What it is

→ A numbing cream protocol is a standardized procedure in dermatology and cosmetic medicine that uses topical anesthetic creams to temporarily block nerve signals in the skin.

→ It is applied before laser hair removal (LHR), laser resurfacing, microneedling, fillers, tattoo removal, or other minimally invasive treatments to minimize pain and discomfort.

→ The most commonly used numbing agents are lidocaine, prilocaine, or a combination (EMLA-type creams).

→ In Korea, numbing cream protocols are widely implemented in dermatology clinics and medical spas to provide maximum comfort, safety, and precision during high-tech cosmetic procedures.

Why it’s done

→ Numbing cream protocols are followed to:

• Reduce pain during laser, needle, or energy-based treatments.
• Increase patient comfort and tolerance, allowing longer or higher-intensity sessions.
• Improve precision → when patients are comfortable, providers can work more carefully and effectively.
• Reduce anxiety for patients new to cosmetic treatments.
• Enhance patient satisfaction by ensuring a smoother treatment experience.

→ It is especially important for sensitive areas (face, bikini, underarms) and procedures with high-intensity lasers.

Alternatives

→ Alternatives to numbing cream include:

• Cooling device therapy → cryogen spray, contact cooling tips, or chilled air.
• Local anesthesia injections → for deeper procedures (e.g., surgical excisions, thread lifts).
• Oral painkillers → NSAIDs or acetaminophen before treatment.
• Nerve blocks → used in advanced medical procedures.
• No anesthesia → chosen for very mild treatments.

→ However, numbing cream remains the most convenient and widely used for cosmetic dermatology.

Preparation

→ Before applying numbing cream, patients should:

• Disclose allergies → especially to lidocaine, prilocaine, or anesthetics.
• Clean the skin → no makeup, lotions, or oils on the treatment area.
• Shave hair (if applicable for LHR).
• Avoid broken skin → numbing cream should not be applied to open wounds, infections, or eczema.
• Review medical history → conditions like heart disease, liver problems, or certain medications may affect lidocaine safety.

→ Korean clinics often perform a patch test for first-time patients.

How it’s Done

→ A standard numbing cream protocol includes:

1. Skin cleansing
   • The treatment area is cleansed with a gentle antiseptic solution.
2. Application of numbing cream
   • A thick, even layer (1–2 mm) of cream is applied over the treatment area.
   • Plastic wrap (occlusion) is often placed on top to enhance absorption.
3. Waiting period
   • Left on for 20–40 minutes depending on the area and cream strength.
   • For large body zones (legs, back), 40–60 minutes may be used.
4. Removal
   • The cream is gently wiped off before treatment.
   • The area is cleaned again to avoid interference with the laser or device.
5. Treatment begins
   • Procedure starts immediately after cream removal, while anesthesia effect is active.

→ Effects typically last 1–2 hours, covering the full treatment session.

Recovery

→ Recovery from numbing cream use is immediate:

• Slight redness or tingling may persist for a few minutes.
• No downtime — patients can proceed with the main procedure right away.
• Rarely, mild skin irritation may occur.

→ Patients should:

• Avoid scratching treated skin.
• Report unusual symptoms (dizziness, rash, palpitations).
• Follow the dermatologist’s aftercare instructions for the main procedure.

Complications

→ Numbing cream is safe when used properly, but possible side effects include:

• Mild redness, itching, or irritation.
• Allergic reactions (rare).
• Systemic toxicity if applied in excessive amounts (rare but serious; symptoms include dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or seizures).
• Methemoglobinemia → rare condition linked to prilocaine use.

→ These risks are minimized by professional application and adherence to dose guidelines.

Treatment options in Korea

→ Korea is highly advanced in numbing cream protocols, ensuring safety and comfort:

• High-quality medical-grade creams → stronger concentrations of lidocaine than over-the-counter products.
• Precise timing → clinics schedule adequate waiting periods for full effectiveness.
• Occlusion techniques → plastic wrapping to enhance absorption.
• Customized anesthesia plans → numbing cream combined with cooling devices for sensitive patients.
• Strict safety monitoring → trained staff apply and monitor to prevent overdose.
• Medical tourism practices → English-speaking staff explain protocols clearly to international patients.

→ With professional application, advanced formulations, and patient-centered care, Korea sets global standards for numbing cream protocols in dermatology and cosmetic treatments.