Does Acne Scar Treatment Hurt — Subcision · MNRF · Laser Pain Levels
Does Subcision hurt · how much does MNRF hurt · is laser worse? Dr. Big explains real pain levels from cases · Clarity Clinic Ratchathewi, near BTS.
“Does acne scar treatment hurt? Can I handle it?”
This fear makes many patients delay treatment for years. The truth is — it hurts but is bearable if the doctor numbs well and uses the right technique. Most patients say “less than I expected.”
This article gives honest pain levels per procedure on a 1–10 scale patients actually report.
Pain scale — compared to familiar things
| Scale | Sensation | Comparable to |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | A quick prick | An insect bite |
| 3–4 | Noticeable | A vaccine shot |
| 5–6 | Moderate | A tooth extraction |
| 7–8 | Strong | Stitches |
| 9–10 | Unbearable | Surgery without anesthesia |
Pain level per procedure
Subcision (releasing bands) — 3–5
- Before: numbing cream (lidocaine) 20–30 min + sometimes a local injection
- During: a “pulling/tugging” feeling under the skin — not sharp pain
- After: mild ache · swelling 2–3 days · some bruising for 5–7 days
- Patients often say: “less than I expected”
MNRF (Microneedle RF) — 4–6
- Before: numbing cream 20–30 min (important!)
- During: like many tiny needles plus RF warmth
- After: warm skin · swelling 1–2 days · flaking 2–3 days
- Patients often say: “more than Subcision but bearable”
TCA Cross — 3–4
- Before: numbing cream 15 min
- During: a brief sting 2–3 sec per point as TCA touches skin
- After: warm 1–2 hours · no further pain
Read more: TCA Cross for acne scars.
Pico Laser / IPL — 2–3
- Like a rubber-band snap · the least painful
Fractional CO2 Laser — 5–7
- Before: numbing cream 30–45 min (important!)
- During: quite hot + stinging
- After: warm skin · swelling 3–5 days · peeling 5–7 days
- Patients often say: “the most painful in the acne scar group — but the results are good”
HA filler under the scar — 2–4
Read more: Filler vs Subcision for acne scars.
What makes it feel “less painful”
- Good numbing — most important (cream 20–30 min + film cover)
- An experienced doctor (knows where to go gently, the right rhythm)
- Good equipment (blunt-tip cannula, MNRF with cooling)
- A calm mind (relax, breathe slowly, listen to music)
What Clarity does to reduce pain
Full numbing 30 minutes (no rush) · a supplemental local injection for deep Subcision · blunt-tip cannula · a quiet room · you can say “stop” anytime → we pause and add numbing.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Does acne scar treatment hurt more than a tattoo? A: Similar — Subcision is 3–5, tattooing is 4–6 · both bearable with numbing.
Q: Will I cry during treatment? A: A small minority do · most say “less than expected.”
Q: Can I drive myself home afterward? A: Yes · no general anesthesia · drive normally.
Q: Can people afraid of needles do it? A: Yes · tell the doctor first → supplemental numbing + blunt-tip cannula + a slow pace.
Q: Where can I discuss the pain level near BTS? A: At Clarity Clinic Ratchathewi, near BTS Ratchathewi (1-min walk), easy to reach from Siam, Phaya Thai, all of Bangkok — Dr. Big assesses and treats in person, free 30-min consult.
Summary
Acne scar treatment is 3–5 out of 10 (definitely bearable with good numbing) · most say “less than expected” · the 60–80% improvement is worth the bearable discomfort.
Contact:
- LINE: @clarityclinic — send a photo of your acne scars for Dr. Big to review
- Location: Spring Tower, B Floor · Ratchathewi, near BTS (Siam, Phaya Thai, all Bangkok)
- Free 30-minute consult with Dr. Big in person
- Price 5,000 baht/session including all main procedures + aftercare cream · pay per session, no course packages
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