How effective is applying numbing cream prior to SculpSure procedure in order to reduce pain?

That would be unadvisable. It is very important to have dialog with the patient on how intense the different settings are. Everyone has a different tolerance to what they feel is uncomfortable. You will have about 10 seconds of energy and than around 5 seconds of cool down and this goes on for 25 to 30 minutes. Some patients feel uncomfortable, others do not.

Thank you for your question. Numbing cream is not necessary for the SculpSure treatment as it can create false signs from your body that are key to adjusting the settings according to your body wishes and, most importantly, because SculpSure is a virtually painless treatment. SculpSure utilizes Contact Cooling technology to prevent damage to your skin. I suggest that you next consult in person with a board certified facial plastic surgeon and ask for their best advice in preparation for SculpSure.

Best wishes,

We actually now offer laughing gas which has made patients very comfortable during SculpSure treatments.

No to the numbing cream. During your procedure, the technician needs feedback from you in order to adjust the settings. Numbing cream will interfere with your ability to do this. The best thing to do before your procedure is stay really hydrated. This will help.

SculpSure targets the fat cells. Numbing the surface will only interfere with the treatment. The heat you feel is deeper. During your SculpSure treatment you are being evaluated and it is very important to keep you in a certain "Zone". Each patient is different so we want the patient to discuss what they are experiencing throughout the treatment. 
Best to you, Dr Faraz

As a surgeon, people are surprised that I am not too crazy about pain myself. So I tried SculpSure on myself at low, medium, and full power settings. Really, to me, it felt like BenGay or IcyHot. A cold and warm sensation. I would avoid topical lidocaine-type things that we use for other laser procedures. The real key is who is doing the procedure. Avoid facilities that turn it on, give you a call button, and walk away. My nurse sits by the patient and monitors how she is feeling minute-to-minute and adjusts the power and cool-blasts based on that. I believe that this makes all the difference

Thanks for your question. Reducing the feeling in the area of treatment is not advised as SculpSure settings are adjusted based on feedback. Patients with low pain tolerance have found the treatment to be mildly uncomfortable, but bearable. Considering it is only 25 minutes, you should be ok. Of course, if it is painful, let your SculpSure administrator know. 

Feedback between what you are feeling and the settings of the SculpSure machine are important. Numbing the skin could alter this important feedback so the settings can be adjusted.

My MonaLisaTouch vaginal/vulvar laser employs BLT cream ahead of time since there is no feedback necessary from the skin/procedure. However, the SculpSure has adjustments based on feedback and this is a constantly monitored and changeable process. If you change this safety protocol there is a chance of injury (small), and altered effectiveness (read: too much or too little effect.) I have to be within a short 30' distance while this is being done which is more than social--it is necessary for the right adjustments. Only an RN, NP, PA, DO, or MD can activate or alter laser settings in California (not an MA, aesthetician etc.).

Thank you for your question. SculpSure directly targets the fat cells under the skin, so in effect, any discomfort that is caused is really deeper than the skin - and at its peak, it feels like when a massage therapist is getting out a knot. That being said, part of the contraindications to SculpSure are performing the treatment in areas that have had prior surgeries, over surgical scars, or recently after liposuction. The reason for this is because the sensation after procedures may not be normal - and this is necessary for SculpSure treatments. There are 10 settings for SculpSure - to make sure you are at the correct setting, it is important to have feeling in the area treated so that adjustments can be made to get into your individual "fat destruction zone." In my experience (over 300 patients treated), only 1 person was unable to tolerate the procedure. Most patients, especially when used on the abdomen and flanks, sail through. It's only 25 minutes - with a little distraction (i.e. tv or phone use), it goes by quickly. Best of luck!