Many people express fear of pain before inquiring about laser tattoo removal procedures. As a result, there's a growing number of questions about whether sleep anesthesia is available.
However, with sleep anesthesia, it can be difficult for medical staff to communicate with the patient during the procedure, which could lead to issues like laser burns. For those who give up on removal midway due to pain, our clinic offers non-sleep low-pain nitrous oxide anesthesia.
Where has this method been used?
This anesthesia method has been widely used in dental treatments, pediatrics, birthing centers, and simple procedures. It is a safe method approved by the U.S. FDA.
By holding a mouthpiece in your mouth and breathing slowly, oxygen and nitrous oxide are delivered into your body.
While you remain conscious without sleep induction, it minimizes pain and reduces anxiety during the procedure, keeping you in a calm state.
Is fasting required?
Unlike sleep anesthesia, there is no need to fast from the evening before. However, some individuals may experience discomfort if nitrous oxide anesthesia is administered immediately after a meal.
If you wish to have nitrous oxide anesthesia with your procedure, it is generally best to fast for a few hours before your visit.
Can I drive immediately after?
Yes, you can. After the procedure, you will naturally wake up from the anesthesia right away, so you can drive without difficulty.
What to do after anesthesia
Some individuals may experience dizziness or headaches after anesthesia.
- If headaches persist, take Tylenol after returning home.
- Drink water more frequently than usual.
- Get sufficient rest.
| Item | Sleep Anesthesia | Non-Sleep Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia |
|---|---|---|
| Consciousness | None | Awake |
| Communication during procedure | Difficult | Possible |
| Fasting | From the evening before | A few hours before visit |
| After procedure | Recovery time needed | Wakes up immediately, can drive the same day |
If you've been postponing due to pain
With non-sleep low-pain nitrous oxide anesthesia, pain can be reduced, and tattoo removal can be performed more precisely. The perceived level of pain may vary by individual.
Procedure details are organized in R-Zero Pico-Frectat Tattoo Removal and Pinhole for Burn & Surgical Scar, and the overall treatment flow is summarized in Tattoo Removal Treatment Guide. For anesthesia consultation, please inquire via chat now.
Authored and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kang Jin-Moon, Chief Director (Dermatologist) Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine · Dermatology Resident at Severance Hospital Former Professor at Bundang CHA Hospital · Member of the Korean Society for Medical Lasers View Medical Staff Profile
First Published 2024-01-11 · Last Reviewed 2026-07-29
This article contains general medical information and does not substitute for individual diagnosis and treatment. Results and recovery progress may vary by individual.