If I don't use lidocaine for lip filler do I have any other options?

Question

Hello! The last time I had lip filler, I had a lidocaine cream on my lips. Unfortunately, this caused a weird reaction where my throat went numb and I had difficulty swallowing and breathing. It was only momentary, but very uncomfortable. If I don't want to use lidocaine next time, do I have any other options?? Thank you!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are not a candidate for the anesthetic cream you may be able to have Pro-Nox.  This is a light gas that helps patients with comfort during procedures.  You are able to drive home after its use.  Speak to your injector about options available.  I've included a video on minimizing pain during injections that I hope you find helpful.

Christine Eros, MD · Answer

Lip Augmentation with hyaluronic acid ( Restylane, Juvederm) can be painful. Many providers use topical lidocaine cream that can cause numbness in the lip and inside the mouth. Other people use Dental blocks with Lidocaine or Bupivacaine. Bupivacaine lasts longer. But if you don't want any of the lidocaine products then ice can help. I like to use ice to numb the area before I inject. I do this for lip fillers and Botox. In my practice all use all these methods, dental blocks, topical numbing cream and Ice, depending the the individual.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Any topical local anesthesia think it’s in your mouth what cars weird sensations of numbness on all mucous membranes.
It doesn’t matter what the substances is simply the nature of pudding topical local anesthesia on your lips which typically ends up getting into peoples mouths to some degree.
Presley I usually inject lidocaine with epinephrine using very small amounts and injecting very very slowly. I find this to be advantageous to just using topical anesthetic because it makes the actual filler injection completely painless.
The adjuvent of adding increased doses of epinephrine causes significant vasoconstriction which minimizes the chance of bleeding/bruising. 
It’s always possible to just do injections without local anesthesia. Some people use ice to reduce discomfort.
I suggest you discuss with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your story, it sounds like you may have swallowed a bit of that cream! Most fillers come with lidocaine included in the solution. The cream is used to lessen the discomfort of the injection itself. There are alternatives available (benzocaine, proparacaine, oxybuprocaine, etc), but perhaps use less cream at your next visit.Best wishes...

If I don't use lidocaine for lip filler do I have any other options?

Answers (4)

Answer: Adverse reaction to lidocaine cream before lip filler

Answer: Adverse reaction to lidocaine cream before lip filler

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If I don't use lidocaine for lip filler do I have any other options?

Answers (4)

Answer: Adverse reaction to lidocaine cream before lip filler

Answer: Adverse reaction to lidocaine cream before lip filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.