Numbing for Electrolysis
Numbing for Electrolysis
Numbing shots for Electrolysis
In addition to numbing cream for electrolysis, we are also able to offer numbing injections for electrolysis. With numbing shots, we are able to numb the skin even better for electrolysis. This is because the numbing shots both numb the deeper layers of the skin, and lasts for a longer period of time for most patients. The numbing deeper is especially effective, as numbing cream is not usually able to offer pain relief all the way down to the hair root like numbing shots can.
For numbing shots for electrolysis, we most commonly use articaine with epinephrine - similar to numbing injections at the dentist.
Our provider likes articaine because it kicks in quickly, and lasts just long enough for electrolysis. Articaine takes 1-9 minutes to kick in, and lasts 2-4 hours for most people.
The other option we have is bupivacaine. Bupivacaine takes 5-15 minutes to kick in fully, and lasts 6-8 hours. Bupivacaine can be a good option for people who break down articaine too quickly or are planning a longer electrolysis session.
Numbing Cream
Are you looking for the best numbing cream for electrolysis? While it can be hard to say what the best numbing cream or strongest numbing cream for electrolysis is, we do have many options.
Most over the counter lidocaine creams for electrolysis are 4% or maybe 5%, and only contain lidocaine. Here at Lavender Spectrum Health, we are able to prescribe numbing cream with multiple numbing agents for a more comfortable electrolysis experience.
1) Benzocaine/lidocaine/tetracaine cream - commonly prescribed by providers for electrolysis, this custom cream can offer better and longer-lasting numbing than over the counter creams. We are able to prescribe this for our patients.
2) Benzocaine/lidocaine/tetracaine/bupivacaine cream - this custom cream has a fourth numbing agent, bupivacaine, that is known for being both strong and long-lasting. By adding this fourth compound to our cream, we can increase the time and effectiveness of prescription numbing cream even further.
Other options for relief
We also offer oral medications for pain or anxiety on a case by case basis that work together with the numbing injections to give you the most comfortable experience!
One option we like to use is propranolol, because it reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety but most people are still able to drive while taking this medication. Other options may include alprazolam (xanax), clonidine, and hydroxyzine.
At this time, we are only providing services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but we may add hours or additional providers in the future!
Pricing
Our current cash pay rate is $100 per session. We are currently able to bill Washington Medicaid/ Apple Health (Molina and Community Health Plan of Washington) and are in process of being able to bill other insurance companies for numbing injections for electrolysis.