I don't particularly like needle play myself - too conscious of how easy it is to do damage if you're not really careful (infection as well as torn flesh). However, a sub I know who does enjoy needle-pay - a lot - insists that it is less painful than getting a flu shot - more akin to getting a blood test - just a momentary prick and then nothing. I'll take her word for it...but then she may be biased because she prefers it to just about anything except a very firm whipping...

and no - it's someone local thrall