Pain medication for Active FX Laser facial treatment

What medication for pain do other plastic surgeons use while performing Active FX on a patient’s whole face? I was given 2 Vicodin, 1 Xanax and in addition they used a topical analgesic on my face.

Despite all that, it felt like someone was holding a burning cigarette butt to my face, and I could smell the burning flesh, esp. when being lasered near my nose. I never take either of those meds, and do not consider myself as having a low pain threshold.

Was I unusual? The doctor seemed surprised I still felt that much discomfort. I am a 50 year old fair skinned, blue eyed brunette who had sun spots on her face, no other skin issues.

1 answer to “Pain medication for Active FX Laser...”

A: Nerve blocks may helpful for Active FX pain

Peter Malouf, DO

Having performed over 200 Active FX  treatments, I realize it is not without pain. In fact, it can be quite painful, especially if an aggressive approach is required for deeper lines. In addition to anxiolytics like xanax, and pain meds like vicodin, I find it very useful to use nerve blocks like the... more

Comments

ktk
unregistered guest

10 Mar 2009

I had it done and they knocked me out. I received sedation through my iv and was awakened after completion. That is their protocol due to the pain associated with the procedure.

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