Anesthetic: How Many Types and Difference?

An anesthetic is a type of medication that helps reduce or block pain in a specific area where a procedure is performed. It works locally and does not cause loss of consciousness. In aesthetic clinics, anesthetics are used to make patients feel more comfortable, reduce anxiety, and allow treatments such as filler injections, botulinum toxin, or laser therapy to proceed more smoothly.

In medical practice, there are different types and methods of anesthetics. For aesthetic treatments, the choice depends on the skin condition and the nature of each procedure, ensuring both effective results and minimal discomfort.

How Many Types of Anesthetics Are There? Classification by Mode of Action

Anesthetics used in aesthetic clinics can be categorized by their mode of action:

1. Topical Anesthetic

Usually in the form of creams or gels, applied directly to the skin to numb the surface layer. Commonly used for less invasive procedures such as skin laser, mesotherapy, or superficial treatments.

2. Injectable Anesthetic

Administered directly by injection into the target area, providing deeper and faster numbing compared to topical application. Often used for procedures like dermal filler injections or treatments that may cause more significant discomfort.

3. Local Anesthetic Covering a Wider Area

A nerve block or injection technique that numbs a broader region. While more common in minor surgeries, it is less frequently used in typical aesthetic treatments.

Topical Anesthetic vs. Injectable Anesthetic: What’s the Difference?

In aesthetic clinics, anesthetics can be either topical or injectable, each with unique advantages and uses.

Topical Anesthetic

  • Applied directly on the skin
  • Takes around 20–40 minutes to take effect
  • Best for superficial treatments such as laser or meso
  • Provides mild to moderate pain relief

Injectable Anesthetic

  • Administered directly by a physician into the target area
  • Works faster and penetrates deeper than topical types
  • Suitable for procedures like dermal fillers or treatments with higher discomfort
  • Requires medical expertise for safe administration

Which Type of Anesthetic Fits Each Aesthetic Procedure?

The choice of anesthetic in aesthetic clinics depends on the nature of the procedure and the expected level of discomfort.

Topical Anesthetic

  • Laser treatments such as skin rejuvenation or hair removal
  • Mesotherapy (fat reduction or skin brightening) since the injections are shallow
  • Surface-level treatments like vitamin infusion or skin boosters

Injectable Anesthetic

  • Dermal fillers because injections are deeper and potentially more painful
  • Thread lifting as threads are inserted beneath the skin
  • Procedures involving deeper injections or instruments

The final decision is made by the physician, considering both the procedure and the patient’s individual condition.

Why Do Some Clinics Apply Anesthetic for a Short Time While Others Take Longer?

The waiting time after applying anesthetic cream can vary between clinics due to several factors:

1. Type of Anesthetic

Different formulations have varying concentrations and ingredients. Some work within 15–20 minutes, while others may require 30 minutes or more.

2. Type of Procedure

Superficial treatments like skin rejuvenation lasers may not require long application times, whereas deeper procedures such as dermal fillers often need longer numbing.

3. Clinic Techniques

Some clinics use supportive methods to speed up absorption, such as occlusive wrapping or specialized devices, which reduce the waiting time.

Who Should Inform Their Doctor Before Using Anesthetic?

While anesthetics used in aesthetic clinics are generally safe, certain groups of people should always inform their doctor beforehand:

1. People with a history of anesthetic allergy

For example, those who have reacted to lidocaine or related drugs.

2. Patients with chronic conditions

Such as heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney disease, since drug metabolism may be affected.

3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Some anesthetics may be safe, but the decision should always be made by a physician on a case-by-case basis.

4. People taking specific medications

Such as anticoagulants or drugs that affect the nervous system.

Are Anesthetics Dangerous? What Are the Possible Side Effects?

In general, anesthetics used in aesthetic clinics are considered very safe when administered in the correct dosage under medical supervision. However, some side effects can still occur.

Common side effects

  • Temporary numbness, mild swelling, or redness at the site of application or injection
  • Mild stinging or itching of the skin
  • Occasional dizziness or nausea (rare)

Allergic reactions (very rare)

  • Hives or widespread itching
  • Difficulty breathing or palpitations

If any unusual symptoms occur after anesthetic use, patients should inform their doctor immediately for appropriate management.

What Type of Anesthetic Do Clinics Use? Does It Need FDA Approval?

Anesthetics used in aesthetic clinics must be officially registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Thailand to ensure safety and manufacturing standards.

Types commonly used in clinics

  • Most are based on lidocaine or similar agents
  • Available in both topical cream and injectable forms, depending on the procedure
  • Always administered in the correct dosage by physicians for maximum safety

Why FDA approval is required

  • Confirms that the product has passed quality and safety checks
  • Prevents risks associated with unregistered or counterfeit products that may be harmful

When visiting a clinic, patients should feel free to ask whether the anesthetic products used are FDA-approved.

What Type of Anesthetic Does Smooth Clinic Use and Why Does It Feel Less Painful?

At Smooth Clinic, anesthetic use is carefully tailored to match each procedure and the comfort level of every patient.

Types of anesthetics used

  • Topical anesthetics for superficial treatments such as laser or mesotherapy
  • Injectable anesthetics for deeper procedures like dermal fillers or thread lifting

Key aspects of patient care

  • Only FDA-approved anesthetics are used
  • The choice of anesthetic is assessed and administered by physicians
  • Techniques such as cooling before and after treatment help reduce discomfort
  • Application time is adjusted to ensure optimal numbing before the procedure begins

This combination of medical standards, professional technique, and attentive care allows patients to experience significantly less pain than expected.

Doctor’s Tips: How to Prepare Before and After Using Anesthetic in Aesthetic Procedures

The use of anesthetics plays a key role in ensuring comfort and smooth performance of aesthetic procedures. Here are some simple guidelines recommended by physicians.

Before the procedure

  • Inform your doctor if you have a history of drug allergies or are taking regular medications
  • Avoid alcohol beforehand to reduce the risk of swelling or bruising
  • Get enough rest to minimize anxiety and stress

After the procedure

  • Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area until full sensation returns
  • Apply a cold compress if mild redness or swelling occurs
  • Contact your doctor immediately if unusual reactions appear, such as hives or difficulty breathing

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthetics

How long does anesthetic last?

Topical anesthetics generally last about 30–60 minutes, while injectable anesthetics may last 1–2 hours depending on the drug and dosage used.

Does applying topical anesthetic hurt?

No, applying anesthetic cream does not hurt. You may only feel a mild cooling or tingling sensation on the skin.

Can I use anesthetics by myself at home?

It is not recommended without medical supervision, as misuse or overdosing may cause adverse reactions or allergic responses.

How long before laser treatment should anesthetic be applied?

Typically 20–30 minutes before the procedure, but the exact time depends on the formulation and clinic protocol.

Conclusion

Although anesthetics may seem like a small detail, they make a big difference in ensuring comfort and confidence during aesthetic procedures. At Smooth Clinic Asoke, we prioritize the use of FDA-approved anesthetics and tailor every step of care to suit each individual patient under physician supervision.

If you are considering an aesthetic procedure and would like to learn more about anesthetics, our medical team is ready to provide personalized consultation and advice.

References

  1. American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) – Local Anesthetics Overview
  2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – Lidocaine topical use and safety
  3. DermNet NZ – Topical anaesthetics
  4. Journal of Dermatologic Surgery (2022) – Use of local anesthetics in cosmetic dermatology
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