Laser Resurfacing: Q&A
Ask a Question
Dangers of Topical Anesthetic for Laser Resurfacing?
I have read that there are dangers in using topical numbing cream that can even be life threating if too much is absorbed in the blood stream. Can someone please explain this to me? If I am under the direct supervision of a Dr. I know my risks are greatly lessened, but can one still be prone to the dangers if administered correctly by a physician? Are the dangers based more on how your own body absorbs it or more by improper useage.
Tags:
9 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
dre
in Minneapolis, MN
+1
Topical anesthetic safety with laser resurfacing
The risks of topical anesthetic toxicity are known to correlate with the larger surface area of involvement. Facial areas are small so with laser resurfacing the treatment is safer than if someone were to apply the anesthetic cream to a very widespread body area(s) as may occur with laser hair removal. New guidelines are recommended by the pharmaceutical companies in limiting the surface area of application.
+1
Numbing cream with fractional laser skin resurfacing
Every medication has a proper dose. Topical creams for laser resurfacing of the face are absorbed by the skin, however, in most cases the amount is less than your threshold tolerance. Speak to your doctor about the cream he or she uses to assess your risks.
+1
Topical Anesthetics for Laser Resurfacing
Thank you for your question. We use topical numbing cream on the face, but not on the lower legs or back due to the surface area and absorption of the large area. In small areas, the cream is very safe. Using saran wrap over the whole legs, could be life threatening and there have been reported deaths. Be certain to be under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in laser surgery for the most effective and safe treatments. ...
more
You might also like...
Real Stories
So this is my third laser in the last 2 yrs. going through the itchy stage as I type this....
+1
Dangers of Topical Anesthetic for Laser Resurfacing?
The major risk with using compounded products for topical anesthesia remains a concern many patients have. The balance of getting sufficient anesthesia without risking absorption overdose remains the challenge with these products. Here are a few tips I think will help:
1. Ask your physician about what is in the cream and the percentages. Most topical agents for facial lasers have concentrations of lidocaine and tetracaine under 10%. If their product has higher...
more
+1
Laser resurfacing - use of topical
Topical anesthesia can help with comfort during laser resurfacing. The important safety concept is to not expose too much of your skin surface to the medication and risk absorption to the point of toxic levels. For facial treatments I have not heard of cases that have had this issue. The areas that I have heard of problems was for large surface regions like the legs. In conjunction with a large surface, another risky issue is the use of occlusive wraps to get better...
more
+1
Topical anesthetic overdose?
You are technically correct in that an overdose is indeed possible with excessive topical anesthetic application. When administered by a physician or under direct supervision of a physician, this has not proved to be an issue. Choosing a reputable, ABPS-certified plastic surgeon or qualified and board-certified Facial plastic surgeon (ENT) or Dermatologist experienced in laser resurfacing should allay your worries.
The topical anesthetic overdoses that have been publicized are those...
more
+1
Are There Dangers in Using Topical Anesthetic for Laser Resurfacing?
Technically, an anesthetic overdose is possible with topical anesthetic. However, in practice when the proper amount is administered for the proper timeframe this is not an issue. Seek an experienced and board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to perform your procedures. I hope this information is helpful.
Stephen Weber, M.D.
Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Laser and Anesthesia
There are many types of lasers being used. Some lasers are in doctors offices, and more intense lasers are in outpatient settings. Be sure to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, or Board Certified Dermatologist for an evaluation and to discuss your concerns.
+1
Topical anesthesia dangers
It is definitely possible that people can get bad side effects from too much topical anesthesia. The main danger would be from using too much of it. There should not be that much variation from person to person in the absorption of it. If used correctly, you should not have problems.
Comments (0)