Possible Bad Reaction to Numbing Cream After Topical Application for Juvederm Injections? (photo)

Question

Hi, about 3 weeks ago I have juvederm injected in lips and marionette lines. The nurse put a lot of topical numbing cream on my face and around the lip border, which partially ended up being ingested. I did have somewhat of a reaction directly after the injections and felt nauseaus and felt a significantly diminished sense of taste and smell. I had a septoplasty done one month prior to the juvederm/botox injections, and was recovering from that procdure. I cant smell/taste since the injections.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

The effects from topical anesthetic cream are short lived. It's uncommon to have any prolonged effects such as you described from the topical only.  However swelling from your septoplasty can cause all those symptoms.  These should improve with time. Discuss your concerns with your physician.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The effects of a numbing cream (any numbing cream) is temporary.The sense of taste AND smell is actually impaired after nasal surgery as smell is an important component of being able to taste.  It is more likely that your taste/smell problem is related to the septoplasty and not a temporary numbing cream.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I agree that the topical cream should have metabolized within hours. That reaction is more significant than what can likely occur from topical and subdermal treatments; it is more likely from your surgery. I would follow up with your surgeon. Best of luck.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Did you have that problem after the septorhinoplasty?  It would be highly unusual to occur from the topical lidocaine.  You should discuss your issues with your surgeon.

	Best,

Ramona Behshad, MD · Answer

Topical lidocaine, regardless of whether it is on your skin or swallowed, is completely temporary and is metabolized within hours. If you are experiencing long lasting smell/taste changes, it is much for likely for it to be a result of your surgical procedure. Septoplasty can certainly cause your complaints, and I would speak with your surgeon. Hopefully, your symptoms will improve as you continue to heal from surgery.

Possible Bad Reaction to Numbing Cream After Topical Application for Juvederm Injections? (photo)

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Possible Bad Reaction to Numbing Cream After Topical Application for Juvederm Injections? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Juvederm

Answer: Juvederm

Answer: Topical lidocaine is temporary

Answer: Topical lidocaine is temporary

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.