What is Vasocaine?
Vasocaine is a powerful topical anesthetic spray primarily intended for use on broken skin during pain-sensitive procedures such as tattooing, piercing, and permanent makeup. Its formulation typically includes lidocaine HCl, a local anesthetic, along with a vasoconstrictor like epinephrine or racepinephrine. The combination of these active ingredients serves a dual purpose: the lidocaine provides rapid numbing, while the vasoconstrictor helps reduce swelling and bleeding by constricting blood vessels. Unlike some other numbing products, Vasocaine is not effective on intact skin and must only be applied mid-procedure.
Key ingredients in Vasocaine
- Lidocaine HCl: Acts as the primary numbing agent by blocking nerve signals in the treated area, providing fast-acting pain relief.
- Epinephrine/Racepinephrine: A vasoconstrictor that minimizes swelling and bleeding, which is particularly beneficial during procedures on broken skin. This ingredient requires careful handling.
How to Apply Vasocaine Effectively
Proper application of Vasocaine is critical for ensuring both effectiveness and client safety. This is a product meant for professional use and should be handled with care.
Application procedure
- Perform a Sensitivity Test: Before use, a sensitivity test is advised to check for potential allergic reactions to the product's components.
- Clean and Prepare the Area: Thoroughly clean the skin where the procedure is being performed to remove any oils, lotions, or debris. The skin should be dry before applying the spray.
- Spray Sparingly: Apply a light, even layer of Vasocaine spray to the broken skin area from a distance of a few inches. Avoid oversaturating the area.
- Wait for Anesthetic Effect: Allow the product to work for a short period. The numbing effect is very fast-acting.
- Wipe Off Thoroughly: Always remove the product completely from the skin with a clean tissue or gauze before continuing the procedure.
- Reapply if Necessary: During extended procedures, you may reapply sparingly as needed to maintain the anesthetic effect. However, due to the epinephrine content, it is crucial to use caution with repeat applications in the same area.
Important Safety Warnings for Vasocaine
The FDA has issued specific warnings regarding high-concentration topical anesthetics, including products like Vasocaine, due to safety concerns.
Critical safety precautions
- Methemoglobinemia Risk: Improper use, especially applying large amounts over extensive areas of broken skin, can lead to increased systemic absorption and a rare but serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, headache, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
- For External Use Only: This product is for external, topical use only. It should not be ingested.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Direct contact with the eyes should be avoided at all costs. It is also not recommended for use on the lips for eyeliner procedures.
- Allergic Reactions: Clients should be screened for any history of allergic reactions to topical anesthetics before use.
- Professional Use Only: Some versions of Vasocaine are for licensed professionals only, and shop verification may be required for purchase.
Vasocaine vs. Other Topical Anesthetics
Understanding the differences between Vasocaine and other topical anesthetics helps professionals select the right product for their needs.
| Feature | Vasocaine | Basic Lidocaine Spray/Gel | EMLA® Cream (Lidocaine/Prilocaine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | During procedure, on broken skin | Before or during procedures, on intact or broken skin | Pre-procedure, on intact skin |
| Active Ingredients | Lidocaine + Vasoconstrictor (Epinephrine) | Lidocaine only | Lidocaine + Prilocaine |
| Onset Time | Very fast (fast-acting) | Fast (variable) | Slower |
| Effectiveness on Broken Skin | Yes | Yes | No (intended for intact skin) |
| Constricts Blood Vessels? | Yes, due to epinephrine | No | No (can cause blanching) |
| Reduces Bleeding/Swelling? | Yes | No | No |
| Application Supervision | Crucial, professional use advised | Recommended | Recommended |
Conclusion
Used correctly and by trained professionals, Vasocaine is an effective anesthetic for managing pain, swelling, and bleeding during tattoos, piercings, and other cosmetic procedures. Its fast-acting, broken-skin formulation with a vasoconstrictor provides a valuable tool for enhancing client comfort and procedural efficiency. However, strict adherence to application protocols and critical safety warnings, including avoiding misuse and recognizing the signs of potential adverse reactions, is paramount. Always consult and follow the manufacturer's instructions and be aware of FDA advisories concerning high-concentration topical anesthetics. For more information regarding FDA enforcement actions on high-concentration lidocaine products, refer to the FDA website.
