Knowledge What is the clinical value of using 2.5% Lidocaine and 2.5% Prilocaine before a picosecond laser procedure? Boost Efficacy
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Tech Team · Belislaser

Updated 2 days ago

What is the clinical value of using 2.5% Lidocaine and 2.5% Prilocaine before a picosecond laser procedure? Boost Efficacy


The clinical value of this composite formulation lies in its ability to enable high-power laser settings by significantly increasing patient tolerance. A mixture of 2.5% Lidocaine and 2.5% Prilocaine, applied under occlusion for 30 minutes, penetrates the dermis to effectively block pain signals. This level of anesthesia is essential for managing the intense photoacoustic impact required to shatter pigment during picosecond procedures.

Picosecond lasers utilize mechanical shockwaves rather than thermal heating, creating distinct pain sensations that require deep dermal anesthesia. Using this specific composite formulation ensures the practitioner can operate at the energy levels necessary for clinical efficacy without compromising patient compliance.

The Mechanism of Pain Control

Penetrating the Dermis

The primary challenge in dermatological anesthesia is reaching the appropriate depth. The 2.5% Lidocaine and 2.5% Prilocaine formulation is designed to permeate the skin barrier effectively.

When applied correctly, it reaches the sensory nerve endings located within the dermis. This is the specific tissue layer where the picosecond laser interacts with pigment.

Blocking Signal Transmission

Once in the dermis, the anesthetic mixture acts on the peripheral nerves. It temporarily blocks pain conduction, preventing the nerve impulses from reaching the central nervous system.

This blockade is critical because picosecond lasers generate a "snapping" sensation due to the rapid expansion of plasma. The anesthetic dulls this sharp mechanical stimulation.

Enhancing Procedure Efficacy

Enabling High-Power Settings

Clinical outcomes in picosecond laser treatments are often power-dependent. To effectively shatter pigment via the photoacoustic effect, high energy delivery is required.

Without sufficient analgesia, a practitioner might be forced to lower the power settings to accommodate patient pain. This formulation allows the operator to use optimal settings for maximum clearance.

Improving Patient Tolerance

Patient movement due to discomfort is a safety hazard during laser procedures. A highly effective anesthetic ensures the patient remains still.

This stability allows for the precise delivery of the laser beam. It prevents missed spots or accidental injury to surrounding tissue.

Critical Application Protocols

The Role of Occlusion

The method of application is as important as the formulation itself. The cream must be applied under occlusion (covered with an airtight dressing).

Occlusion hydrates the stratum corneum and drives the anesthetic agents deeper into the skin. Without this step, the anesthetic effect may be superficial and insufficient for high-power lasers.

Timing for Optimal Effect

Based on clinical standards, a 30-minute application window is required. This duration provides enough time for the mixture to diffuse through the epidermis and achieve the necessary concentration in the dermis.

Understanding the Trade-offs

Necessity of Preparation Time

One trade-off is the impact on clinical workflow. The requisite 30-minute dwell time under occlusion adds significant time to the appointment slot.

Rushing this process often results in inadequate pain control. This can lead to a difficult procedure where the patient cannot tolerate the necessary energy levels.

Uniformity is Key

The anesthesia is only effective where the cream is applied uniformly. Any gaps in application will result in "hot spots" of intense pain.

This requires the operator to apply the cream with firm and uniform pressure to ensure total coverage of the treatment area.

Making the Right Choice for Your Clinical Goals

The use of this composite formulation is a strategic decision to balance comfort with efficacy.

  • If your primary focus is Maximum Pigment Clearance: Ensure full occlusion for the complete 30 minutes to permit the highest tolerable power settings.
  • If your primary focus is Patient Compliance: Verify uniform application thickness to eliminate pain "hot spots" that cause patient flinching.

Effective anesthesia transforms a high-intensity photoacoustic procedure from an endurance test into a precise clinical treatment.

Summary Table:

Feature Clinical Value in Picosecond Laser Treatments
Formulation 2.5% Lidocaine + 2.5% Prilocaine (Eutectic Mixture)
Mechanism Deep dermal penetration to block sensory nerve signals
Primary Benefit Enables higher energy settings for superior pigment shattering
Application Method Uniform application under airtight occlusion
Required Dwell Time 30 minutes for optimal analgesic depth
Safety Impact Improves patient stability and prevents procedural flinching

Elevate Your Clinical Outcomes with BELIS Technology

To achieve the best results with advanced Picosecond and Nd:YAG laser systems, patient comfort is just as critical as technical precision. BELIS specializes in providing professional-grade medical aesthetic equipment designed exclusively for premium clinics and salons.

Our advanced portfolio—including Pico lasers, Diode Hair Removal, CO2 Fractional, and HIFU—is engineered to deliver high-power energy for maximum efficacy. By pairing our state-of-the-art devices with proper clinical protocols, you can offer your clients painless, high-performance treatments that set your practice apart. From body sculpting solutions like EMSlim and Cryolipolysis to specialized Skin Testers, we provide the tools you need to succeed.

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References

  1. Farah Moustafa, Paul M. Friedman. Successful Treatment of Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattoos in Fitzpatrick III‐IV With Picosecond (1,064, 532‐nm) Neodymium‐Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser With a Perfluorodecalin‐Infused Patch: A Pilot Study. DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23189

This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .

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