Local anesthesia, both topical and injectable forms, can be used in conjunction with dermal fillers to provide additional comfort. Some brands, such as JUVÉDERM® XC and JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA XC, have 0.3% lidocaine in the injectable product itself. However, some patients may still choose to have to have a “dental block” prior to filler injection. A dental block refers to injecting an anesthetic agent, such as lidocaine, to the infraorbital nerve or mental nerve through the mouth. The infraorbital nerve provides sensation or feeling to the lower eyelid, the side of the nose, and the upper lip. This nerve is blocked for filer injections to the nasolabial folds and upper lip. Lidocaine is the most common anesthetic agent used for dermal fillers because of its relatively fast onset of approximately 3-5 minutes and its duration of approximately 1-2 hours. Similarly to a dental block at the dentist, the block itself can be painful and still may not 100% numb the desired area. Those products with lidocaine included in the filler often provide enough comfort during the injection process without the lingering numbness associated with a dental block. If a patient elects to have their lips injected with a filler and choose to have a nerve block, then both the infraorbital nerve and mental nerve will require anesthesia. The mental nerve is responsible for the sensation or feeling to the lower lip and chin. Most patients state that their lips are the most sensitive to pain and will often opt for a dental block when injecting this area. With any type of injected anesthetic there are associated risks involved, which may include: bleeding, infection, and/or unintentional injection into an artery or vein. When considering a dental block prior to a dermal filler one must consider their personal threshold for pain, what are the areas of concern, and the associated risks involved.
At Florida Plastic Surgery Group we are happy to discuss your facial rejuvenation options and we offer dental blocks for those who are candidates and desire this type of anesthesia prior to dermal filler injection. Contact us today to set up a consultation!
