Is filler treatment painful without lidocaine?

Most modern hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine built in — you feel pain drop noticeably after the first stings as the anaesthetic activates. Sensitive areas like lips are supplemented with topical EMLA or a dental block.

How long does the anaesthetic last?

Topical EMLA lasts 1-2 hours after application. Infiltration lidocaine lasts 1-2 hours. Lidocaine inside filler lasts about 30-60 minutes — enough for the treatment, but feeling returns before you go home.

Can I be allergic to lidocaine?

Allergy to amide-type anaesthetics like lidocaine is extremely rare — under 1 in 10,000. More commonly, a vasovagal reaction (dizziness from nerves) or adrenaline response is mistaken for allergy. If unsure, tell the injector before treatment.

Is lidocaine safe during pregnancy?

Lidocaine is FDA category B and is routinely used during childbirth. The treatment itself, not the lidocaine, is what is avoided during pregnancy. Dental anaesthesia during pregnancy is common and safe.

Lidocaine: glossary | Dibélle

Also known as: lidocaine, xylocaine, local anaesthetic

What is lidocaine?

Lidocaine is an amide-type local anaesthetic introduced in 1948. It is the world's most used local anaesthetic and sits on the WHO list of essential medicines. In aesthetic use it appears in three forms: built into filler (Juvéderm Ultra, Restylane Lidocaine), as topical cream (EMLA, LMX), and as infiltration anaesthetic the injector places just before treatment.

How it works in treatment

Lidocaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells. With sodium unable to enter the cell, the pain signal cannot reach the brain. Effect starts within 1-2 minutes by injection, 30-60 minutes topically, and lasts 1-2 hours.

Where it is used

At Dibélle, lidocaine is built into nearly every hyaluronic acid filler and into hyperdiluted Radiesse. Topical EMLA is used before Dermapen, exosome treatment, and PRP. Infiltration anaesthetic is used for deeper treatments such as thread lifts.

Safety

Lidocaine is safe in aesthetic doses (total dose under 4-7 mg/kg). Common side effects: local stinging at injection, brief numbness, slight blanching from topical use. Allergic reaction to amide-type anaesthetic is extremely rare. Patients with severe liver disease, cardiac arrhythmia, or known amide allergy should inform the injector.

Common questions about Lidocaine

Is filler treatment painful without lidocaine?: Most modern hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine built in — you feel pain drop noticeably after the first stings as the anaesthetic activates. Sensitive areas like lips are supplemented with topical EMLA or a dental block.
How long does the anaesthetic last?: Topical EMLA lasts 1-2 hours after application. Infiltration lidocaine lasts 1-2 hours. Lidocaine inside filler lasts about 30-60 minutes — enough for the treatment, but feeling returns before you go home.
Can I be allergic to lidocaine?: Allergy to amide-type anaesthetics like lidocaine is extremely rare — under 1 in 10,000. More commonly, a vasovagal reaction (dizziness from nerves) or adrenaline response is mistaken for allergy. If unsure, tell the injector before treatment.
Is lidocaine safe during pregnancy?: Lidocaine is FDA category B and is routinely used during childbirth. The treatment itself, not the lidocaine, is what is avoided during pregnancy. Dental anaesthesia during pregnancy is common and safe.