Does Botox Hurt? Unraveling the Myths and Realities of Botox Injections

Botox and anti-wrinkle injections have become a popular choice for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This effective anti-ageing treatment has been around for a long time. However, one common question that often arises at our clinic is: does Botox hurt?

In this blog, we’ll delve into the process of Botox injections, what to expect during the procedure, patient pain experiences, and tips to minimise discomfort during your own treatment.

Understanding Botox Anti-Wrinkle Treatments

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyses muscles.

It is commonly used in cosmetic procedures to smooth out wrinkles, particularly on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. Despite its widespread use, the idea of injecting a toxin into your face can sound intimidating, leading many to wonder about the pain involved.

For a more extensive guide on the treatment as a whole, we have a comprehensive guide to Anti-wrinkle treatments, which we recommend to anyone interested in receiving this treatment.

What to expect during the procedure

The Botox injection process is relatively quick and straightforward, typically taking about 10-15 minutes. For a more detailed explanation of the procedure, read our guide on what to expect before, during, and after your Botox treatment.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:

Consultation

Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with a qualified practitioner to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. This is an excellent time to ask questions about the process and pain management.

Preparation

The practitioner will clean the injection sites with an antiseptic solution. In some cases, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the area to minimise discomfort.

Injection

Using a very fine needle, the practitioner will inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles. You might feel a slight pinch or pressure during each injection, but the discomfort is usually minimal and brief.

Post-Injection Care

After the injections, you might experience minor redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. These side effects typically subside within a few hours to a few days.

Pain Level: What do our patients say?

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most patients report that Botox injections involve minimal discomfort. Many compare the sensation to a tiny pinch or a bug bite. The fine needle used for Botox injections is much smaller than those used for other types of injections, which helps reduce pain.

Additionally, because the procedure is quick, any discomfort you feel is usually over in a matter of seconds. For those particularly sensitive to pain, discussing options like numbing cream or ice packs with your practitioner can help make the experience more comfortable.

Below are some of the reviews we receive with regards to Botox treatments and other popular cosmetic treatments.

Dr Apul Parikh Clinic

5.0

Based on 46 reviews

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Sajida Pirani

13:19 21 Apr 25

I’m a dentist with 18 years of clinical experience and have trained as an aesthetic doctor now with 6 years of clinical experience. I came across Dr. Parikh through recommendations from colleagues and reached out to request a bespoke 1:1 training day focused on skin boosters, with an emphasis on hands-on learning.I was looking for a session that worked around my tight schedule, having travelled from abroad—but mainly also one that would allow me to treat live patients under supervision. From the moment I contacted Dr. Parikh, he was warm, transparent, and incredibly accommodating. As a fellow professional, this level of openness and clarity was a breath of fresh air, and it didn’t take me long to confirm the training date.On the day itself, Dr. Parikh was equally welcoming in person—approachable, humble, and genuinely funny. His patients love him and that is testament to his professionalism and genuine passion for patient care - something I too am passionate about. He created a safe, non-judgmental space for me as a trainee where I felt completely comfortable asking even the “silly” questions. I was able to treat patients right away under his close guidance, and as a visual, hands-on learner, this style of training really resonated with me. I’ve attended many training courses over the years—most of them group-based—and while some have been excellent no doubt, others were too large to allow for meaningful, practical experience. With Dr. Parikh’s 1:1 approach, I had the opportunity to fully engage, ask questions, and gain practical skills I feel confident incorporating into my own clinical practice. Dr. Parikh's support doesn’t end when the training day does. He offers genuine 1:1 ongoing mentorship and I truly feel for me,this marks the beginning of a valuable long-term professional relationship.Thank you, Dr. Parikh—I look forward to working together again in the near future.

Erin Roberts

10:58 19 Apr 25

I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Apul Parikh. I've went to him for over 5 years and trust him completely with all of my skincare and products needs. He's kind, thoughtful and ensures you're always looking and feeling your best. I fully recommend him to anyone looking for a top-level skincare doctor. I also recommend SkinVive by Juvéderm which Apul offers. I noticed a difference in my skin texture the next day and it lasts up to 6 months.

Grace Canaria

17:57 14 Apr 25

Thank you Dr. Apul for the wonderful experience during my skin booster treatment. He is very nice, trust worthy, approachable, professional and knowledgeable. Everything has been explained and made me feel comfortable during the process. The clinic is centrally located, easy to find and very polished. I highly recommend getting your treatments with him. Rest assured that his products are premium and you will get that luxury experience. Thanks Dr. Apul and Andrea for the nice welcome and excellent service.

