Can I Get Laser Resurfacing w/o Sedation?

Question

I do not want any sedatives as I don't need any. I heard a doctor around here wouldn't even do it without patient being sedated. However, have heard of some that just use local anesthesia with an OPTION for sedative or iv sedation. Please let me know if this is absolutely necessary. I really don't need to be sedated in my opinion (as long as I am pain free with the local)

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

the old fashioned-CO2 laser was too painful in my experience, for patients to have it done with the use of topical anesthetic cream and local anesthetic injecitons. intravenous sedation was very helpful to make them comfortable. i find the same with fractional ablative CO2 Fraxel Repair.  Fraxel Restore, however, only needs numbing cream.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Laser resurfacing can certainly be done without sedation if you want. The amount of pain that a laser treatment causes depends on the type of laser/planned depth of resurfacing. Topical numbing creams and/or injection of numbing medicine can be done in many cases.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

I commonly perform deep fractional CO2 laser treatments without any sedation in the office.  I prefer to first place a topical anesthetic on the face for 45 minutes and follow this with nerve block injections to numb the entire face.  Lighter treatments can be performed under topical anesthetic only (a skin cream) but the results of the lighter treatment are not as good for fines lines and wrinkles as the deeper treatments.

Christopher J. Peers, MD · Answer

Deeply penetrating skin lasers - such as the fractional C02 ( ex. smartskin)  can provide excellent rejuvenating skin resurfacing. They are most often performed after a topical anesthetic cream has been applied for 45 to 60 minutes.

	Not all numbing creams are equal. Besides the active ingredients, the emollient  aids in the absorption.

	With a good topical numbing cream, applied for the appropriate time - it would be exceedingly rare to need sedation.

Can I Get Laser Resurfacing w/o Sedation?

Answers (10)

Answer: Fractional CO2 laser can be performed under local

Answer: Fractional CO2 laser can be performed under local

Answer: Sedation not necessary for laser resurfacing

Answer: Sedation not necessary for laser resurfacing

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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

Can I Get Laser Resurfacing w/o Sedation?

Answers (10)

Answer: Fractional CO2 laser can be performed under local

Answer: Fractional CO2 laser can be performed under local

Answer: Sedation not necessary for laser resurfacing

Answer: Sedation not necessary for laser resurfacing

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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