[Comparison of two modified lidocaine solutions for local anesthesia in blepharoplasty].

PURPOSE To compare pain on injection of two modified anesthetic lidocaine solutions for use in upper blepharoplasty: 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, and 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine buffered 9:1 with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. METHODS In this prospective, double-masked study, 25 consecutive patients undergoing upper blepharoplasty were submitted to the anesthesic procedure. Each eyelid received one of two modified lidocaine solutions. Heart rate, systemic arterial pressure and oxygen saturation level were obtained before, during and after injection of two different anesthetic solutions. Patients used a 4-point scale to rate the perceived pain on injection. RESULTS All parameters were statistically analyzed and there was a significant difference in heart rate and oxygen saturation level. CONCLUSION Pain on injection of eyelid anesthesia does not differ significantly with either buffered or unmodified lidocaine solutions.