Vibration-Assisted Anesthesia Reduces Pain in Dermatologic Procedures: A Split-Lesion Study

BACKGROUND Vibration-assisted anesthesia, grounded in the gate control theory, offers a nonpharmacologic alternative to reduce pain; however, real-world dermatologic data remain sparse. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a novel wearable vibrating kinetic anesthesia (VKA) device in reducing pain during dermatologic procedures, using a split-lesion, intrapatient-controlled design. METHODS In this prospective observational study, 629 patients underwent dermatologic procedures. Each patient received the same procedure on 2 comparable sites, one with and one without VKA. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Modified Verbal Rating Scale (MVRS). Composite clinical success was defined as a ≥2-point reduction in both VAS and NRS along with a stated preference for VKA. RESULTS Use of VKA resulted in significant pain reduction: mean ΔVAS = 2.61 (95% CI: 2.46–2.76, p < .001), ΔNRS = 2.44 (95% CI: 2.30–2.58, p < .001). Effect sizes were large (Cohen's d > 1.0), and composite success was achieved in 81.5% of procedures. Patients preferred VKA in 94.6% of cases. Verbal descriptors shifted from “stabbing” and “burning” to “dull” and “prickling.” Procedure type and baseline VAS score were significant predictors of response. CONCLUSION Vibration-assisted anesthesia significantly reduces procedural pain and improves patient experience in dermatology.