Before You Decide · FAQ·8 min read·2026-06-21

The questions everyone asks before an aesthetic treatment — answered honestly, from our real Bangkok chat inbox

In one paragraph

We looked at the questions our patients actually ask in chat before booking — and two come up far more than any other: "How long does it take?" and "Are there side effects?" Close behind are pain, downtime, price, and how booking works. This guide answers those real questions plainly and without overpromising. The honest summary: most non-surgical treatments take 15–60 minutes, side effects are usually limited to temporary redness, swelling or bruising, and downtime ranges from none (Botox) to a few days of soft food (thread lift). Specifics always depend on your treatment and your body — which is exactly what a consultation is for.

Most treatments
15–60min
Typical downtime
0–7days
Numbing
Usually
Consult first
Always

01How long does it take? (our #1 question)

This is the single most common question in our inbox. For most non-surgical aesthetic treatments, the procedure itself takes 15 to 60 minutes — plus a little time beforehand for consultation and numbing cream where needed.

As a rough guide: Botox is among the quickest at around 15–20 minutes; filler is usually 20–40 minutes depending on the areas; thread lift is one of the longer ones at roughly 45–60 minutes; and energy-based lifting or laser sessions (HIFU, Pico) generally run 30–60 minutes. Add 15–30 minutes of waiting for numbing cream to take effect for injectables and threads.

If you are visiting Bangkok on a short trip and timing matters, tell us your treatment in advance and we can estimate your total clinic time more precisely. We cover this in detail in our treatment-time-budget guide for international patients.

  • Botox: ~15–20 min
  • Filler: ~20–40 min
  • Thread lift: ~45–60 min
  • HIFU / Pico laser: ~30–60 min
  • Add ~15–30 min for numbing cream (injectables / threads)

02Are there side effects? (our #2 question)

No honest clinic can promise zero side effects from any medical procedure — and you should be cautious of any that does. What we can tell you is what is normal and expected, and what is a sign to contact us.

For most injectables, threads and energy treatments, the common short-term effects are temporary: mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or small bruises at the treated points. These typically settle within a few hours to a few days.

Threads may add a feeling of tightness for several days. None of this is unusual — it is the tissue responding to the procedure.

Contact the clinic promptly if you notice spreading redness, increasing rather than decreasing pain, warmth, pus, fever, or any reaction you suspect is an allergy. These are uncommon but are the signs worth acting on.

Our dedicated guide on side effects and recovery covers each treatment in more detail.

  • Usually normal: short-term redness, swelling, tenderness, small bruises
  • Thread lift: a few days of tightness is expected
  • Call us: spreading redness, worsening pain, warmth, pus, fever, suspected allergy

03Does it hurt?

Most patients describe non-surgical treatments as mild discomfort rather than real pain. For injectables and threads we apply numbing cream beforehand (and use ice or local anaesthetic where appropriate), so the sensation is usually limited to a brief pinch or pressure.

Energy treatments like HIFU can feel like brief warm pulses deep in the skin; laser can feel like a quick snap. Comfort varies from person to person and by area — bony or thin-skinned areas feel more.

Tell your doctor if anything is uncomfortable during the session; settings and technique can often be adjusted.

04How much downtime will I need?

Downtime is one of the biggest factors when people plan a treatment around work or travel — so here is the honest range. Many treatments have essentially no downtime: after Botox and most laser or HIFU sessions you can usually return to normal activity the same day, with simple aftercare.

Filler may leave small bruises or swelling for 1–2 days. Thread lift asks for the most care: soft food for roughly 3–7 days and avoiding heavy chewing, intense exercise and facial massage for a week or two while the threads settle.

Across all treatments we suggest avoiding alcohol and very spicy food for several days, since both can increase swelling and bruising.

  • Botox / most laser / HIFU: little to no downtime
  • Filler: possible bruising or swelling 1–2 days
  • Thread lift: soft food ~3–7 days, gentle on the face 1–2 weeks

05What affects the price?

Pricing is the most common topic in our chat overall — but a number sent over chat without seeing you can be misleading, and we would rather be honest about that. The cost of a treatment depends on several real factors, not a single fixed figure.

The main drivers are: the product brand and grade (for example, different Botox or filler brands are priced differently), the amount used (units of Botox, cc of filler, number of threads), the area and complexity, and the experience of the treating doctor. Two people asking for "Botox" can need very different amounts depending on their muscles and goals — which is why a short consultation gives you an accurate quote instead of a guess.

We are happy to share starting prices and current promotions over chat, and to give you a precise quote at consultation. We would rather quote you correctly than quote you cheaply and change it later.

