Effect of Topical Anesthetic Use on the Outcomes of Vascular Laser Procedures

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

• This review of literature found no evidence that topical anesthesia affects the outcomes of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy for vascular lesions based on three controlled studies. There were no high-quality studies that examined the use of topical anesthesia and outcomes with other vascular lasers or intense pulsed light.
• Despite the vasoactive properties of topical anesthesia, its use does not appear to affect the outcomes of PDL therapy for the treatment of vascular lesions.

–  Kelly B. Scarberry, MD

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Topical anesthesia has vasodynamic effects within the skin and therefore has the potential to change the presence of hemoglobin as a chromophore before intense pulsed light (IPL) and vascular laser treatments. It is unclear whether this is clinically relevant. Global consensus on the use of topical anesthetics in this context is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

Review the effects of topical anesthetics on the skin microvasculature and the clinical implications of such effects on vascular treatments.

METHODS

PubMed and Medline searches were performed to identify studies examining the vasodynamic effects of topical anesthesia on skin and evaluating differences in efficacy of IPL and vascular laser treatments with or without topical anesthetic use.

RESULTS

Published studies reveal variable effects of different topical anesthetic agents on skin microvasculature. Only 3 controlled studies that directly examined the effect of topical anesthesia on clinical outcomes for pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment of vascular conditions were identified. They did not support a difference in clinical outcomes with or without the use of topical anesthesia before PDL treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although topical anesthetic agents have vasodynamic effects within the skin, there is currently insufficient evidence to advise against their use before light and laser-based vascular treatments.

Dermatologic Surgery

Does Topical Anesthesia Alter the Outcomes of Vascular Laser Procedures? Review of Vasodynamic Effects and Clinical Outcomes Data

Dermatol Surg 2023 Jan 24;[EPub Ahead of Print], C Glover, V Richer 

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Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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