We are excited to offer patients another option for procedural comfort and pain management: PRO-NOX.
PRO-NOX is a combination nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia system, offering rapid onset pain management and anxiety relief. The system provides a fixed 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, self-administered by the patient via inhalation.
The PRO-NOX system is safe and effective while empowering the patient to self-administer as needed for pain and anxiety. Through inhalation, relief is immediate. When finished, the effects clear the body in a matter of minutes. In fact, if you’re seeing us for a non-surgical procedure, you will be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment (unless told otherwise).
PRO-NOX is a safe and non-invasive way to feel more comfortable during laser treatments for the skin, hair, and veins; microneedling; cosmetic injectables; skin biopsies; skin cancer removal and more.
Nitrous Oxide diminishes pain and pain awareness and relaxes feelings of anxiety by triggering the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain. It moves quickly from the lungs to the blood, providing rapid relief after just 2-5 inhalations.
PRO-NOX is safe for most patients who require pain management and/or anxiety relief during their procedures. It can be used in addition to other pain management applications. For patients who cannot use topical or injectable numbing during their procedure, PRO-NOX is another way to ensure comfort.
Some patients, however, should not use PRO-NOX. Contraindications for nitrous-oxide inhalation include pregnancy; hypersensitivity to nitrous oxide; decompression sickness; some ear conditions, like infection or blockages.
If you’ve ever received nitrous-oxide during a dental procedure, then you have experienced the safe use of this inhaled analgesic. The difference is that you’re in control, only breathing in the mixture as needed for pain management and anxiety relief. Nitrous-oxide has been used around the world for decades. It is non-addictive and reduces the need for other pain management options, like pills or injections.
Nitrous-oxide is used safely in hospitals, surgery centers, and even during labor & delivery.
Before we begin, we will provide you with a nose clip. To ensure comfort, we can provide you with gauze between the skin and the clip. This is important to ensure that you’re getting a full dose of N2O when you breathe in.
Next, we will advise you to form a tight seal with your lips around the hose. We will begin by coaching you through a pre-treatment dose. This involves approximately 5-9 deep inhalations, where you will hold your breath for a few seconds and then exhale through the mouthpiece.
Once you feel the effects, we will begin with the procedure, coaching you to stay ahead of the anxiety and pain, inhaling as needed for preventative pain management and anxiety relief.
Some patients report feeling nausea; however, this feeling subsides after taking several deep breaths of fresh air without the PRO-NOX.
There is no preparation necessary prior to using this analgesia system.
After 5-10 minutes of breathing fresh air without any N2O, the effects will subside, allowing you to drive yourself home. Please note that for some of our procedures, we do require that you have a friend or family member bring you in or drive you home. Discuss the requirements for your specific procedure with our providers.
No. We recommend inhaling the mixture only as needed for pain and anxiety relief. It’s important to also breathe normally during your procedure.
At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, we want you to know that you have options. Your safety and comfort are top priorities, and we are here to answer any and all questions you have about your treatment and pain management options. Please reach out to our team for more information or to schedule a consultation.