Pain Management
At Medical Aesthetics & Laser, the premier medspa in The Woodlands, ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of our patients is our top priority. If you are worried about pain or distress during any of the procedures we offer, we proudly offer several options for pain and anxiety relief: topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide (N2O) gas.
For a small extra fee (the exact costs will be given to you in your initial free consultation), we can provide non-addictive and non-irritating anesthetics and nitrous oxide to help manage any pain or anxiety you feel from an injection, laser, BBL, body sculpting, or hormone therapy treatment. Our medical-grade nitrous oxide system allows you to self-administer the gas, breathing in when and as much as you want to precisely control how much pain relief you desire.
Topical Numbing Cream
We provide topical anesthesia in the form of a cream for many of our treatments. This pain management option requires 30-45 minutes to take full effect.
Local anesthetic
Our local anesthetic is injected beneath the skin prior to a procedure to numb the target area.
Nitrous Oxide AKA “laughing gas”
Patients self-administer nitrous oxide gas for quick pain relief and easing of anxiety. We use a 50-50 ratio of nitrous oxide and oxygen to allow you to adequately address any pain or anxiety you feel while also allowing you to drive yourself home after use.
FAQS
Is this the same nitrous oxide I receive at the dentist?
No. Dentists and orthodontists commonly deliver 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen during a dental procedure. At Medical Aesthetics & Laser, we deliver 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen, which is considered an adequate ratio for pain and anxiety relief that still allows you to drive home after your treatment(s).
Will the anesthesia or nitrous oxide put me to sleep?
No. The anesthetics we utilize are topical and local and do not affect an area wider than where it is placed. Additionally, we do not administer 100% nitrous oxide, we use 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. This ratio ensures you get the adequate amount needed for pain and anxiety relief, while also not providing enough gas for full sedative effects.
Are there any after-effects of Medical Aesthetics & Laser's pain management options?
Topical & local anesthetics and nitrous oxide have been used for decades in the medical industry and are considered very safe anxiety and pain management options. There is no risk of overdose, no after effects, and most patients can drive themselves home after their procedure(s).
How fast do the pain management treatments take effect?
Topical and local anesthetics typically work within 10-30 minutes to numb the area they are applied to, with the numbing sensation lasting a few hours. Nitrous oxide effects can be felt within a minute or two and will be completely out of your system within 5-10 minutes of your last inhalation on the mouthpiece.
Is there anyone who cannot receive Nitrous Oxide gas?
Most patients are candidates for pain or anxiety relief with laughing gas. The only major contradictions for use are in patients with MS, emphysema, and some rare chest problems. Additionally, those who are in their first trimester of pregnancy cannot use nitrous oxide as it has not been proven safe.