If you’ve been in the PMU world for a while, you know how important a smooth and comfortable experience is for both you and your clients. One of the most asked-about topics? Numbing! It’s a game changer for client comfort, but there are so many approaches. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, I’ve got you covered with a full breakdown on how to effectively numb before and during your procedures. In this video, I’ll be sharing my go-to tips and tricks, including demos for numbing with and without mapping on lips, brows, and eyeliner.

Grab your notepad and let’s dive into the video below for everything you need to know about keeping your clients comfortable, no matter the service!

Numbing agents play a crucial role in permanent makeup (PMU) procedures, ensuring client comfort while allowing artists to work more efficiently. However, it's important to be aware of the proper use, benefits, and risks associated with these agents. In this blog, we explore the key components of numbing agents, their applications, and the precautions practitioners need to take.

Lidocaine: The Essential Anesthetic

Lidocaine is one of the most widely used anesthetics in PMU. It helps reduce discomfort, especially in sensitive areas like lips and eyelids. However, practitioners must be cautious about overexposure to avoid complications such as lidocaine poisoning. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• When to Use: Lidocaine is highly effective for procedures that are longer or involve delicate areas. Shorter sessions or clients with a high pain tolerance may not require numbing.
• Dosage and Application: Avoid exceeding recommended dosages, and always monitor the client for signs of overexposure, such as dizziness or confusion.
• Safety First: Overuse or incorrect application of lidocaine can lead to adverse reactions. Stick to the necessary dosage and application areas to ensure the procedure is both safe and comfortable.

Epinephrine: The Dual-Action Agent

Epinephrine is commonly used in combination with lidocaine to enhance numbing and minimize bleeding during procedures like microblading. It helps create a cleaner working environment and extends the duration of the numbing effect. However, it should be used with care:

• Benefits: Epinephrine constricts blood vessels, reducing bleeding and improving visibility during procedures. It also prolongs the numbing effect, making it beneficial for longer treatments.
• Risks: It's essential to use the correct concentration (typically 1:100,000 or 1:200,000) to minimize the risk of side effects. Additionally, individuals with cardiovascular issues or allergies should be thoroughly evaluated before using epinephrine.

EMLAs, Esters, and Amides: The Science Behind Numbing

Topical anesthetics like EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) have revolutionized PMU by making clients more comfortable during treatments. These mixtures typically include amides like lidocaine and prilocaine, known for their safety and effectiveness.

• Amides vs. Esters: Amides, such as lidocaine and prilocaine, are metabolized in the liver and pose a lower risk of allergic reactions compared to esters like procaine. Esters, on the other hand, are linked to allergic responses and are generally avoided in permanent cosmetics.
• Personalized Numbing: The choice between lidocaine and prilocaine depends on the procedure and client needs. Prilocaine may have a slower onset but lasts longer, making it ideal for extended sessions. Ensure you conduct thorough allergy assessments before using any anesthetic.

Debunking the Myth: Numbing Toughens the Skin

A common misconception in the industry is that numbing agents toughen the skin and make it harder to tattoo. This myth is unfounded. Numbing agents only desensitize nerve endings and do not affect the skin's structural integrity.

In fact, using numbing agents can enhance the tattooing process, as a relaxed, pain-free client allows for more precise work. The skin's toughness is determined by factors like genetics, not by the application of numbing creams.

Why Some People Don’t Numb: Skin and Pain Perception Variability

Not all clients respond the same way to numbing agents. Factors like skin thickness, metabolism, and pain tolerance can influence how well an anesthetic works. Redheads, for example, are known to have heightened sensitivity due to the MC1R gene variant, which impacts pain perception.

• Skin Variations: Thicker skin or areas with more nerve endings may require more attention to numbing.
• Pain Threshold: Pain perception is both biological and psychological. Clients with higher pain sensitivity may require more numbing, while those with higher tolerance might need less.
• Metabolism: A faster metabolism may require adjustments in the numbing application to maintain effectiveness.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Numbing in PMU

Numbing agents are valuable tools in permanent makeup, but their application requires skill, knowledge, and caution. Understanding the science behind anesthetics like lidocaine, prilocaine, and epinephrine, while being aware of individual client needs, ensures a safer, more comfortable, and more effective experience for both the practitioner and the client. Prioritize safety, educate your clients, and continue to refine your techniques to provide the best possible outcomes.