Pain Management & Local Anesthesia

Pro-Nox

Have you ever been a little worried about pain management during minor cosmetic procedures? If you have been hesitant or anxious about cosmetic procedures, we may have found the perfect solution for you! Associated Plastic Surgeons has added the option of Pro-Nox to make many procedures more comfortable for you. The Pro-Nox is a nitrous oxide delivery system in a pneumatically driven gas mixture of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide to deliver patient-controlled pain control throughout the procedure. That is right, the same nitrous oxide that has been used in dentist offices for years has now become a popular option for cosmetic procedures!

 

How Does It Work?

The gas is inhaled through the mouth and takes effect almost immediately. The amount of Pro-Nox required varies by patient, but this is what makes the self-administered system so great for our patients. After about 3-4 deep breaths, you will feel a euphoric feeling that will melt away anxiety and reduce pain even further in combination with local anesthesia. Patients can use Pro-Nox for the duration of any procedure and have a speedy recovery allowing them to drive to and from their procedure!

Is It Safe?

Pro-Nox is completely safe. With minimal user controls and enhanced safety features, our Pro-Nox delivery system is the safest nitrous oxide mixer available. The face mask and tubing have a one-way valve and are replaced after every patient. We also test all patients using the Pro-Nox for COVID-19 and have a viral filter on the machine to make sure it’s completely safe. The effects are short-term, lasting about 10 minutes or so after the procedure if used continuously throughout the procedure. Patients with pre-existing respiratory illnesses or conditions should talk to the surgeon about precautions using Pro-Nox.

Important contraindications include:

  • Hypersensitivity to nitrous oxide mixtures
  • Head injuries with impaired consciousness
  • Maxillofacial injuries
  • Artificial, traumatic, or spontaneous pneumothorax
  • Air embolism
  • Middle ear occlusion, ear infection
  • Eye Surgery with intra-ocular gas injection within the last 6 weeks
  • Decompression sickness
  • Severe abdominal distension secondary to intra-abdominal air / intestinal obstruction
  • Inability of the patient to follow directions
  • Inability of the patient to hold their own delivery device (mouthpiece or mask)

What Is the Cost?

Use of Pro-Nox starts at $50 for the first hour of a procedure. After the first hour, it will be $25 per additional hour. We charge in increments of a full hour only.