{"id":3839,"date":"2026-05-31T10:00:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T07:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/?p=3839"},"modified":"2026-05-28T23:38:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T20:38:30","slug":"gold-needle-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/gold-needle-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Does the Golden Needle Hurt? The Procedure and Comfort"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Altin_Igne_Seansi_Hazirlik_Uygulama_ve_Iyilesme\"><\/span>Golden Needle Session: Preparation, Application and Recovery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>The first question my clients ask when they book a Gold Needle appointment is almost always the same: Will it hurt? Let me give you a clear answer\u2014thanks to the topical anesthetic cream applied before the procedure, most people describe a sensation of warmth and pressure rather than sharp pain. Still, the sensation varies from person to person and from area to area.<\/p><p>As Dr. Melis Ulger <strong>Istanbul, Kadikoy<\/strong>\u2019In this article, I describe the procedure at my clinic: how long it takes for the anesthesia to take effect, which areas are more sensitive, and how the device settings are adjusted for comfort. As for what the method entails, <a href=\"\/en\/what-is-a-gold-needle\/\">What is a gold needle<\/a>, for the session plan <a href=\"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/how-many-sessions-for-the-gold-needle-treatment\/\">How many sessions for the gold needle treatment?<\/a> You can check out my posts.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adim_Adim_Altin_Igne_Uygulamasi\"><\/span>Step-by-Step Golden Needle Application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>When a patient comes to the clinic for gold needle treatment, the process proceeds in the following steps:<\/p><ul><li><p><strong>Skin Analysis and Cleansing:<\/strong>\u00a0First of all, we examine your skin in detail and identify the problems we target (blemishes, acne scars, sagging, etc.). Then, the skin is completely cleansed of makeup and dirt.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Local Anesthesia Application:<\/strong>\u00a0For a comfortable procedure, we apply a strong local anesthetic cream to your skin. We wait for it to go numb for about 30-40 minutes. This waiting time ensures that the treatment goes with zero pain.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Process Phase:<\/strong>\u00a0After the skin is completely numb, the cream is removed and the procedure begins with the Scarlet X device. The head of the device is gently moved over your skin. Within milliseconds, the gold needles move in and out under the skin and transmit radiofrequency energy. The procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes for the whole face.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Soothing Mask<\/strong>\u00a0As soon as the procedure is over, we apply cold masks to reduce the heat on the skin. These masks contain hyaluronic acid or vitamin-containing serums.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kac_Seans_Gerekir_Kisa_Ozet\"><\/span>How Many Sessions Are Needed? (Brief Summary)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>The table below provides a rough idea of course planning, session intervals, and maintenance sessions; <a href=\"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/how-many-sessions-for-the-gold-needle-treatment\/\">How many sessions are required for the gold needle treatment?<\/a> Take a look at my post.<\/p><p>It is difficult to give a single answer to this question. Because the needs and age of each skin are different. The treatment protocol of a patient with deep acne scars and a patient who only wants shine cannot be the same.<\/p><p>But to paint a general picture:<\/p><table><thead><tr><th>Skin Problem<\/th><th>Recommended Average Session<\/th><th>Session Intervals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Light Wrinkle and Shine<\/td><td>2 - 3 Sessions<\/td><td>3 - 4 Weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pore Tightening<\/td><td>3 - 4 Sessions<\/td><td>3 - 4 Weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Deep Acne Scars<\/td><td>4 - 6 Sessions<\/td><td>4 Weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Skin Sagging and Stretch Marks<\/td><td>4 - 6 Sessions<\/td><td>4 Weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p>For real patient results\u00a0<a href=\"\/en\/before-and-after-the-gold-needle\/\">gold needle before and after<\/a>\u00a0I strongly recommend you to take a look at the section. For scientific research\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>\u00a0You can also review fractional radiofrequency articles.<\/p><p>Gold needle is not a procedure that restricts your daily life. After the procedure, a sweet pinkness similar to sunburn occurs on your face. This pinkness decreases rapidly within the first 3-4 hours and usually disappears the next day.<\/p><p>The next day, you can easily return to your social life by using a light concealer. The most important point you should pay attention to is to keep the skin moisturized and use plenty of sunscreen.