Safe dosages of lidocaine for facial analgesia

A prospective study of serum lidocaine levels in cosmetic facial surgery patients was undertaken. The findings challenge the currently accepted minimal lethal dose (MLD) for lidocaine. Complete simultaneous facial analgesia (CSFA) was accomplished in an average of 15 minutes and the recommended dosage of lidocaine was exceeded by a mean of 52.8%. This study establishes a possible basis for redefining the maximum safe dosage for lidocaine in human subjects.