Ela-Max is a brand name for a cream that contains an anesthetic called lidocaine. To apply, first, clean the area with soap and warm water and gently pat dry. Then rub a thin layer of the cream into the area to be treated. Following this, apply a heavy layer of cream, as thick as icing on a cake, to the same area. This is the approach to achieve maximal anesthetic properties from the Ela-max. The Ela-Max should be applied in the office approximately 30 to 40 minutes prior to the procedure. We dont recommend using the cream on a large surface area such as the legs or back – since it can sometimes be confusing to patients how large of an area they can safely use this numbing cream on.