Anesthetics

Cosmetic Anesthetics Top Products

Emla is a leading topical anesthetic cream combining lidocaine and prilocaine, widely used to numb the skin before cosmetic procedures like injections or laser treatments.

Lidocaine in Dermal Fillers is a local anesthetic integrated into many dermal filler formulations, such as Juvederm and Restylane, to enhance patient comfort during injection by reducing pain at the treatment site.

What are Cosmetic Anesthetics?

Cosmetic anesthetics are medications applied topically or incorporated into injectable products to reduce pain and discomfort during aesthetic procedures. These agents work by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the targeted area, ensuring a more comfortable experience for patients undergoing treatments like dermal filler injections, botulinum toxin procedures, or laser therapies.

Why are they used?

Cosmetic anesthetics are essential for improving patient comfort during minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. By numbing the skin or treatment area, they minimize pain, allowing practitioners to perform precise procedures with less patient discomfort. This enhances the overall experience, making treatments more accessible and appealing to clients seeking non-surgical cosmetic enhancements.

Areas of Use

Cosmetic anesthetics are applied to specific areas, including:
Cosmetic Indications:
Face (for dermal filler or botulinum toxin injections)
Lips (to reduce pain during lip augmentation)
Cheeks and nasolabial folds (for filler injections)
Forehead and glabellar lines (for neurotoxin treatments)
Skin surface (for laser treatments, microneedling, or chemical peels)

How long does it last?

The effects of cosmetic anesthetics vary by product. Topical anesthetics like Emla typically provide numbness for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on application time and skin type. Lidocaine in dermal fillers offers localized pain relief during the injection process, with effects lasting throughout the procedure, typically 15-60 minutes.

How are they used?

Topical anesthetics like Emla are applied to clean, intact skin 30-60 minutes before a procedure, often under an occlusive dressing to enhance penetration. Lidocaine-containing dermal fillers are injected directly into the treatment area by a licensed medical professional using fine needles or cannulas. Both methods require precision and adherence to safety protocols to ensure optimal results and patient comfort.

Side Effects of Cosmetic Anesthetics

Common side effects are mild and temporary, including redness, mild swelling, or tingling at the application site. Rarely, patients may experience allergic reactions, skin irritation, or systemic effects if topical anesthetics are over-applied. For lidocaine in fillers, side effects are minimal but may include temporary bruising or tenderness. Always consult the product’s official leaflet for a full list of side effects, precautions, and contraindications.

Types of Cosmetic Anesthetics

Cosmetic anesthetics come in two primary forms:

Topical Creams: Products like Emla combine lidocaine and prilocaine to numb the skin surface, ideal for pre-procedure preparation.

Incorporated Anesthetics: Lidocaine is blended into dermal filler formulations to provide real-time pain relief during injections, streamlining the treatment process.