Evaluating the efficacy of local anesthetic techniques during scalp microneedling

Abstract

Introduction: An increasing interest in minimally invasive procedures hassled to a demand for an effective local anesthetic algorithm. The scalp presents a challenge in achieving effective anesthesia due to the presence of hair shafts. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different methods during a microneedling procedure, including 25 mg lidocaine and 25 mg prilocaine cream, skin spray with 10% lidocaine, and cold gel compresses.

Materials and methods: Sixty-two men aged between 20 and 50 years underwent three microneedling treatments, each using a different method of anesthesia. The treatment area was divided into two equal parts, with one part exposed to a specific anesthetic method. Patients were asked to rate their pain on a 0-10 verbal analog scale. An attempt was made to objectify the results using algometry.

Results: A negative correlation was observed between the algometry results and the VAS score after the application of the cream and cold compresses.

Discussion: When choosing monotherapy, it is recommended to use cold gel compresses for scalp microneedling after considering the advantages and disadvantages of different methods.

Keywords: androgenetic alopecia; anesthesia; creams; microneedling; topical treatment.