Lidocaine Allergy and Lip Augmentation?

It's important to determine if you are allergic to lidocaine or a component of the cream that was placed on your face. Next, if you allergic to injected lidocaine if is usually a preservative rather than the lidocaine itself. Usually it is possible to find a local anesthetic that does not trigger a true anesthetic allergy. Worst case scenario, if local anesthetic options are not available, ice can be used to dull your discomfort. There are also lidocaine free filler options but they must be special ordered by your injector. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Dear Maddylynnrose,


If you have had a dental procedure or local anesthetic injected for some other reason, it was probably another ingredient in the cream

There are other options without lidocaine if there is a true allergy


Best regards,

Nima Shemirani

There are several available topical preparations for skin numbing including a lidocaine topical. Actually lidocaine is one of the least effectice topical preparations. It is possible to be allergic to lidocaine so another substance is indicated. I personally would recommend regional lip blocks with either septocaine or marcaine for total anesthesia of the lips and painless fat injections for a permanent and naturally soft result.

We have other injectable local anesthetics that can be safely used when a patient is allergic to lidocaine. Most dermatology offices keep them routinely in stock. They can be used to do a lip block (which I routinely use for lip augmentation) so the injections will be painless. Belotero is a new hyaluronic acid filler that I think is wonderful for lips and does not contain lidocaine so it would be quite safe for your injections.