What Is the Pro-Nox™ System?
Many people interested in cosmetic treatments have some level of concern about discomfort. No matter your reason for seeking aesthetic enhancement, it’s completely natural to feel a bit anxious or uncertain.
Our Mountain View plastic surgeon prioritizes not only delivering excellent results, but also ensuring your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. For this reason, he offers the Pro-Nox™ system – a safe, patient-directed option designed to reduce anxiety and enhance overall comfort during treatment.
A Patient-Controlled Approach to Comfort
Pro-Nox™ is a unique analgesic system that empowers patients to take an active role in managing their comfort. It delivers a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide (commonly known as “laughing gas”) through a handheld device. The key difference between this system and traditional sedation is control: patients inhale only when they feel the need for relief.
While local anesthetics can effectively block physical pain in many in-office procedures, Pro-Nox™ can complement this by addressing anxiety and emotional discomfort. This can make a significant difference for patients who are apprehensive about needles, sensitive to sensation, or new to aesthetic treatments.
How It Works
The science behind Pro-Nox™ is simple but effective. When a patient inhales the 50/50 oxygen and nitrous oxide mixture, the nitrous oxide quickly interacts with the central nervous system, creating a temporary sense of calm and well-being. Within seconds, most patients report a noticeable decrease in tension and a greater sense of relaxation. Because oxygen is included in the mix, patients stay alert and aware (unlike with deeper forms of sedation).
Once the inhalation stops, the effects should wear off quickly. In most cases, patients can resume their daily routine without any need for recovery time. This often makes it an excellent choice for those who want to remain fully in control during their treatment while still minimizing discomfort.
Why We Offer Pro-Nox™
Every patient has a unique threshold for pain and anxiety, and we believe every treatment plan should be tailored to reflect that. The Pro-Nox™ system can provide a flexible, patient-friendly solution that supports a wide range of procedures, including those performed with only local anesthesia. For many of our patients, this addition can transform the experience from one of apprehension to one of calm, confidence, and control.
Beyond its immediate calming effect, Pro-Nox™ can help reduce the need for oral sedatives or other pre-procedure medications. Because it can clear the body so quickly, it doesn’t interfere with other treatments or require additional downtime. This makes it particularly appealing for individuals with busy lifestyles or for those who may not tolerate stronger medications well.
Is Pro-Nox™ Right for You?
If you’re considering a cosmetic treatment but have hesitated due to fear of discomfort or anxiety about the procedure itself, Pro-Nox™ may provide a great solution. It can be used in a wide range of settings, including injectable treatments, laser skin resurfacing, and even less intensive liposuction procedures.
You may be a good candidate for Pro-Nox™ if you:
- Want to avoid deeper sedation or general anesthesia
- Prefer to recover quickly and return to normal activity
- Have had past anxiety around medical or cosmetic procedures
- Desire a greater sense of control during treatment
- Are looking to complement the numbing effects of local anesthetics
During your consultation, Dr. Ereso will review your medical history, comfort level, and treatment goals to determine whether Pro-Nox™ may be a good fit for your needs.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you choose to include Pro-Nox™ in your procedure, the process is usually very straightforward. Before treatment begins, we’ll provide you with a handheld mouthpiece connected to the Pro-Nox™ unit. You’ll be instructed on how to inhale the gas mixture only when you feel it’s needed. You’re in charge the entire time!
After the procedure, the effects should wear off very quickly (typically within 10 minutes or less). That means you can leave the office without grogginess or the need for extended observation. Most patients can drive themselves home and resume light activity immediately.
Creating a More Comfortable Experience
At Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we’re always looking for ways to improve the patient experience, both in terms of outcomes and how you feel during the process. Pro-Nox™ is one of the tools we offer to help patients feel more relaxed, in control, and comfortable during their care. For many, this small addition makes a big difference in how they experience treatment.
If you’re curious about whether Pro-Nox™ can be added to your upcoming procedure, we invite you to ask about it during your consultation. We’re happy to walk you through what to expect so you feel fully prepared.
