What Is ProNox? All About Nitrous Oxide Pain Management
Considering Botox, dermal fillers, a medical tattoo, laser skin resurfacing, or piercings? Then you’ve no doubt wondered just how much discomfort you’ll experience. And even if you’ve already had these types of aesthetic treatments in the past, the thought of pain or needles may induce considerable anxiety. At Medical Tattoo Centers of America, we have fantastic news.
Whether you’re planning your first treatment or your twentieth, you now have the option of taking total control over your discomfort and anxiety levels with ProNox. This self-administered, safe, and super-convenient anesthetic can make any cosmetic procedure a more comfortable experience.
How does it work? We’re sharing everything you need to know below.
What Is ProNox?
ProNox is an innovative, self-administered nitrous oxide (laughing gas) anesthetic system that’s designed to help reduce the anxiety and discomfort that may occur during a wide variety of aesthetic procedures. If you’re not totally comfortable with needles, lasers, or pain in general, you can request to have the ProNox anesthetic added to your procedure.
What Can You Use ProNox For?
You can add it to any treatment procedure! Whether you get anxious at the thought of needles or hate the thought of sitting through pain throughout your treatment, you can add ProNox to any treatment service for an additional $50.
How Does ProNox Work?
The ProNox anesthetic system features a mouthpiece that puts you, the patient, in total control of the amount of nitrous oxide you use.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) blocks neurotransmitters that stimulate an anxiety response, so it helps minimize any anxiety you might normally experience around needles, or during a procedure that naturally causes some discomfort. N2O also modulates the body’s pain response by stimulating specific receptors in the brain. Here’s how it works:
● Simply breathe through the ProNox mouthpiece if you’re feeling anxious or experiencing more discomfort than you’re okay with. The system delivers a 50/50 ratio of nitrous oxide and oxygen to help reduce anxiety and pain while keeping you awake and totally aware.
● ProNox anesthetic immediately takes effect, so you can use it right before the treatment begins or you can wait to see if you need it when your procedure is already underway. If you do, you can use ProNox even while the treatment is happening.
● ProNox leaves your system completely within a few minutes, so you can drive and return to work shortly after your procedure is complete.
Does ProNox Eliminate All Discomfort?
Nitrous oxide does have an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect, but it doesn’t necessarily replace a local anesthetic. Every patient’s pain tolerance is different, so we may choose to incorporate a topical anesthetic like lidocaine in addition to ProNox, depending on individual need.
Does ProNox Have Any Side Effects or Risks?
Nitrous oxide has been used in clinical dentistry since the early 1840s for pain and anxiety relief. It’s widely considered safe, and because it wears off within minutes after inhalation ceases, you can still drive, go back to work, or return to your normal daily activities.
The most common reported side effects of nitrous oxide use are headaches and nausea. Other potential side effects include:
● Shivering
● Excessive sweating
● Fatigue
Some people may have an allergic reaction to N2O, but it’s not common. If you’re considering using ProNox during your treatment, be sure to mention this to your provider during your pre-treatment consultation. You and your provider will discuss all potential side effects and risks during your consult.
Ask Us About ProNox at Your Free Consultation!
Looking to get a medical tattoo, any type of piercing, skin resurfacing, or dermal fillers? Schedule a free consultation to learn about your options, and don’t forget to ask us about ProNox while you’re here! At Medical Tattoo Centers of America, patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality have always been our top priorities, and our medically licensed providers are committed to your total satisfaction.
To learn more about your treatment options with our team, please call our Blaine, MN office today at 612-770-0000 or request a free consultation online, and we’ll get in touch!