In general , active non-invasive anaesthetic methods seemed to provide favourable results compared to placebo or no anaesthesia , and topical anaesthetic drugs and PSF seemed to result in a better pain reduction than skin cooling .
However , the current evidence is insufficient to provide recommendations for daily clinical practice .
Future studies should also evaluate sex differences in pain perception , have uniformity with regard to vali date d pain measurement scales and address clinical ly significant differences in pain reduction besides statistically significant differences
Pain is a common side-effect of dermatological laser procedures .
Non-invasive anaesthetic drugs and anaesthetic procedures can be used to provide pain relief and increase patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy .
However , it remains unclear which method provides the best pain relief .
The objective of this systematic review was therefore to assess the efficacy and safety of non-invasive anaesthetic methods during dermatological laser procedures .
Thirty‐Minute Application of the S‐Caine Peel Prior to Nonablative Laser Treatment
BACKGROUND Advancements in nonablative laser technology necessitate concurrent developments in topical anesthesia , as patients have reported varying degrees of discomfort during these procedures . Although topical anesthetics have proven efficacious , they possess inherent limitations related to ease of use . OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of the S-Caine Peel ( ZARS Inc. , Salt Lake City , UT ) , a novel topical anesthetic that dries to form a flexible membrane , for induction of anesthesia after only a 30-minute application period . METHOD Twenty patients received concurrent 30-minute applications of both the S-Caine Peel and a placebo cream r and omized  to the right and left cheeks in a double-blinded manner . After one pass of the 1450-nm diode laser ( Smoothbeam , C and ela Corp. , Wayl and , MA ) , patients ' pain levels were recorded on a visual analog scale ( VAS ) . Both the investigator and an independent observer rated perceived discomfort and immediate skin reaction based on a numerical scale . RESULTS Differences in VAS scores between active sites ( average rating of 15 mm ) and placebo sites ( average rating of 47 mm ) were statistically significant ( P<0.001 ) . A painless procedure was noted at 50 % and 65 % of active sites by the independent observer and investigator , respectively . This was statistically different ( P<0.001 ) from the independent observer and investigator perception of pain-free procedure at the placebo site , 0 % and 5 % , respectively . CONCLUSION The S-Caine Peel provided effective and safe dermal anesthesia after only a 30-minute application period for nonablative laser treatment with the 1450-nm diode laser . The unique vehicle readily delivers anesthetic to contoured regions of the body and eliminates the need for occlusion
In general , active non-invasive anaesthetic methods seemed to provide favourable results compared to placebo or no anaesthesia , and topical anaesthetic drugs and PSF seemed to result in a better pain reduction than skin cooling .
However , the current evidence is insufficient to provide recommendations for daily clinical practice .
Future studies should also evaluate sex differences in pain perception , have uniformity with regard to vali date d pain measurement scales and address clinical ly significant differences in pain reduction besides statistically significant differences
Pain is a common side-effect of dermatological laser procedures .
Non-invasive anaesthetic drugs and anaesthetic procedures can be used to provide pain relief and increase patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy .
However , it remains unclear which method provides the best pain relief .
The objective of this systematic review was therefore to assess the efficacy and safety of non-invasive anaesthetic methods during dermatological laser procedures .