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Acisiz_Altin_Igne_Tedavi_Sirasinda_Hasta_Konforu\"><\/span>Painless Golden Needle: Patient Comfort During Treatment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Patient comfort is our first priority in these procedure sessions that we perform in our Caddebostan clinic. Although many of our patients are afraid of needle procedures, there is no need to worry. Thanks to the highly active local anesthetic creams we apply to the skin, the procedure turns into a painless experience. The numbing of the skin takes about 30-40 minutes, during which time our patients can relax in our relaxation room.<\/p><p>Thanks to numbness during the application, our patients feel only a slight tingling. The feeling of warmth created by radiofrequency energy does not cause discomfort.<\/p><p>We apply cold masks and peptide serums immediately after the treatment is completed. Thanks to this holistic comfort approach, our patients leave our clinic in comfort.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tedavi_Protokolunde_Altin_Igne_Asamalari\"><\/span>Golden Needle Stages in the Treatment Protocol<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>The golden needle stages we plan clinically are shaped according to the skin analysis of each patient. When you step into the clinic, we start with the purification phase. The skin is completely cleaned from makeup and sebum. Then the numbing phase begins.<\/p><p>In the third stage, the skin is scanned with the patented head of the Scarlet X device. This is the most important answer to the question of how a gold needle is made: The physician manages energy and depth parameters instantly. Designed specifically for your skin structure\u00a0<strong>this process<\/strong>\u00a0sessions ensure a long-lasting and fresh look.<\/p><p>After the procedure, the treatment ends with a soothing and cell regenerating mask phase. Total gold needle session duration is approximately 1. 5 hours including numbness. The actual application time when the device contacts the skin is between 30-45 minutes.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Altin_Igne_Tedavisinin_Uygulama_Alanlari_ve_Cilt_Uzerindeki_Etkileri\"><\/span>Application Areas of Golden Needle Treatment and Its Effects on Skin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>In these clinically planned treatment sessions, we are not limited to the face area. We also achieve successful results in the neck, d\u00e9collet\u00e9 and stretch marks on the body. We observe impressive improvements in sagging, pore enlargement and deep scars.<\/p><p>We explain the working logic to our patients who ask the question of how the gold needle is made. Micro-needles emit radiofrequency energy under the skin at equal wavelengths. The collagen remodeling process triggered by heat energy allows the skin to repair itself from within.<\/p><p>After the session, we use special hyaluronic acid and peptide complexes to increase the moisture retention capacity of the skin. Our patients have a comfortable experience in the painless gold needle applications we perform in our Caddebostan clinic.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seans_Sonrasi_Kisa_Bakim_Ozeti\"><\/span>Post-Session Brief Care Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>For a detailed recovery guide, including information on redness, peeling, and sun protection, <a href=\"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/aftercare-following-the-gold-needle-treatment\/\">Aftercare Following the Gold Needle Treatment<\/a> You can take a look at my post.<\/p><p>After the session, home care steps are vital to maintain the moisture balance of your skin. During the first 24 hours, you should never touch the application area with water or apply make-up. You should regularly apply barrier repair creams prescribed by your physician several times a day.<\/p><p>You should not peel light scales with your hands, you should let them fall off by themselves. Drinking plenty of water and using sunscreen are the most essential parts of the process. These applications we perform in our clinic are offered with personalized protocols.<\/p>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Klinikte_Guvenli_Cilt_Yenileme_ve_Cihaz_Guvenligi_Standartlari\"><\/span>Safe Skin Resurfacing and Device Safety Standards in the Clinic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>As in every medical and aesthetic application, device quality directly affects the results in fractional radiofrequency procedures. We only use the original Scarlet X technology in our clinic. Permanent burns or infections may occur on the skin in applications performed with imitation devices.<\/p><p>Thanks to the millimeter depth parameters determined by your physician, smooth results are achieved without damaging your skin. Collagen synthesis in the lower layers of your skin is stimulated while the top layer is protected. Stain risk is minimized.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Altin_Igne_Tedavisi_Hakkinda_Klinik_Degerlendirmelerimiz\"><\/span>Our Clinical Evaluations on Golden Needle Treatment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>We meticulously apply all medical standards in the sessions we perform in our practice. Radiofrequency waves stimulate fibroblasts in the dermis layer and initiate collagen synthesis. This synthesis increases the skin's resistance to gravity and aging effects.