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MediCaine compound numbing cream brand markMEDICAINE
LIP BLUSH · EYELINER · SMP · TOUCH-UPS

PERMANENT MAKEUP NUMBING CREAM

One guide for the whole PMU menu: brows, lip blush, eyeliner, scalp micropigmentation and touch-ups. Compound BLT with an approximately 15-minute onset and 2 to 4 hours of working time, plus a benzocaine-free option. For licensed PMU artists and providers.

THE PMU MENU

EVERY SERVICE, ITS OWN RULES

The same compound behaves differently on a brow, a lip and a scalp. Here is what changes from one service to the next.

BROWS

Microblading, nano brows and powder brows: fine strokes in thin skin close to the eye. The microblading guide covers the brow protocol step by step.

LIP BLUSH

The lips are vascular and among the most sensitive PMU areas. Apply to the vermilion only, keep the cream out of the mouth, and plan the session to finish inside the numbing window.

EYELINER

The most delicate PMU area. Work strictly to your protocol for the periocular area, use the smallest effective amount, and never let product get into the eye.

SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION

SMP covers a large area over several sessions. Numb only the zone you will finish that day, never the whole scalp at once, and leave it uncovered while it works.

AREOLA & PARAMEDICAL

Areola repigmentation and scar camouflage after surgery. Work only with the patient's surgical clearance. The tattoo guide covers paramedical work in more depth.

TOUCH-UPS

Only on fully healed skin. Skin that is still healing from the first session is not intact, and the FDA advises against applying topical anesthetics to broken or irritated skin.

PRIMARY VS SECONDARY

TWO STAGES OF PMU NUMBING

PRIMARY: BEFORE THE FIRST PASS

Compound BLT is primary numbing. It goes on clean, intact skin before work begins and comes off completely before the blade or machine touches the client.

SECONDARY: ONCE THE SKIN IS OPEN

After the first pass, many artists switch to a product made for use on open skin, following their protocol and dose limits. BLT is not that product: never re-apply it to open skin mid-procedure.

CHOOSING A TIER

MATCH THE TIER TO THE CLIENT

EVERYDAY STANDARD

PRO

Benzocaine 20% + Lidocaine 10% + Tetracaine 10%. The usual starting point for brows, eyeliner and lip blush.

View Pro →
BENZOCAINE-FREE

ELITE

Lidocaine 30% + Tetracaine 7% for clients who react to benzocaine. Tetracaine is also an ester-type anesthetic, so screen for ester sensitivity in general, not only benzocaine.

View Elite →
LONG APPOINTMENTS

ULTRA

Quad-agent BLT+ with a 3 to 5 hour window, for extended lip work and multi-area appointments.

View Ultra →
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

PMU CLIENT SCREENING

  1. 1

    ASK ABOUT PAST REACTIONS

    Benzocaine and tetracaine are ester-type anesthetics; lidocaine is an amide. A client who has reacted to numbing products before needs a plan agreed with your supervising provider.

  2. 2

    PATCH TEST

    A 24-hour patch test is recommended before facial PMU, especially for lip blush and eyeliner clients.

  3. 3

    CHECK THE SKIN

    Intact skin only. Reschedule over active breakouts, cold sores, irritation or a previous session that has not fully healed.

  4. 4

    DOCUMENT IT

    Record the product, area and application time in the client file, alongside your consent form.

FAQ

PMU NUMBING QUESTIONS

What numbing cream do permanent makeup artists use?+
Many licensed PMU providers use compound BLT (Benzocaine 20% + Lidocaine 10% + Tetracaine 10%) as the primary, pre-procedure numbing cream. It starts working in about 15 minutes and gives 2 to 4 hours of working time. MediCaine Elite is a benzocaine-free option.
How long before lip blush should numbing cream go on?+
About 15 to 20 minutes before you begin, on clean, intact skin, per your protocol. Keep it on the vermilion and out of the mouth, and remove it completely before the first pass.
Can BLT be used once the skin is open?+
No. BLT is primary numbing for intact skin only. Any numbing on open skin during the procedure follows your protocol and uses a product made for that purpose.
Is numbing cream used for scalp micropigmentation?+
Yes, on the zone treated in that session. SMP covers a large area, so numb only what you will finish that day and never cover the scalp with plastic wrap.
Who can order MediCaine for PMU?+
MediCaine is supplied only to licensed providers and dispensed after NPI verification. PMU artists order through their licensed provider or medical director. Call (310) 889-0733 with questions.

NUMBING FOR THE FULL PMU MENU

Compounded fresh per order. NPI verification before the first shipment.

Call to Order · (310) 889-0733