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Anaesthetics

The following anaesthetics are legal and can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy:

• LMX-4
• Lidocaine
• Ametop (Remember to keep your Ametop refrigerated)

Under the Medicines Act, you can buy them for topical use for a Microblading procedure. Some local councils, however, are limiting the use of anaesthetics, so your client may have to obtain them from a pharmacy before the procedure and apply the product themselves.

If you’re applying the anaesthetic, you’re responsible for making sure your client is suitable for the application. You should refer to the manufacturer’s leaflet for guidance.

You’ll need to ensure that you work within the limits of the law and local bylaws of the country.

What do the symbols mean on products?  

[P] this means it’s a pharmacy only product that can be purchased over the counter.

[POM] this means Prescription Only Medication. You can’t get hold of this medication unless you have a prescription, and the product must only be used on the person that it’s prescribed for. This product must also be applied by the person that it is prescribed to.

It’s not uncommon for PMU techs to ask their clients to source their own anaesthetic to use during the procedure. It’s acceptable for the client to apply their own topical anaesthetic prior to treatment.

Topical anaesthetics are used in cosmetic tattooing/micropigmentation procedures, and these should be explained to the client. Topical means that the anaesthetic is applied directly to the treatment site rather than injected or inhaled.

Topical anaesthetics are available in the following forms:

• spray
• cream
• gel
• liquid base

Creams and gels are usually best applied to unpenetrated skin. However, after the skin is penetrated, the liquid formula can be applied for maximum numbing. All topical anaesthetics must be applied strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You should ask the client if they have a known allergy to any form of anaesthetic and record their response as part of either the treatment plan or the consent form. Be sure to have several types available and keep refrigerated.

The four types of anaesthetic are:

• Benzocaine
• Lidocaine
• Tetracaine
• Epinephrine

Some anaesthetics contain a combination of any of the above. Some of these anaesthetics are illegal to use. Please ensure you ask your Insurance provider and Local Authority what they recommend for use during these procedures.