Lip injections with anesthesia?

Question

I am horrible with needles in my mouth. I don't get novocaine at the dentist because of how much the needles freak me out. I'm afraid that if I tried I to get lip injections I would pass out. Is there an option to be under GA or something similar?

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

I've not met the person who enjoys needle injections in their mouth.  There are several solutions, but what works best for you should be a subject discussed at your planning appointment.  Possibilities include anti-anxiety medication in advance (works wonders!), anesthetic cream in your mouth beforehand so you don't feel the needles, injecting with topical (skin) anesthetic only, and (depending on where you are being injected) using cannulas instead of needles.  Application of cold, ethyl chloride, supplementing topical anesthesia with penetrants such as DMSO, relaxing music, grasping foam to squeeze during the treatments, having family or a friend in the room with you, and other helpful situational features can be arranged in advance.Don't worry, be happy!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Topical anesthesia, ice and distraction tend to work very well for lip injections. Scheduling adequate time is also critical to ensuring your comfort. If your injector is rushed you will not have a good experience. I perform lip injections frequently for surgical patients under anesthesia for other surgical procedures but would not put someone under anesthesia solely for a lip injection. If you have significant anxiety, a light oral sedative like Xanax could be prescribed by your physician injector prior to the treatment. Good luck. You'll do just fine in the right hands!Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We do not offer office-based procedures like lip augmentation with either sedation or general anesthetic. If you're afraid of needles, lip augmentation may be performed with regional nerve blocks that will make your procedure nearly painless. Regional nerve blocks of the infraorbital nerves and the mental nerves typically leads to profound numbness of your lips during your procedure. These regional nerve blocks with dilute lidocaine are administered with a thin needle in your mouth, but in our experience, this lidocaine administration with four sticks is well tolerated in most.Hope this helps, and thank you.Dr Joseph

Andrew Pichler, MD · Answer

Lips are particularly sensitive for everyone. A mild sedative (Valium) and topical anesthetic ointment left on for 30-45 minutes along with icing should help make it minimally sensitive. Find an empathic PS with a soft touch. Good luck.

David S. Balle, MD · Answer

The lips are a particularly sensitive area for filler treatment. I would choose an experienced Dermatologist with a gentle touch. For your comfort, a topical anesthetic and ice can be applied before your treatment for a numbing effect. If you would like additional anesthesia, a nerve block can be given. Remember also that injectable fillers today come packaged with anesthetic in the filler. You should do well.Best regards,Dr. Balle

Lip injections with anesthesia?

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Answer: Lip injection anesthesia

Answer: Lip injection anesthesia

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Answer: Comfortable Lip Augmentation

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Lip injections with anesthesia?

Answers (6)

Answer: Lip injection anesthesia

Answer: Lip injection anesthesia

Answer: Comfortable Lip Augmentation

Answer: Comfortable Lip Augmentation

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