A practical anesthesia method used for minor skin and subcutaneous procedures, in which only the area to be treated is numbed by injection while the patient remains fully awake.
Indication
- Wound suturing and minor skin surgeries
- Removal of moles, lipomas, cysts, and skin lesions
- Ingrown toenail and minor hand-foot procedures
- Dental treatments and minor dental procedures
- Biopsy sampling (skin, breast, prostate, etc.)
- IV line placement and port catheter insertion
- Cosmetic procedures and filler applications
Preparation
- Reporting of known drug allergies (especially to local anesthetics) and previous reactions
- No fasting is required; the patient may eat and drink normally
- Blood-thinning medications are usually not stopped, except for deep biopsies
- Sharing pregnancy information before the procedure (if applicable)
- Informing the team if hypertension or heart disease is present (due to vasoconstrictor agents)
How it's performed
- The skin area to be treated is cleansed with antiseptic
- Local anesthetic medication (such as lidocaine) is injected under the skin with a fine needle
- A mild stinging and burning sensation may last 10-20 seconds
- The area becomes fully numb within 1-3 minutes and pain sensation disappears
- The patient remains awake throughout the procedure; touch and pressure may still be felt, but no pain occurs
- Numbness gradually wears off within 1-3 hours after the procedure
Post-procedure
- The patient is usually discharged immediately and can return to normal activity
- Caution against biting the lip or tongue is advised until numbness wears off (in dental procedures)
- Mild swelling and tenderness at the procedure site may last 1-2 days
- Wound care, suture-removal appointment, and antibiotic use (if needed) are planned
- Medical attention should be sought if fever, discharge, or increasing pain develops
Risks
- Mild pain and transient bruising at the needle entry site
- Vasovagal response — dizziness, sweating, or a fainting sensation due to fear of needles (not a true allergy; resolves with lying down)
- True allergy to local anesthetics is extremely rare; most reactions are due to preservatives in the medication or vasovagal causes
- High doses or accidental intravascular injection — systemic toxicity (tremor, tinnitus, arrhythmia); preventable and treatable
- Transient nerve sensitivity or hematoma at the procedure site
FAQ
Is local anesthesia painful?
There is a slight stinging at the moment of needle insertion and a brief burning sensation as the medication is injected. Within a few seconds, the area becomes numb and no pain is felt during the procedure.
Am I allergic to local anesthesia, and how can it be diagnosed?
True allergy to local anesthetics is very rare. Dizziness, sweating, or fainting experienced during previous procedures is often a vasovagal response, not a true allergy. If suspected, evaluation by an allergy specialist with appropriate testing is possible.
Should I come on an empty stomach?
Fasting is generally not required. As long as no sedation is involved, you may eat and drink normally.
How long does the numbness last?
Depending on the medication used, it wears off within 1-3 hours. In dental treatments, lip and tongue numbness may persist, so caution is needed to avoid biting injuries.
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