  • Brand & grade of product
  • Amount used (units / cc / number of threads)
  • Area treated & complexity
  • Experience of the treating doctor

06Booking & how to prepare

An appointment is recommended so your preferred doctor and time are reserved; walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability on the day. You can book through LINE chat, and our team can answer in Thai, English and other languages — many of our patients message us in English, and our Ekamai branch has Japanese-speaking support.

To prepare: if you can, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements (such as fish oil or high-dose vitamin E) for a couple of days before injectables or threads, as they can increase bruising. Come with clean skin if possible, and bring a list of any medications or past treatments.

Afterwards, follow the simple aftercare your doctor gives you — gentle skincare, sun protection, and easy on alcohol and spicy food for a few days.

Ready to talk to our doctor?

Send a photo or describe your concern on LINE — we'll suggest a treatment plan and price range before you visit.

CHAT ON LINE

07Common questions

How long does an aesthetic treatment take?+
Most non-surgical treatments take 15–60 minutes. Botox is among the quickest (~15–20 min), filler ~20–40 min, thread lift ~45–60 min, and HIFU or Pico laser ~30–60 min. Allow an extra 15–30 minutes for numbing cream before injectables and threads, plus consultation time.
Are there side effects?+
Most treatments cause only temporary, expected effects — mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or small bruises that settle within hours to days; thread lift can add a few days of tightness. No medical procedure is completely without risk. Contact the clinic if you see spreading redness, worsening pain, warmth, pus, fever, or a suspected allergic reaction.
Does the treatment hurt?+
Most patients describe mild discomfort rather than pain. Numbing cream is applied before injectables and threads, so the sensation is usually a brief pinch or pressure. HIFU feels like warm pulses; laser like a quick snap. Tell your doctor during the session if anything is uncomfortable — settings can often be adjusted.
How much downtime will I need?+
It varies by treatment. Botox and most laser or HIFU sessions have little to no downtime. Filler may cause bruising or swelling for 1–2 days. Thread lift needs the most care: soft food for about 3–7 days and being gentle on the face for 1–2 weeks. Avoiding alcohol and spicy food for a few days helps across the board.
How much does it cost?+
Price depends on the product brand, the amount used (units, cc, number of threads), the area treated, and the treating doctor — so a number over chat without seeing you can be misleading. We are happy to share starting prices and promotions, and to give you an accurate quote at a short consultation.
Do I need to book in advance or can I walk in?+
An appointment is recommended so your preferred doctor and time are reserved. Walk-ins are welcome but depend on availability that day. You can book via LINE chat in Thai, English and other languages; our Ekamai branch also has Japanese-speaking support.
How should I prepare before a treatment?+
If possible, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, high-dose vitamin E) for a couple of days before injectables or threads, as they can increase bruising. Come with clean skin and a list of any medications or past treatments. Your doctor will give you simple aftercare to follow afterwards.
Is English (or other language) support available?+
Yes. Many of our patients message and are treated in English, and our team supports Thai, English and other languages. Our Ekamai branch has Japanese-speaking support, and our Siam flagship has multilingual concierge for international visitors.
Available at our branches
Flagship · BTS Siam
Siam Square One

Siam Square One flagship — opposite Siam Paragon, skywalk from BTS Siam Exit 3, in the CBD heart of Bangkok (Pathum Wan). 1-minute walk from BTS.

226/1 Rama 1 Road, 2F, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330 — Siam Square One, opposite Siam Paragon · BTS Siam Exit 3
Walking distance to
  • BTS Siam (Exit 3)1m
  • Siam Paragon2m
  • Siam Discovery3m
  • Siam Center3m
  • Siam Kempinski Hotel4m
  • MBK Center5m
  • Chulalongkorn University8m
View on Google Maps →
Japanese-focused · 日本語サポート
Ekamai · 日本人専用窓口

Ekamai branch — standalone clinic near BTS Ekamai on the Sukhumvit corridor. Japanese-speaking concierge (Omotenashi). On-site parking.

Ekamai, Bangkok — standalone clinic near BTS Ekamai (Sukhumvit corridor)
Walking distance to
  • BTS Ekamai4m
  • Gateway Ekamai6m
  • Major Cineplex Ekamai6m
  • Park Hyatt Bangkok12m
  • EmQuartier14m
  • EmSphere15m
View on Google Maps →
Back to journal

Begin with a conversation.

A 30–45 minute physician consultation is complimentary. We'll listen first — discuss your goals, then decide together whether any procedure is right for you.