Hi - I have a type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction to Lidocaine and after testing with an allergist have found I am allergic to lidocaine. I had one IPL photofacial and I love the photofacial results but the one IPL I had a few years ago resulted in the worst rash ever. Any alternatives to lidocaine cream? I found the treatment was very painful even with it.
5 hours after my cheeks were very swollen. I have sensitive skin and tend to swell, but also had very severe indentations. Started at least 2x as deep as in this photo, taken 24 hrs after they appeared. There were 2 more horizontal and 1 vertical line. 1 side of my face was worse. Had numbing cream. Followed protocol in what not to do/use before. Procedure was also very painful, even with numbing cream. Pain tolerant. No issues with botox/fillers and pain. Done in office of a very reputable dr.
Is it common practice to have both procedures done on the same day? The PA reassured me this was common and the numbing cream will already be on my face. I'm worried my sensitive skin will not handle so much trauma in one day.
One of my doctors uses Limelight (and says there are only 2 highly effective machines for IPL, Limelight being one of them) and another one uses Ellipse. Should I base my choice of doctors to do the procedure on the type of IPL equipment he/she uses? I am using IPL to remove capillaries and discoloration. Do you think numbing cream affects the results? Is there a trustworthy website that compares the different brands?
I have had IPL in the past to treat redness and sun damage and LOVE the results, as I have very fair skin. However, though I really want more treatments, I just can't take the pain - even with having the doctor apply lidocaine a full hour prior to treatment. Last time it was so severe, even with lidocaine, that I started crying and couldn't finish the treatment. Does any doctor do local anesthesia or something stronger than lidocaine, or another alternative treatment that would be less painful?