What is a Facial Nerve Block?
Facial nerve blocks are an important tool in the field of aesthetics. They are used to numb specific areas of the face, making it possible to perform procedures without causing discomfort to the patient.
You may have heard of adding a facial nerve block to your aesthetic procedures, but just what is it? In our blog post, we will explore what a facial nerve block is, how it works, and how it is used in aesthetic procedures.
What is a Facial Nerve Block?
A facial nerve block is a type of local anesthesia that is used to numb specific areas of the face. This is achieved by injecting an anesthetic into the nerves that innervate the area. The facial nerve is responsible for the movements of the muscles of the face, as well as providing sensation to the skin of the face. Therefore, by blocking the facial nerve, it is possible to numb the area, making it possible to perform procedures without causing discomfort. Facial nerve blocks are typically performed with a combination of local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, and epinephrine. Epinephrine is added to the local anesthetic to prolong its effects and to help control bleeding during the procedure.
How is a Facial Nerve Block Performed?
There are several different techniques that can be used to perform a facial nerve block, including the use of surface landmarks, ultrasound guidance, or a combination of both.
The surface landmark technique involves identifying specific bony landmarks on the face and injecting the anesthetic into the nerves that are located in the vicinity of these landmarks. This technique is typically used for procedures on the upper and lower eyelids, as well as the nose and upper lip.
Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are becoming more common in the field of aesthetic procedures. This technique involves using an ultrasound machine to visualize the nerves and inject the anesthetic directly into the nerve. This allows for more precise placement of the anesthetic and can help to minimize the risk of complications.
Facial nerve blocks are a critical component in the field of aesthetic procedures. They are used to numb specific areas of the face, making it possible for cosmetic surgeons to perform procedures without causing discomfort to the patient.
History of nerve blocks
The use of nerve blocks in aesthetics is a relatively recent development. The idea behind a nerve block is to numb a specific area of the face before a cosmetic procedure to minimize discomfort and prevent involuntary muscle movement. While the use of local anesthesia in medicine dates back to the late 1800s, it wasn't until the mid-1900s that it began to be used in the field of plastic surgery. In the 1970s, Dr. Leonard Hochstein, a plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida, began using nerve blocks to help his patients manage pain and discomfort during cosmetic procedures.
Over time, the use of nerve blocks in aesthetics has become more common, particularly for procedures like injectable fillers and Botox. Nerve blocks are often used in conjunction with other pain management techniques, such as ice packs and topical anesthetics. Today, nerve blocks are considered a safe and effective way to manage pain and discomfort during cosmetic procedures. They can be performed quickly and easily in a doctor's office or med spa setting, and the benefits can last for several hours.
Morpheus8
Facial nerve blocks are an important part of many aesthetic procedures, including Morpheus8 treatments. Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin. The procedure can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Morpheus8 treatments can be performed using a facial nerve block to numb the area being treated.
Morpheus8 treatments are often combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections or dermal filler injections, to achieve the best possible results. The use of a facial nerve block can help to minimize discomfort during these procedures, making them more tolerable for the patient.
There are many benefits to using facial nerve blocks in Morpheus8 treatments. Some of the key benefits include:
Minimizing Discomfort: Morpheus8 treatments can be uncomfortable, especially for patients who are sensitive to pain. The use of a facial nerve block can help to minimize discomfort during the procedure, making it more tolerable for the patient.
Improving Safety: By numbing the area being treated, the risk of injury or damage to surrounding tissues is reduced. This can help to improve the safety of the procedure.
Improving Results: By using a facial nerve block to numb the area being treated, the surgeon is able to focus on delivering the treatment with precision, which can help to improve the results of the procedure.
Botox Injections
Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available today. Botox is a brand name for a type of botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxic protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into the muscles of the face, Botox can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Botox injections are typically performed using a facial nerve block to numb the area, making the procedure more comfortable for the patient. The facial nerve block is typically performed using a combination of local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, and epinephrine.
Once the area has been numbed, the cosmetic surgeon will inject the Botox into the targeted muscles. The Botox works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for triggering muscle contractions. By blocking the release of acetylcholine, the muscles are unable to contract, which results in a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Dermal Filler Injections
Dermal fillers are another popular cosmetic treatment that is used to add volume to the face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Unlike Botox, which works by blocking muscle contractions, dermal fillers work by adding volume to the face, which can help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
Dermal filler injections are typically performed using a facial nerve block to numb the area. The facial nerve block is typically performed using a combination of local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, and epinephrine.
Once the area has been numbed, the cosmetic surgeon will inject the dermal filler into the targeted areas of the face. The most common areas for dermal filler injections include the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and lips.
There are many different types of dermal fillers available today, each with its own unique set of properties and benefits. Some of the most popular types of dermal fillers include hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, and poly-L-lactic acid fillers.
Facelift
A facelift is a surgical procedure that is used to tighten the skin of the face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. A facelift is typically performed under general anesthesia, but a facial nerve block may be used to numb the area before the surgery.
The facial nerve block is typically performed using a combination of local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, and epinephrine. Once the area has been numbed, the cosmetic surgeon will make incisions in the skin and remove excess tissue. The remaining skin is then pulled tight, and the incisions are closed using sutures.
A facelift can be a very effective way to rejuvenate the appearance of the face, but it is a more invasive procedure than Botox or dermal filler injections. As such, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon who can help you to achieve the best possible results.
In conclusion, facial nerve blocks are an important part of many aesthetic procedures, including Morpheus8 treatments. The use of a facial nerve block can help to minimize discomfort, improve safety, and enhance the results of the procedure! Many providers and patients alike appreciate the benefits of nerve blocks, including increased comfort during procedures and improved treatment outcomes due to reduced muscle movement. In a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, researchers found that supraorbital nerve blocks were an effective method of pain relief in periocular cosmetic procedures. The study reviewed 15 randomized controlled trials and concluded that nerve blocks were a safe and effective way to manage pain during cosmetic treatments.
Sources:
Liu D, Su L, Han Z, Li Y. Efficacy of a supraorbital nerve block for pain relief in periocular cosmetic procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13: 393-400. doi:10.2147/CCID.S255563
Shah AR, Bhatt N, Hester N, Noland M, White LE. The use of facial nerve blocks in cosmetic facial surgery: a systematic review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;139(1):195-202. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000002898
Hochstein L. Nerve blocks in plastic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1976;57(6):775-779. doi:10.1097/00006534-197606000-00010
