Ask a doctor

How much numbing cream is safe to use at a time for laser hair removal?

I'm a male with fair skin and dark hair. I have quite a lot of coarse body hair, which I recently purchased an at-home IPL hair removal device for. I would like to pre-treat with EMLA 5% lidocaine, but read about overdose & deaths in my research. My question is: What's the safest amount of area to apply it to at a time? One whole leg? I'm rather thin and 5'7, so one leg wouldn't be too much surface area. I would do a different body part each day this way for overdose safety. Thank you!

Doctor Answers 4

October 3rd, 2016

Lidocaine

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

An 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper size is usually ok, but I wouldn't recommend applying any of this at home. Lidocaine toxicity is very dangerous and potentially deadly. Your provider should be able to apply a safe amount of lidocaine for you at the office.

Justin Harper, MD
October 2nd, 2016

Dosing topical EMLA

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

The typical adult dose of EMLA is 2.5 to 10 grams. It would be advisable not to exceed this. Most likely you will need to do half leg at a time ( thigh separate from lower leg). Extremities and torso we usually wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions, face/bikini/underarms 4 weeks.

Best,

Lisa Vuich, MD

Lisa Vuich, MD
October 11th, 2016

Lidocaine

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Lidocaine can be potentially dangerous especially if applied to larger areas for longer periods of time or occluded with a plastic wrap. In general, it is best to have it applied at the clinic unless your provider gives you explicit instructions for home use. I do not advise using this at home. A trained physician is the best person to be using Lidocaine.  Please see a physician for laser hair removal treatment.

Learn more: http://www.myethosspa.com/services/laser-hair-removal/

Hardik Soni, MD

Hardik Soni, MD
Summit Emergency Medicine Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 47 reviews

October 2nd, 2016

Lidocaine and Hair Removal

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I suggest you speak to your physician.  There is no guideline on the amount of lidocaine that can be used to treat these areas. Best, Dr. Emer.

Learn more: https://jasonemermd.com/

Jason Emer, MD

Jason Emer, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 203 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.