda lifting is possible. As with adults, the use of numbing cream is considered depending on the type of treatment.
How much time should I set aside on the day of treatment?
Consultation, numbing and treatment usually take about 1 to 2 hours in total, depending on the treatment and the schedule on the day. If it is your first visit, it is a good idea to allow plenty of time.
Important
This article is general medical information, not a diagnosis or treatment. Results, recovery time and side effects vary with each person's skin, and whether a treatment suits you is decided after consultation with a doctor. If you notice unusual symptoms, contact the clinic that treated you right away.
Sources
All questions in Understanding Lifting
- Q8. How does HIFU (ultrasound) lifting work?
- Q9. What is Ultherapy PRIME and how does it work?
- Q10. What is Thermage FLX and how does it work?
- Q11. What is Onda lifting and how does it work?
- Q12. What is Shurink Universe and how does it work?
- Q13. How is the number of shots for a lifting treatment decided?
- Q14. Does a lifting treatment hurt a lot, and how is numbing done?
- Q15. When do lifting results appear and how long do they last?
- Q16. How is a thread lift different from device-based lifting?