Local anaesthesia is used to numb a specific area of the skin or underlying tissue, allowing treatments to be carried out comfortably while you remain fully awake and aware.

In aesthetic medicine, it plays an important role in improving comfort during procedures that would otherwise be sensitive or painful. Depending on the type and extent of the treatment, local anaesthesia can be applied in different ways, ranging from topical creams to small, precisely placed injections.

For more superficial procedures, a local anaesthetic cream is often sufficient. This is applied directly to the skin and requires a certain amount of time to take effect, typically between 20 and 40 minutes. Once active, it reduces the sensitivity of the treated area, making interventions such as skin treatments or minor dermatological procedures significantly more tolerable. Its effect is limited to the surface layers of the skin and usually lasts for a short period of time after removal.

For deeper or more targeted treatments, local anaesthesia can be administered through a fine injection into the tissue. This technique allows for a more complete and reliable numbing of a specific area and is particularly useful for small procedures such as the removal of skin lesions or the treatment of isolated areas. The effect occurs rapidly, often within minutes, and provides a more profound level of comfort during the procedure.

Both approaches are selected based on the nature of the treatment, the area involved, and your individual sensitivity. The aim is always to achieve an optimal balance between effectiveness and minimal intervention, using only the level of anaesthesia that is truly necessary.

It is important to understand that local anaesthesia acts only on the treated area and does not affect your overall level of consciousness. You remain fully awake throughout, and recovery is typically immediate or very quick, depending on the technique used.

While local anaesthesia is widely used and generally very well tolerated, its effectiveness can vary depending on the location and the type of procedure. In some cases, particularly when larger or more sensitive areas are involved, other forms of anaesthesia or sedation may be more appropriate to ensure adequate comfort.

In Spain, the use of local anaesthetics in a medical context is subject to clinical responsibility and appropriate training. When applied correctly, it is a safe and effective way to make many aesthetic treatments significantly more comfortable.