Full-Face Laser Resurfacing Using a Supplemented Topical Anesthesia Protocol

Topical Anesthetics for Dermatologic Procedures: A Review

“…Just before laser treatment, the anesthetic cream is completely removed and the skin dried so that laser‐tissue interaction is unimpeded. Histologic assessment of CO 2 laser‐treated skin demonstrated nonconfluent superficial damage after preoperative application of EMLA . It was postulated that this translated into a better safety profile because EMLA's protective hydrating effect on the skin resulted in shallower CO 2 laser penetration depth .…”

“…Histologic assessment of CO 2 laser‐treated skin demonstrated nonconfluent superficial damage after preoperative application of EMLA . It was postulated that this translated into a better safety profile because EMLA's protective hydrating effect on the skin resulted in shallower CO 2 laser penetration depth . Patient comfort during laser skin resurfacing can also be amplified by the additional use of a cooling device applied to the skin .…”

The Archives of Dermatology Offers 3 AMA PRA Category I Credits per Review

“…4 Although the use of topical lidocaine is considered relatively safe, instances of cardiotoxic and neurotoxic adverse events have been reported. In January 2005, a 22-year-old woman, in excellent health, experienced convulsions, lapsed into a coma, and subsequently died after applying a topical gel containing 10% lidocaine, 10% tetracaine, and an unknown amount of phenylephrine to both legs under occlusion.…”

Topical Lidocaine Enhanced by Laser Pretreatment

“…Kilmer et al 16 used a supplemental protocol in which patients had topical EMLA applied to their faces (30 g for 90 minutes with occlusion) prior to oral analgesia, sedatives, and intramuscular analgesia being given. Then another 30 g of EMLA was applied 45 to 60 minutes before the actual laser treatment.…”