Numbing Cream Appropriate for AEROLASE LightPod Neo Yag 1064 Nm Laser?

Question

I just received my first yag laser treatment for skin tightening and facial spider veins. It was not terribly uncomfortable, but some of the zaps were painful. I'm wondering if there is a good numbing cream to use beforehand that will NOT interfere with the efficacy of this particular laser?

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

I am happy to see this post as it is a topic of interest to me. I recently completed a research study at my clinic assessing this very question. What we did was take 20 people who were getting the ND:Yag treatment on both sides of their face. On one side, we applied a 30% lidocaine solution in liopthene (helps it absorb) and the other side a placebo (just normal gel lubricant). Neither the physician or the patient knew which side was which. We then treated them. 

	On the placebo side, patients rated the pain about 5-6 out of 10, on the treated side the pain was rated about 1-2 out of 10. Thats a big difference. And don't think its just you, most people find it painfull but may not mention it unless they are asked!

	I think any of the medical grade gels that are used for freezing the skin would help this as long as it is applied 20 minutes before the treatment. Be sure to ask your treating physician to do this as your treatment will be considerably more comfortable. 

	hope this helps.

Numbing Cream Appropriate for AEROLASE LightPod Neo Yag 1064 Nm Laser?

Answers (1)