At AesthetiSpa, patient comfort is a priority. While we don’t perform surgery, some procedures can be a little uncomfortable. We offer topical numbing creams for certain laser and radiofrequency treatments, but some patients need a little more help with anxiety and pain management. As an additional measure of comfort, AesthetiSpa offers PRO-NOX™.
What Is PRO-NOX™?
PRO-NOX™ is a non-invasive, quick onset anxiety and pain management system with a short duration of effect. The PRO-NOX™ system uses nitrous oxide to safely and effectively eliminate anxiety and discomfort. The system is patient-controlled so you control the degree of relief you need when you need it.
PRO-NOX™ can be used with any treatment where the patient is anxious or does not like the sensation of the treatment.
AesthetiSpa patients have used PRO-NOX™ for many procedures such as Thermage, Fraxel DUAL and truSculpt iD with a considerable reduction in discomfort and overall enhanced experience.
How Is PRO-NOX™ Administered?
PRO-NOX™ is self-administered under the supervision of medically trained staff. The patient holds a disposable mouthpiece and slowly breathes in a mixture of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen through the mouthpiece and hose when feeling any anxiety or discomfort. You control the frequency and depth of the inhalations, thus the degree of relief.
PRO-NOX™ has various benefits for the easy relief of anxiety and pain:
- Non-invasive – no oral or IV sedatives
- Patient administers and controls the delivery
- Quick onset – takes effect in seconds for immediate relief
- Takes the edge off some procedures, particularly for patients who are uneasy or have a lower pain threshold
- Short duration – clears the body within minutes
- Patients can drive home afterward
- FDA cleared
Anyone receiving treatment at AesthetiSpa can use PRO-NOX™. Nitrous oxide has been used to calm children in pediatric dentistry for 50 years and in obstetrics to ease the laboring process. More recently, it has successfully expanded into medical aesthetics to help patients manage anxiety and pain. If you have questions or concerns, please speak with your provider prior to using the system.
Nitrous oxide is one of the oldest anesthetics, its first documented use being by a dentist on December 11, 1844. But typically, the percentage used at the dentist is about a 70/30 mix. PRO-NOX™ is only a 50/50 mix, so it is available to just about anyone.
The only people who absolutely should not use PRO-NOX™ to help their anxiety and pain during treatments are those with anemia and/or a vitamin B12 deficiency. Someone who suffers from extreme chronic fatigue (a typical symptom of anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency) is not eligible for PRO-NOX™. Also, women in the first trimester of pregnancy should not have PRO-NOX™.
Other possible contraindications include nasal obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, active cystic fibrosis, recent tympanic membrane surgery, intoxication, among others.
PRO–NOX™ has been safely used throughout the world for anxiety and pain management for decades.
Each patient receives a disposable hose and mouthpiece system for their treatment and each system has an internal on-demand value as an additional infection control measure.
Side effects are rare but can include: dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, and unsteadiness. However, nitrous oxide is metabolized and out of your system within minutes of discontinuing. Therefore, you return to normal activities quickly, including driving.
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Additional FAQs About PRO-NOX™
Nitrous oxide addiction is quite rare. There are cases of dentists and anesthesiologists becoming addicted, but that is a product of proximity rather than addictiveness of the substance. Nitrous oxide is not a controlled substance.
Plus, you need to remember that PRO-NOX™ uses a much lower amount of nitrous oxide than any dentist. This is a safe, effective, non-addicting way to help you relax during treatments at AesthetiSpa.
No preparation is necessary. You don’t have to limit food or anything prior to your appointment at AesthetiSpa.
That’s one of the remarkable things about PRO-NOX™ — it takes effect almost immediately upon inhaling the nitrous oxide mix, and it wears off in just five minutes or so. And it wears off completely, allowing patients to drive themselves home afterwards. There isn’t any recovery after the nitrous wears off.
Compared with oral and IV sedatives, the advantage of nitrous oxide is that the calming effects occur rapidly and dissipate within about 5 minutes after the completion of treatment. Unlike oral sedatives and IVs, patients can return immediately to normal activities, including driving, when they use PRO-NOX™.
PRO-NOX™ is only partially the same as laughing gas, at least as it is used in dentists’ offices. Nitrous oxide at the dentist uses a mix of up to 70 percent nitrous oxide and as low as 30 percent oxygen. Plus, nitrous oxide/laughing gas at the dentist is delivered through a mask, and the patient doesn’t have any control.
Want To Know More? Contact Us.
If you’re interested in learning more about PRO-NOX™ please contact us for a consultation at 843-849-9925 or fill out our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
