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

Question

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!

Christine M. Shaver, MD · Answer

SMP treatments do not require local anesthesia. However, for larger procedures that involve a significant area, some patients find that a ring block with 1% lidocaine makes the session more relaxing.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

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.

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

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

Best,

Lisa Vuich, MD

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

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.

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

Answers (5)