Sarah Milmine

14:18 01 Apr 25

I couldn’t be happier with my experience at the Apul Parikh clinic. From start to finish, the care, expertise, and results have been outstanding. I had the Harmonyca collagen-boosting treatment, and I can confidently say it delivered.I have been to visit the clinic over the last few years and Dr Parikh has continued to provide me with noticeable improvement in skin texture, firmness and dare I say confidence. I don't get to sing his praises enough as while I often get compliments on my appearance thankfully no one ever asks what I've had "done" (so shhh!!) I am also grateful to have been talked out of things that perhaps weren't strictly necessary and I'm only sharing this now I heard gate keeping can age you 😂If you’re considering this treatment or even just "something" he's definitely worth a visit.

kim

13:53 07 Feb 25

I have seen dr Apul twice now. He is a very kind lovely gentleman and is always lovely to see him . He’s very professional and knows his stuff. I travel 4 hours away to see him and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Excellent results. Very thorough, See you again soon dr

Jane Mott

15:36 15 Jan 25

I have been seeing Dr. Apul for several years, and his expertise and understanding of my skin concerns are unmatched. I’ve had HarmonyCA, dermal fillers, and Botox treatments, and the results have been outstanding. I highly recommend Dr. Apul for anyone looking for personalised, expert care."

suhani shah

20:03 14 Jul 24

I had the pleasure today to be trained by Dr Apul Parikh for a one to one Botox treatment session. Dr Parikh is so professional, kind, thorough and skilled. I had a fantastic day and would highly recommend him. His teaching method didn’t make me feel pressurized but at ease to help takeaway as much as I could from the day. His manner with myself and patients is fantastic and he is someone I look up to. He took the time to allow me to ask questions and answer them and any queries I had as well as put his teaching to practice.

Joanne Prodahl

03:07 07 Apr 24

A few words to describe Dr. Apul …brilliant, kind, patient, focused, dedicated, humble, caring.Training alongside the amazing Dr. Apul is an experience like none other. His attention to detail, thoughtful process and passion for teaching is second to none. There’s no one else like him. Thank you for sharing your talent!!🙏🏻☺️Joanne Prodahl RN (Alberta, Canada)

Louise Braynsmith

16:30 27 Dec 23

I have had the fortune of having teaching with Apul. He is a brilliant teacher, very patient and thorough. The advantage of Apul’s courses are that they are one on one, covering all the essential theory, with lots of time put aside for hands on practical sessions. Furthermore, to receive mentoring and support from a doctor with such extensive experience, skill and integrity, is invaluable.

Charlotte Banks

13:05 13 Dec 23

I have had the most positive experience with Dr Apul Parikh not only in that the results are everything I hoped for but also in feeling super comfortable at the clinic throughout the whole process. Dr Parikh is the first doctor I spoke to who really understood what I wanted with non surgical rhinoplasty and truly delivered!

Kim Sharp

17:42 10 Dec 23

Visited Dr Apul today and had the most amazing professional experience . Dr Apul was wonderful , talking me through what to expect and making me feel totally at ease . He is extremely professional and I felt very confident about the treatments he carried out . Would highly recommend.

Gwendolyn M

16:30 06 Nov 23

I can't recommend Dr Parikh enough. I had an after hours emergency due to a very deep cut on my thumb from a kitchen knife. Dr Parikh immediately came back his clinic to help, without reservation. He cleaned, numbed and sewed up the wound, and even gave me the supplies to clean and bandage it for the next few days. My thumb healed without any scarring. His work is PERFECT.

BILKEES PEER

18:05 19 Sep 23

Dr Apul has been doing mentoring for me in facial aesthetics. He is very thorough and helpful. One to one mentorship with Apul has increased my confidence and ability to offer and do facial aesthetics in practice.Thank you again.

Michael George Burnett

07:46 19 Sep 23

Having visited Dr Apul for treatments over the past 10 years, I can honestly say there's nobody else I would trust for my procedures.Apul has not only incredibly Aesthetic knowledge, but such a fabulous manor, calmness and passion about his work, you'd be hard pushed to find anybody as skilled and understanding!P.s The new clinic is wonderful!

Alina Berbecanu

12:40 18 Sep 23

I have a massive pleasure to write this review and I am glade I meet Dr. Apul 3 years ago for my aesthetic treatment. The results are always amazing.I just want to tell that last year, i have tried deferent clinic for the same treatment as i live far from London and the result was… no result. I decided that don’t matter the travel as Dr Apul is a bless in my life.Recently I been suffering with acne, after trying few clinics and deferent treatments without success, Dr. Apul recommendation worked and I can’t thank enough. It’s a pleasure to see him as always friendly, professional and welcoming.

Fareena Chaudhry

21:00 21 Jul 23

Had the absolute pleasure of visiting Dr Apul’s clinic for a skin consultation recently. His approach, whether about skin treatments or advice around health holistically, has always been spot on. I have lived in Switzerland for over a decade but will always reach out to Apul as a first point of contact – for aesthetic treatments, weight challenges and my health in general. He is through in his diagnosis, thoughtful in his recommendations and takes his time to discuss all options for treatment in general. And his fabulous clinic, always a bonus. Thank you Apul!

sonal mehta

18:02 07 May 23

I recently had the privilege of having a 1:1 training day with Dr Apul Parikh for advanced techniques in anti- wrinkle injections. It was totally hands on and Apul explained everything so brilliantly. He is extremely approachable and I honestly had excellent training. I am grateful to have such an expert as a mentor. I also had my own treatment done by Apul and as expected the results are great!I would highly recommend his courses and his treatments!Thank youDr Sonal Mehta( Birmingham)

Milly Sanderson

22:23 06 Feb 23

I was recommended Apul by a friend and I'm so glad I was! He is absolutely fantastic. I was a bit nervous but he made me feel so at ease and he was very honest and caring. He is highly skilled and the results of my treatment are amazing! Definitely will be using him in the future! Thank you so much Apul!

