17/02/2026
Lidocaine numbing cream is a topical anesthetic commonly used before facial treatments to help make procedures more comfortable.
It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the skin, helping to minimize pain from treatments such as microneedling and injectables.
Products containing Lidocaine typically begin to take effect within 20–30 minutes and can provide numbness for about one hour, depending on the strength and formulation.
We would need to check for sensitivity prior to using this for the first time - so a simple patch test is required at least 24 hours before any full treatment.
Why don't we offer this for basic microneedling here at Kalista?
It is known to cause a bit of surface vasoconstriction - it shuts the circulation down and so you get less blood flow to the area we are treating.
The purpose of microneedling is to create a controlled trauma to the skin and stimulate the healing process. This results in the fibroblasts producing more collagen and elastin.
So, in theory, numbing cream can have a negative effect on your treatment results.
However - if a client is particularly sensitive or concerned about discomfort - I wouldn't deny them a bit of numbing cream!
I definitely use it for the Dermaforce (Microneedling with radio frequency combined), Plasma Fibroblasting and for Polynucleotides. All three of these would be a little 'spicy' without it!
I never use it for IPL or laser treatments because I need to be able to gauge the heat level on your skin.
If worrying about discomfort or pain is stopping you from taking a step into skin treatments then please rest assured there is a solution - whether it's numbing cream or using cooling techniques in the case of laser or IPL.
For a consultation please go to the website and book online, or message me directly.
www.kalistaaesthetics.co.uk