<\/p><p>The maturation of fresh collagen fibers takes time. The final effects of the treatment are most pronounced at the end of the 3rd month.<\/p><p>In our Caddebostan clinic, we make special session plans for each patient. This process, managed with a physician's vision, is the safest way to restore the youthful glow to your skin.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Altin_Igne_Tedavisi_Seans_Planlamasi_ve_Takip\"><\/span>Golden Needle Treatment Session Planning and Follow-up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>In our clinic, we plan each session individually. Each patient has different skin thickness and pore structure. Therefore, we adjust the energy parameters individually. We offer personalized solutions instead of standard protocols.<\/p><p>After the treatment, we follow the progress of our patients with photographs. In control sessions, we closely monitor the collagen production process of the skin. This follow-up is the most important step that guarantees the success of the treatment. We continue our communication with our patients after the session.<\/p><p>Optimal for our patients\u00a0<strong>gold needle treatment<\/strong>\u00a0We make detailed analyzes while determining the plan.<\/p><p>The success of skin resurfacing applications depends on the experience of the practitioner as much as the quality of the technology used. Correct diagnosis is the key to achieving natural and lasting success.<\/p><p>If you are curious about the next generation version of the treatment\u00a0<a href=\"\/en\/what-is-scarlet-x\/\">Scarlet X<\/a>\u00a0you can take a look at our article.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Altin_Igne_Tedavisi_Kimler_Icin_Uygundur\"><\/span>Who is Golden Needle Treatment Suitable for?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Gold needle treatment is suitable for a wide range of patients suffering from enlarged pores, acne scars, fine wrinkles and mild sagging. Since it works without peeling the skin surface, it can be safely applied on any skin tone; the risk of staining is low even on dark skin.<\/p><p>However, as with any procedure, some cases require postponement. In the presence of pregnancy, breastfeeding, active skin infection or herpes, we postpone the session to a suitable time. The procedure is not performed in patients with a pacemaker. After a short examination and skin analysis, we clarify together who the right candidate is.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sikca_Sorulan_Sorular\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does gold needle treatment hurt?<\/summary><div><div><p>Thanks to local anesthetic creams, the comfort of the procedure is maximized. In this way, our patients feel only a slight sensation of warmth and it is an almost painless process.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long is one gold needle session?<\/summary><div><div><p>The actual application time with the device is between 30-45 minutes. It is sufficient to leave 1.5 hours in our clinic with the numbness before and the mask stages after.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are the golden needle stages of treatment?<\/summary><div><div><p>The process consists of skin cleansing and analysis, local anesthesia, radiofrequency application with the Scarlet X device and finally a soothing cold mask.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How to make a gold pin?<\/summary><div><div><p>A personalized, sterile gold-plated micro-needle head is attached to the device. The needles, which descend under the skin at specified depths, stimulate collagen synthesis by emitting radiofrequency waves.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How should session intervals be planned?<\/summary><div id=\"cp\" class=\"content-preview\"><div><div><div><p>Considering the skin's self-repair and collagen production cycle, sessions are usually scheduled 4 weeks (1 month) apart.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What season is the golden needle done?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden needle radiofrequency procedure can be safely applied in all seasons, including summer, provided that sunscreen is used.<\/p><\/details>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alt\u0131n \u0130\u011fne Seans\u0131: Haz\u0131rl\u0131k, Uygulama ve \u0130yile\u015fme Alt\u0131n i\u011fne randevusu alan dan\u0131\u015fanlar\u0131m\u0131n ilk sorusu neredeyse hep ayn\u0131: ac\u0131yacak m\u0131? Cevab\u0131 net vereyim \u2014 i\u015flem \u00f6ncesi s\u00fcr\u00fclen y\u00fczeysel anestezi kremiyle \u00e7o\u011fu ki\u015fi keskin bir a\u011fr\u0131 de\u011fil, s\u0131cakl\u0131k ve bas\u0131n\u00e7 hissi tarif eder. Yine de his ki\u015fiden ki\u015fiye ve b\u00f6lgeden b\u00f6lgeye de\u011fi\u015fir. Dr. Melis \u00dclger olarak \u0130stanbul, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[840],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3839","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-altin-igne-scarlet-x"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3839","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3839"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3839\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3839"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3839"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drmelisulger.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}