Is more numbing gel better?

In cosmetic tattooing and other beauty procedures, numbing gels are often seen as a must-have for keeping clients comfortable. Many people assume that the more product you use, the better the results will be that is not always the case. In fact, using too much numbing gel can cause more harm than good.

Topical anesthetics like lidocaine, tetracaine, and benzocaine work by being absorbed into the skin and temporarily blocking nerve signals. However, the skin can only absorb so much before it reaches its maximum absorption capacity. After this point, applying more numbing agent wont make the area more numb, rather it increases the risk of side effects and wastes product.

One of the largest concerns with overuse is the potential for adverse reactions. Too much numbing agent can irritate the skin, cause swelling that makes precise work harder, or in rare cases, lead to systemic absorption, which may cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or allergic reactions. These risks increase when the product is applied to broken skin life we often do in cosmetic procedures or is left on longer than recommended.

Excessive numbing can change the texture of the skin, encourage fluid production, and interfere with how pigment settles during the healing process compromising the healed result you are hoping to achieve.

The truth is, numbing effectively is not about adding more product. Our goal should be to apply the right amount, in the right way, and at the right time. A thin, even layer left to process for the recommended time is usually all is needed. Reapplication should be done sparingly and always according to the manufacturers instructions.

As artists our focus should be technique, timing, and quality products like Sensationless Numbing rather than quantity. And in this way we can ensure safe and more successful procedures.