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Skin improvement, anti-aging, and cosmetic enhancement procedures can greatly improve your confidence. But, anxiety about pain during procedures may make you hesitant about taking the next step in your dream dermatology treatment plan.
At Apex Dermatology, Dr. Karin Harp, MD, FAAD, FASDS, Dr. Aria Vazirnia FAAD, Kristin Rupert PA-C, Sherri Anderson PA-C, Mary Hanna BC-NP. Lani Keene LE, Riley McCarthy RN, and the team are deeply experienced in patient care and contemporary aesthetics.
For patients concerned about pain or anxiety, we offer Pro-Nox™ during treatment at our Westlake Village, California office. We want all our patients to have full access to our treatments and therapies. Pro-Nox is one of the ways we seek to ensure an optimized experience for everyone we treat.
Is Pro-Nox right for you? Here are three major benefits of this pain and anxiety management tool.
When you’re afraid of pain, the anticipation of lack of control is one of the worst parts of the experience. You know that over-the-counter pain medications may not take effect quickly enough to provide the relief that you could potentially need.
That makes it more difficult to move forward with wanted cosmetic, anti-aging, or dermatology procedures like microneedling, radio-frequency microneedling, or resurfacing lasers that could involve some discomfort.
The 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide mixture in Pro-Nox, FDA-approved for analgesia, works after just a few seconds. You hold your own comfort breathing tube and breathe the safe, soothing mixture as you see fit. It is easy, safe, and gives you relaxation and resilience to be able to enjoy any service you wish. With Pro-Nox, you can get pain and stress under control fast, inhaling as soon as you feel like you need to in order to remain comfortable.
Pro-Nox puts you in control of your own pain and anxiety management. When you control your inhaled analgesia in the office, you gain confidence and independence. Think about how much more confident you’ll be after completing procedures with the support of Pro-Nox.
You won’t need to struggle to communicate your comfort adjustment needs in the middle of treatment since Pro-Nox puts you in the driver’s seat. This added bit of control may be exactly what you need to allow you to push past anxieties around desired treatments and procedures.
If a person wants less of the calming flow, they can breathe more room air. If you want more relaxation, you can breathe from the simple mouthpiece. It wears off to be able to stand in 5 minutes, and it is safe to drive in 10 minutes. This versatile service has been used in pediatrics, dentistry, OB, urgent care, emergency medicine, plastics, and dermatology, and it has excellent outcomes for a wide variety of ages and services.
Have you ever seen viral videos of people recovering from anesthesia after surgery and being unable to focus? You might not want to be that significantly impaired. The good news is it’s unnecessary to worry about the lingering effects of Pro-Nox affecting you in the same way.
Pro-Nox doesn’t put you to sleep. And it clears your system almost as rapidly as it takes effect. You won’t need to get anyone to drive you home after appointments at Apex Dermatology if you opt to include Pro-Nox with your treatments. You’re steady and fully ready to drive yourself away by your appointment’s end.
If these benefits of Pro-Nox sound attractive to you, talk to Dr. Harp, Dr. Aria, Kristin, Mary, Sherri, Riley, Lani, and the Apex Dermatology team about the role this pain and stress relief tool could play in your treatment. Call now or go online to schedule your initial consultation appointment to get started.
Dr. Karin Harp, MD, FAAD, is a distinguished board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Apex Dermatology in Westlake Village, California. With years of experience, she excels in skincare and aesthetics, offering treatments like body contouring and laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Harp is adept at managing complex skin conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis and performs surgical procedures, including Mohs micrographic surgery. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine, she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She is affiliated with esteemed organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology, ensuring her practice remains at the forefront of dermatological care. Dr. Tateoka’s philosophy centers on creating customized treatment plans tailored to individual needs, fostering positive self-confidence, and promoting overall well-being. Her commitment to innovation, personalized care, and lifelong learning makes her a trusted provider for those seeking transformative health and aesthetic solutions.
Dr. Aria Vazirnia, MD, FAAD, is a highly respected board-certified dermatologist with a focus on medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. A Harvard-trained expert, he excels in minimally invasive procedures such as laser treatments, injectables, and body contouring. Dr. Aria completed his medical degree and dermatology residency at UC San Diego School of Medicine, where he also earned a master’s in clinical research. He is an active member of the California Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, reflecting his dedication to advancing dermatological care and patient well-being.
Dr. Nikki Tang, MD, FAAD, FACMS, is a respected double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon based in Westlake Village, CA. With extensive training from Brown University and Mount Sinai Hospital, Dr. Tang specializes in the surgical treatment of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Her expertise in Mohs surgery and complex wound reconstruction is backed by her role as former Director of Cutaneous Surgery and Oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. A fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery, Dr. Tang is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care with excellent outcomes.
Dr. Zoë Smith, MD, is a compassionate and skilled dermatologist serving the Westlake Village, CA community at Apex Dermatology. She earned her medical degree from Wayne State School of Medicine in Detroit and completed her dermatology residency at UCLA. Dr. Zoë has authored numerous articles on hair loss, skin cancer, and autoimmune conditions, showcasing her expertise. Her research includes work at the NIH and an externship at Harvard Medical School. A leader in her field, she is recognized for her warm approach to patient care and her commitment to volunteering with children who have skin conditions.
Mary Hanna, NP-BC, is a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner based in Westlake Village, CA, at Apex Dermatology. With a Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, affiliated with Harvard, Mary is nationally Board-Certified by the ANCC. Her expertise in dermatology was honed during a prestigious clinical rotation at Boston Medical Center. Mary excels in laser resurfacing, body contouring, and injectables and is dedicated to educating her patients. Her compassionate approach ensures patients feel empowered in their healthcare, enhancing their overall well-being. Mary is a trusted provider, committed to delivering exceptional care.
Alexandra Woodruff, PA-C, is a compassionate Certified Physician Assistant at Apex Dermatology in Westlake Village, CA. Her journey into dermatology began in high school, inspired by her own experiences with hormonal acne. Since 2016, Alexandra has been dedicated to understanding the connection between metabolic health and skin conditions. She holds a master’s degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. As a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and the California Dermatology PA Society, Alexandra is committed to providing exceptional patient care.
Lani Keene, a licensed aesthetician in Westlake Village, CA, has been enhancing skin health since 1998. With over 25 years of experience in both medical and holistic skincare, she offers personalized treatments that deliver outstanding results. At Apex Dermatology, Lani is renowned for her gentle touch and warm demeanor, making her a top choice for those dealing with sunspots, acne, and fine lines. Her dedication to individualized care and extensive expertise make her a trusted professional in aesthetics, helping clients achieve their best looks and feel confident.
Sherri Anderson, MSHS, PA-C, is a highly experienced dermatologist with over 15 years of clinical practice. She earned her Master of Science from George Washington University and is board-certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants. Sherri is a respected member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and the California Dermatology PA Society. Her extensive expertise spans dermatology, plastic surgery, and emergency medicine. Known for her warm manner and aesthetic talents, Sherri is dedicated to providing personalized care, ensuring each patient feels valued and receives natural results from cosmetic procedures.
Riley McCarthy, BSN, RN, is a dedicated dermatologist with a unique blend of expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Arizona. Riley is committed to making each patient feel safe and confident in their skin, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment. Her approach combines her extensive knowledge and compassionate care, making her a trusted professional in the field. Riley is passionate about community health and enhancing patient well-being.