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.  

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.

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.