Alex Greene

14:35 03 Dec 22

“I was feeling old and tired and searching for a safe and experienced aesthetic surgeon to approach for cosmetic treatment. It has been an absolute pleasure to be treated by Apul Parikh. Along with his exceptional 'bed-side manner', surgical and anatomical knowledge, his procedures are up-to-date, comfortable, and very effective….my family keep telling me how well I look.I would highly recommend Apul, for he has all the qualities, along with a sense of humour, that one could wish for in an aesthetic surgeon."AG

Waweru Njoroge

06:15 21 Nov 22

Having just reached the "4th Floor" I started noticing that I was looking and feeling tired, primarily because of the nature of my job in advertising so I decided to do something about it and that is when I came across Dr Apul Parikh. From the onset when I walked into the beautiful relaxing clinic I felt right at home. I was not looking for an "overhaul" and Dr. Parikh's philosophy of subtle treatments that rejuvenate, ticked the right boxes. Not only was he very friendly, but he was also very patient and took the time to answer all my questions and provide a selection of options which he emailed to me along with along with the pricing. This kind of transparency made my decision much easier to make. I went back to the clinic for the treatment option I had decided on and Dr. Parikh immediately made me feel at ease with a calm and relaxed demeanor. I opted for a combination of Botox and dermal fillers and there was minimal discomfort during the procedure. As an added bonus, he also gave me some advice on taking care of my skin. The results have been amazing! People think that I took a holiday to recharge my batteries because of how much more rejuvenated I am looking. I look good and feel great!

Daniela Pilfold

09:35 17 Oct 22

I couldn’t recommend Dr Apul Parikh enough! I was really nervous for my first few appointments as I have not had filler before, but he really took the time to answer questions and guide me thoroughly through the process which helped ease my mind and I knew I was in good hands. I have loved the results which exceeded my expectations and have given me a newfound confidence.

Kelly Van Achter

21:21 18 Sep 22

I can’t recommend Apul highly enough. I have been having treatments with Apul for 6 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else.Immediately he will put you at ease and his working environment is hygienic and spotless. He always listens carefully to my concerns and advises the best treatment for me. I always get compliments and am told I look younger than my age, this is all thanks to Apul and his natural ability to tailor the correct treatment to his clients.If you are considering aesthetics, look no further, you won’t be disappointed.

Tips to minimise your discomfort

While Botox injections are generally well-tolerated, a few simple strategies can make the experience even more comfortable. You can significantly reduce any potential discomfort by choosing an experienced practitioner and utilising numbing techniques. Here are some practical tips to ensure your Botox procedure is as painless as possible.

Choose an Experienced Practitioner

An experienced practitioner will have a gentle touch and be skilled in techniques that minimize pain.

Not only is Dr Apul Parikh an excellent practitioner for administering your Botox safely and efectively, he also trains and mentors practitioners globally to ensure quality and best practices.

Optional Numbing Cream

Applying a numbing cream to the injection site before the procedure can help reduce sensation.

Ice Packs

Using ice packs before and after the injections can help numb the area and reduce swelling.

Stay Relaxed

Being tense can heighten your perception of pain. Try to stay as relaxed as possible during the procedure. Deep breathing exercises can help.

Following Aftercare Guidance

Following the post-injection care instructions provided by your practitioner can help minimize discomfort and speed up recovery.

For a summarised guide to what you can expect for your post-treatment care, please read our Aftercare Guide for Anti-Wrinkle Injections.

Book a consultation with an experienced Botox Injection specialist in London

In conclusion, while the idea of injections might sound painful, most people find Botox injections to be relatively painless. The procedure is quick, and any discomfort is minimal and brief.

By choosing an experienced practitioner and discussing pain management options, you can ensure a comfortable experience. If you’re considering Botox but are concerned about pain, a consultation with our qualified practitioners can help address your fears and provide personalised advice.

Remember, beauty doesn’t have to be painful, and with the right approach, Botox can be a comfortable and effective way to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Contact Dr Apul Parikh to book a consultation and discuss your anti-ageing goals and the best course of treatment to address your unique facial dynamic

Does Botox Hurt? Unraveling the Myths and Realities of Botox Injections

Understanding Botox Anti-Wrinkle Treatments

What to expect during the procedure

Consultation

Preparation

Injection

Post-Injection Care

Pain Level: What do our patients say?

Tips to minimise your discomfort

Choose an Experienced Practitioner

Optional Numbing Cream

Ice Packs

Stay Relaxed

Following Aftercare Guidance

Book a consultation with an experienced Botox Injection specialist in London

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Dr Apul Parikh Clinic is a CQC-Registered Skin Clinic in London

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