Achieving Beauty Should Not Be Painful

Is fear of pain keeping you away from getting the aesthetic treatments and procedures you want? If so, you are not alone. One of the most common concerns for patients before trying a new aesthetic treatment or service is: will it hurt?

Most treatments don’t hurt. With some, like Botox® Cosmetic injections, you might feel a pinch. Still, you might be a bit scared or anxious, or maybe you just have a low tolerance for any pain. There are many options out there to ease the discomfort during treatments, such as ice, topical creams, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), anesthesia, and numbing injections. However, these methods are not always practical or effective. Another very safe option for pain relief during aesthetic treatments is nitrous oxide.

You may think of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as something given to kids at the dental office to help reduce pain and anxiety (who’s not afraid of the dentist!), but did you know that it is becoming popular with aesthetic treatments? In fact, we have now started to offer PRO-NOX™, a patient-controlled Inhaled analgesia.

How does nitrous oxide work?

Nitrous oxide works by increasing endorphins, dopamine, and other natural opioids in the brain, while also decreasing the release of cortisol. In other words, it releases hormones that stimulate the pleasure center in the brain, causing an analgesic effect while also decreasing anxiety and lowering stress hormones.

The gas is inhaled and exhaled through a plastic mouthpiece. The amount of gas inhaled is completely controlled by the patient. The effects are felt in less than 20 seconds and last for about 5 minutes. The patient is awake, comfortable and able to cooperate during the entire procedure, and able to drive themselves after.

Is nitrous oxide safe?

Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that, when breathed in, helps people relax. However, the treatment is not advised for patients with pulmonary diseases.

Inhaled nitrous oxide has been used for pain relief for more than 100 years. One of its first uses was to help alleviate pain during childbirth, and today it is still used safely for pain relief during labor and delivery.

What does recovery look like?

Patient recovery is fast. The effects of nitrous oxide only last a few minutes. Patients can drive on their own after just 10 to 15 minutes.

What are you waiting for?

Don’t let the anxiety of undergoing an aesthetic procedure keep you from putting your best self forward. The goal of all of our aesthetic treatments is to be as effective as possible, while being relaxed and comfortable. To this end, Aesthetic Skin & Laser Center offers nitrous oxide as a comfort enhancing option for our patients.