Juvederm Without Dental Block & Topical?

The lips are probably the most sensitive treatment area for Juvederm.  Most patients would likely agree that the extra comfort derived from 20-30 minutes of topical numbing, or undergoing a dental block, is well worth it.  Relying on the lidocaine that is contained in Juvederm alone to provide sufficient anesthesia is not the most comfortable option.  

First of all, the topical numbing creams are not all that effective and must be applied at least half an hour before the procedure if they are to work.  The problem with dental blocks is that these injections hurt and leave your mouth with that uncomfortable numb feeling that takes an hour or two to go away.  They are also not completely effective.  I'm not convinced that the advantages outweight the disadvantages!

 

I prefer to simply inject the Juvederm using a long, narrow needle and injecting as I withdraw.  This technique minimizes needlesticks.  In fact, the doctor's technique is very important in reducing pain.  Done properly, this is no longer a very painful procedure and takes less than 5 minutes.  The lidocaine in the Juvederm also helps a lot.  So if your doctor tells you he or she does not use dental blocks, that's okay.

Patients find Juvederm with lidocaine far more comfortable of a treatment, although it really depends on how sensitive you are and the injection technique applied by your injector. For example, when doing the lips a microcannula can be used which would help reduce the discomfort associated with treatment. Ask your injector if they'll be using a microcannula. 

     Injection of the Juvederm into the lips is technique dependent as is all filler injection.  In addition to placing the filler into the proper areas in the proper amounts, the method of injection contributes much to the experience.  Pinching, ice, and fast injection all help.

Most people feel the lips are the most sensitive area on your face.  We have three times the nerve endings in the area between the nose and the upper lip. So It is a pretty sensitive area to inject. Unless you have a high tolerance for pain, I would recommend at least a topical numbing agent and ice.   Even though Juvederm does have lidocaine in it, it doesn't help with the initial needle pricks. Many offices offer dermal fillers and I'm sure you can find someone who offers numbing prior to the treatment.

You can undergo Juvederm lip injections without topical numbing cream, ice or a dental block. However, all of these measures tend to make patients more comfortable during the treatment. Even though the fillers contain lidocaine, you will feel the needle, especially early on in the treatment before much lidocaine has been injected. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Pain tolerances vary from person to person.  Many people can tolerate injection of Juvederm without a dental block or a topical anesthetic.  However, the pain is reduced with use of a topical anesthetic or dental block.  You should discuss your concerns with you doctor and you should be able to come to a decision as to what type of anesthesia to use.  

Dear Melissa, 
Thank you for your question. In our personal experience lips can be one of the most sensitive areas to treat so we would always use a topical numbing cream for 20-30 minutes before the procedure. 
We don't use dental blocks in our clinic as we find the numbing cream is adequate enough. 
Wishing you all the best

The new Juvederm which has anesthetic embedded into it has dramatically reduced the pain and discomfort of my patients from about a 5-7/10, down to a 2-3/10 pain. Lips are the most sensitive area for fillers, but I have found the new formulation along with ice packs to work beautifully with modest short-time discomfort that has not necessitated any nerve blocks. If you're pain conscious, take 2 tylenols 1 hour before your treatment, and consider having a topical anesthetic applied. There are also special techniques to reduce pain that dermatologists and plastic surgeons are well-versed in. Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

I routinely use a nerve block when injecting filler (such as Juvederm) for lip augmentation.  In my experience the inconvenience and discomfort of the block is worth having the patient comfortable and relaxed for the procedure.