I finally have a job and I'm going to start electrolysis as soon as I can, I'm just curious. Should I invest in numbing gel? How much does it cost, how often will I need to buy it, where can I buy it and do I need a prescription?

for genital electro, I recommend it. for face, it's not worth the cost imho (better to be relaxed then numb and expecting pain).

no rx for topical lidocaine, EMLA brand goes for about $60 for 25g (if i remember correctly). it can be found at amazon.com

if you can get injectable lidocaine from the electrologist, that's better both effectiveness and cost wise. 5g is enough to cover the sensitive areas of the face but more may be needed. for genital, 10g is needed.

Thanks for the info!! =D I don't think I'll get it for now. Genital electro will be in a few years haha. Plus i can always get it for the second session!!

Depends on the method your electrologist uses your skin type and your personal reaction indicates your pain level.

I strongly recommend to have it on hand it's not very expensive a couple of dollars if there are regions that are extremely vulnerable try it out without first then increase your pain meds as needed... If your facial hair was as course as mine and my skin dry (no oil to conduct (and remember your skin will change on HRT)) you will have to use extreme levels of current for very long periods of time in your treatment. The regions I need are the region near my ears and my neck as my skin is tissue paper thin aswell as the upper lip there it's REALLY needed because even if I resist the pain if I don't use anesthesia the pain and current triggers the sneeze reflex they can impede her ability to actually do her job if your nose runs or you sneeze part way through a pulse.

My pain tolerance is right at the max, I self harmed for many years I wax my legs and epilate my chest and underarm hair without flinching and don't bat an eyelid at my 1.5inch injections and hobbled and walked a kilometer with a broken ankle (I don't recommend doing that if you have a choice) and am generally a punishment sink but certain regions would be extremely difficult for me to endure for hours and hours at a time. I could however go an hour without.

Thanks, I'll look into getting some. I'll also see what the lady I plan to go to recommends with her methods. I'll schedule a free consultation in a week or so. I'm so exciteddd

Quote from: KimberlyJean on September 29, 2010, 01:29:32 AM
I finally have a job and I'm going to start electrolysis as soon as I can, I'm just curious. Should I invest in numbing gel? How much does it cost, how often will I need to buy it, where can I buy it and do I need a prescription?

Depends on your pain tolerance level. I've had electro around my face (under nose, upper lip is the worst) and I stopped using it after a few sessions as it really didn't help me much.

There are a few flavors of cream out there. The one everyone talks about is EMLA cream and you need a script to buy it from a pharmacy. I use LMX cream 5% lidocaine, which is the actual numbing agent.
Here's a link: http://www.dermadoctor.com/product_LMX-5-Anorectal-Cream--30-gm_961.html?AID=5210&src=cse&ecamp=froogle

Whichever you get go for the 5%, not 4% lidocaine as that extra 1% helps. Price is around $40 per tube.

Are you sure you need a prescription to buy it? :/ I don't know if the rules are different in the USA but you just have to request it here in the UK, its Over the counter.

Are there any that has an alternative to lidocaine?  It's not good for me to use lidocaine, maybe there's something else I could use.

Quote from: JennX on September 29, 2010, 07:34:30 PM
Depends on your pain tolerance level. I've had electro around my face (under nose, upper lip is the worst) and I stopped using it after a few sessions as it really didn't help me much.

There are a few flavors of cream out there. The one everyone talks about is EMLA cream and you need a script to buy it from a pharmacy. I use LMX cream 5% lidocaine, which is the actual numbing agent.
Here's a link: http://www.dermadoctor.com/product_LMX-5-Anorectal-Cream--30-gm_961.html?AID=5210&src=cse&ecamp=froogle

Whichever you get go for the 5%, not 4% lidocaine as that extra 1% helps. Price is around $40 per tube.

Hmm well I have a good pain tolerance, I got my blood drawn today and I barely felt it. I thought I was gonna die before though haha I'm a baby but I can handle most things. Based on money though, I don't think I'll get it unless I can't stand the electro pain. I don't have much right now.

Quote from: pebbles on September 29, 2010, 07:42:42 PM
Are you sure you need a prescription to buy it? :/ I don't know if the rules are different in the USA but you just have to request it here in the UK, its Over the counter.

Here in the USA, you do need a prescription. If you go in to a pharmacy (CVS, Rite Aid, etc) they won't sell it you w/o one.

The LMX cream is nearly the same, and can be bought w/o one. I'm learning that some other countries have a more "liberal" drug policy, which can be benecial at times.

I just finished clearing my face.. I tried the 5% lidocaine.. it helped on the neck and cheeks...a little. It didn't help at all around the upper and lower lip. Find an electrologist who can numb you...