Tech Talk #38: A Guide to Topical Anaesthetics Supplies

An Update on Topical Anaesthetics Supplies 2024

We have seen an increase in inquiries about sourcing topical anaesthetics in Australia for cosmetic tattoo procedures. Time for an update!

It's been a couple of years since we did an update on Topical Aesthetics (just over 6 years actually!) when we released our Tech Talk #13.

In this tech talk we will discuss:

• Finding a formulation that works
• Topical anaesthetic that's formulated for PMU
• Process of ordering topical anaesthetic (easy for you & your client!)

Finding a formulation that works

You probably know that anything less than 5% anaesthetic doesn’t work well enough for cosmetic tattooing (e.g., Emla and Numit cream that are available over the counter). Anything over 10% anaesthetic needs a doctor’s prescription, but 10% is usually perfect, if well formulated.

Between 5 and 10% is only available via a Compounding Pharmacy. They custom make the ‘medicine’ (anaesthetic) for the ‘patient’ (your client).

There’s a lot more to a topical anaesthetic than being a white cream or gel. The anaesthetic needs to get to the nerve endings to stop the pain, and that all about the “delivery system”. The diagram below comes from the THink Aesthetics' short anaesthetics course on topical anaesthetics and how they work. Explain anaesthetics to your clients with confidence!

How anaesthetic reaches the nerves: Image courtesy of Dove Medical Press

Topical anaesthetic that's formulated for PMU

Developed in conjunction with Think Aesthetics, Keperra Compounding Pharmacy supplies topical anaesthetic creams and gels to cosmetic tattooists around Australia. The numbing cream (for pre-numb) and numbing gel (for in-treatment use) both have 6% Lidocaine and 4% Tetracaine (a bit lower for eyeliner). For the gel (when you’ve penetrated the skin) you need epinephrine in the mix to minimise bleeding (typically 0.1%).

Even with the same anaesthetics, not all topical anaesthetics are made equal! Even if you use this ‘recipe’, the results will depend a lot on the quality and form of the anaesthetic used, the base cream/gel, the pH and so on.

Keperra Compounding Pharmacy has refined the experience for both cosmetic tattoo technicians and clients – from the formulation, to having it ready for the appointment! P.S. This is not sponsored – we just value having a reliable supplier to recommend, that has put in the work to make numbing for cosmetic tattooing a ‘pain-free’ experience.

KCP Owner, Tahnee Simpson

Client-ready topical anaesthetic pack from KCP

Process of ordering topical anaesthetic (easy for you & your client!)

To receive topical anaesthetics for your clients from Keperra Compounding Pharmacy (KCP) you need to:

• Register your clinic with the Keperra Compounding Pharmacy
• You receive a link for your client to complete which is sent directly to the pharmacy
• Keperra Compounding Pharmacy checks for allergies or other contraindications and ensures the topical anaesthetics are safe to provide
• Your client pays Keperra Compounding Pharmacy directly (legal requirement in Australia)
• The topical anaesthetic and gel are then delivered to your registered clinic or salon ready for the client’s treatment.

Easy.

Made it this far? We also discuss regulation, education and all keeping things legal on our anaesthetic supply breakdown, as well as in our topical anaesthetic short course that offers in-depth information + a certificate.

For further information please contact THink on (07) 3300 0465 or at info@mbccosmetictattoo.com.au