During micro needling, which topical numbing agent is typically used?

The approach to micro needling often involves the use of a topical numbing agent to enhance patient comfort during the procedure. Among the commonly used agents, BLT, which stands for Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Tetracaine, is preferred. This combination offers a synergistic effect that provides a stronger and more effective numbing experience compared to using a single agent.

Benzocaine is a fast-acting surface anesthetic that helps to quickly numb the skin, Lidocaine is longer-lasting and effective for deeper penetration, and Tetracaine has a high potency, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the numbing process. Together, these three agents ensure that patients experience minimal discomfort during micro needling.

While EMLA (a combination of lidocaine and prilocaine) is also used for topical anesthesia, it may not provide the same rapid and intense effect as the BLT combination for procedures requiring deeper penetration of the needles. Procaine has a more limited use in topical settings for micro needling due to its slower onset and shorter duration of action compared to the more commonly used agents. Lidocaine alone, while effective, does not offer the same level of comfort as the combination found in BLT. This makes BLT the preferred choice in