Does Oligio X Hurt? What to Expect and Whether You Need Numbing Cream
Oligio X Pain and Numbing Cream — From How Sensation Varies by Area to Tips for Minimizing Discomfort and When a Topical Anesthetic Is Recommended.
If you've been researching Oligio X, one of the first concerns that likely comes to mind is: "I heard Radiofrequency (RF) runs hot — will it be painful?" or "Can I even get through it without numbing cream?" Anxiety about Pain is one of the most common reasons people hesitate to move forward with this procedure.
To put your mind at ease upfront: the sensation during Oligio X is less "unbearable Pain" and more "a warm feeling with sudden flashes of heat." When the Radiofrequency (RF) energy is delivered into the Dermis, you'll feel a brief, sharp warmth — but because the surface is simultaneously cooled, it's a very different sensation from a burn. That said, how much you feel does vary depending on the area being treated and your individual Pain tolerance.
Whether or not you need numbing cream depends on your sensitivity and the area being treated. It's not a strict requirement, but for those who are more sensitive — or for areas that tend to be more reactive — a topical anesthetic can make a meaningful difference. In this post, I'll walk you through what the Pain is actually like, and when numbing cream is recommended, case by case.
> This post summarizes procedure information from Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae.
What you'll learn from this post
· How much discomfort to realistically expect during Oligio X
· What makes the sensation feel more intense — and how to reduce it
· When numbing cream is recommended
· Practical tips to minimize discomfort before and after the procedureWhat Does Oligio X Actually Feel Like?
Oligio X works by delivering Radiofrequency (RF)* energy into the Dermis to generate heat, which then stimulates Collagen production and improves Elasticity. The key here is that the deeper layers are heated while the surface is simultaneously cooled — so even when you feel that burst of warmth, it's fundamentally different from the sharp, surface-level Pain of a burn.
Radiofrequency (RF)*: An electrical energy (RF) that generates heat within the Dermis to stimulate Collagen. It selectively raises the temperature of the deeper skin layers while keeping the surface cool, helping to improve Elasticity.
As explained in this overview of how RF energy heats and contracts Collagen — and why a warm or hot sensation during the procedure is expected, what most people experience is closer to a Heat sensation than Pain. Typically, you'll feel a brief sting as the energy is delivered at each point, which then subsides as the device moves on to the next area.
Sensation also varies by area. Spots where the skin is thinner and closer to the bone tend to feel more intense. Here's a general breakdown of what to expect by area.
| Area | Sensation | Numbing Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Cheeks | Warm and mild | Usually not needed |
| Forehead | Noticeably warm | Optional |
| Chin and mouth area | Fairly distinct | May be helpful |
| Eye area | More sensitive | Often recommended |
What Makes the Sensation Worse — and How to Ease It
Even with the same procedure, certain factors can make the sensation feel more intense. Knowing these in advance can help you feel more prepared.
- Higher energy output — The stronger the energy level, the more distinct the Heat sensation becomes.
- Sensitive areas — The chin, mouth area, and eye area are closer to nerve endings, so sensation tends to be sharper there.
- Being under the weather — Sleep deprivation or the days around your menstrual cycle can increase Pain sensitivity.
- Tension and anxiety — When your body is tense, you tend to perceive sensation more intensely.
There are also simple ways to ease the discomfort. If something feels too hot during the procedure, don't push through it — speak up right away. The energy level or pace can be adjusted. Cutting back on caffeine before your appointment and arriving relaxed with easy, steady breathing can make a noticeable difference. Since the sharp sensation only lasts a moment at each point, focusing on your breath can help you get through it much more comfortably.
Is Numbing Cream Really Necessary?
Many people receive Oligio X without any numbing cream at all. Because the surface is continuously cooled throughout the procedure, most people find the sensation quite manageable. That said, numbing cream may be applied in the following situations.
- You're generally sensitive to Pain — If you tend to react strongly to injections or other stimulation, it can help significantly.
- You're focusing on more sensitive areas — The chin, mouth area, and eye area produce more distinct sensations.
- Higher energy output is planned — The stronger the settings, the more numbing cream can take the edge off.
When numbing cream is used, it typically needs about 20–30 minutes to absorb properly. This does add time to your overall visit, but it can make the experience noticeably more comfortable. On the other hand, some people actually prefer to feel a degree of sensation — it reassures them that the energy is working. Ultimately, there's no single right answer; it comes down to your personal preference and sensitivity.
Why Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae?
At Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae, we always start by assessing each person's individual Pain sensitivity and the specific areas they're having treated — because even with the same Oligio X procedure, the experience varies from person to person. For those who are more sensitive, we recommend numbing cream, and throughout the procedure we check in on how the sensation feels so we can fine-tune the energy level accordingly. Being a smaller clinic just a short walk from Hapjeong Station means we can give our full attention to each person — adjusting pace and intensity in real time based on how you're responding.
Things That Can Help Reduce Discomfort Before and After the Procedure
Managing discomfort isn't just about what happens in the treatment room — how you prepare beforehand and care for yourself afterward can make a real difference. Here's what I recommend at each stage.
- Reduce caffeine before your appointment — Caffeine can mildly increase Pain sensitivity.
- Get enough sleep — When you're well-rested, the same stimulation tends to feel less intense.
- Communicate during the procedure — If anything feels too hot, say something right away rather than pushing through it.
- Calming care afterward — A gentle cold compress followed by Moisturizing helps settle any lingering Heat sensation.
- Apply Sunscreen — Sensitized skin is more vulnerable to UV exposure, which can slow the recovery process.
This post is meant as general information. Your specific Pain tolerance and whether numbing cream is right for you are best determined in consultation with a qualified medical professional who can assess you directly. If you're concerned about Pain, bringing it up before your procedure is always the right move — it allows your provider to tailor the energy settings and numbing approach specifically to you, so you can feel at ease going in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Oligio X really that painful?
A. It's less about being unbearable and more of a "warm buildup with sudden flashes of heat" sensation. Because the surface is continuously cooled, it feels very different from a burn. That said, more sensitive areas like the chin and eye area — or sessions with higher energy output — can feel more distinct. If you're concerned about Pain, let your provider know beforehand so adjustments can be made.
Q. Do I have to use numbing cream?
A. It's not required. Many people go through the procedure without it. However, if you're more sensitive to Pain, having sensitive areas treated, or having a higher-output session, numbing cream can meaningfully reduce discomfort. It really comes down to personal preference. Just mention it during your consultation and your provider can factor in the absorption time when planning your appointment.
Q. What should I do if it feels too hot during the procedure?
A. Don't try to push through it — speak up right away. The energy level or pace can be adjusted. Keep in mind that the sharp sensation only lasts a moment at each point as the energy is delivered. Focusing on steady breathing can help you get through it more easily. Simply staying in communication with your provider goes a long way in reducing discomfort.
Q. Will I still feel Pain or Heat sensation after the procedure?
A. It's common to notice a mild, lingering warmth or slight flushing immediately after the procedure. This typically settles within a day or two. Applying a gentle cold compress followed by Moisturizing can help calm the skin. If the discomfort worsens over time or persists beyond a few days, please reach out to your provider.
