I was recently prescribed lidocaine 5% by my GP for use with laser hair removal (btw, for anyone on Commonwealth Care (a Massachusetts program very similar to MassHealth), they cover it -- and at my income tier, it's very inexpensive).

I was wondering if any of you have used lidocaine with LHR? Did you wipe it off before you lasered, or did you keep it on? I'm having a difficult time finding a concrete answer on this. It seems like wiping it off would be the logical course.

I use a lidocaine/tetracane/benzocaine mix that I got at a compounding pharmacy. I goop it on about 45 minutes before my session and I put Saran Wrap on my face to keep the stuff moist. Sometimes I reapply about 20 minutes before the session. The laser zaps feel like little bee stings so I shudder to think about what they feel like without the deadening cream. I stop in the bathroom going into the laser place and wipe it off.

Hi, I do find it takes the edge off the sensitive areas (mainly around lips).
I apply about 45-60min before I leave home, and cover with saron film. Just before leaving home, I then remove film and wipe off with paper towel. For me its less than 10min drive.
As the hairs start dissapearing, the pain gets less intense, but the upper lip stays VERY sensitive for me.

Thank you for the replies. Do you ladies rub the stuff into your skin, or just apply the layer and leave it? I'll try the saran wrap thing, too.

I just tried to apply it for about 40 minutes and it barely numbed my skin. The zap still felt completely intolerable. I feel like I'm just going to have to go to a laser clinic, at this rate. Maybe I'm doing it wrong (applying too little, not rubbing it in), or need to give it more time?

For what it's worth, my skin is EXTREMELY pale and my hair is very thick and black (not unlike this, except my hair is much darker). I think avoiding intense pain may just not be in the cards for me for a bit.

Try getting some of the cream I mentioned - it works. I think that it requires a prescription. I got mine when I visited my endo.

I did my laser session yesterday without it.  I had them turn it up to "11", literally. Apparently my last session was at "10.5".   I had the nurse ice me down before and after each blast.  It actually worked pretty well and I saved some cash.

I just apply it in a consistent thickness with no rubbing in, and immediately apply the film.
Without the film, its totally useless and dries out before being absorbed into your skin.

Tip: don't skimp on the application... a 5gram? Mini tube does my whole face, just about.

Do not use ice before lasering!!!!  This will deaden the laser effectiveness.  Trust me on this I wasted 10 sessions with no results because of this.  Use lidocaine 5 or any other cream but don't use ice!