How to Use Lidocaine During Laser Hair Removal
Lidocaine is commonly used as a topical anesthetic to numb the skin before a laser hair removal session. Lidocaine topical comes in many different forms for different uses. For use on the skin, lidocaine comes in a topical cream, lotion, spray, solution, film and transdermal patch. Lidocaine also comes in the form of a topical gel, mucus membrane solution and oral spray, which are for used for the gums or mouth.
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Instructions
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Ask your doctor or nurse who is performing the laser treatment for a prescription or to give you a topical form of lidocaine.
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Read the directions on the label as serious side effects and complications can result when too much cream is used. Thirty minutes to forty-five minutes before your laser treatment, apply a small amount of lidocaine on the area that is designated for the laser session. Use the smallest amount that you can use to numb that area. Do this at home if you can or arrive early for your appointment and do this at the doctor's office.
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Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the cream to take effect. You should feel the area becoming numb. When the area feels numb you can proceed with your session.
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Tips & Warnings
Laser hair removal can be a perfectly safe and satisfying procedure. For most, it can be an effective, error-free procedure that, in the long run, can save money.
It is important to note that using too much Lidocaine can cause serious side effects and health problems. If used over too large an area, or if you apply heat, bandages or a plastic wrap to treated areas you could absorb too much of this medication, which can cause an irregular heart beat, blurred vision, drowsiness and tremors. Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin. You can expect some reddening of the skin after the laser treatment and swelling or blisters may appear for people with darker skins. All of these symptoms will go away within a short time, but skin pigment discoloration may be a lasting side effect. Scarring is rare but it is also permanent if it does occur.
