Did you know that carbon dioxide has therapeutic properties? That’s right! This gas is used in carboxytherapy—a procedure that not only combats the signs of skin aging but also offers numerous additional benefits.
The effects of carbon dioxide were first discovered in France in 1930. At local spa resorts, it was observed that patients who bathed in CO2-rich springs experienced improvements in skin conditions and blood circulation. Since then, the procedure has evolved into a popular dermatological treatment. Read on to learn how carboxytherapy works and what positive effects it can have—not just on your skin.Since then, the procedure has evolved into a popular dermatological treatment. Read on to learn how carboxytherapy works and what positive effects it can have—not just on your skin.
What Is Carboxytherapy, or Gas Injections?
Carboxytherapy is an aesthetic dermatological method that harnesses the therapeutic properties of carbon dioxide (CO2). During this procedure, a doctor injects CO2 beneath the skin using gas injections to improve blood circulation, stimulate collagen production, and enhance overall skin appearance.
When carbon dioxide concentration in the skin increases, the body triggers a series of natural processes:
- Vasodilation and improved blood circulation – This reaction enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, which is crucial for tissue health and regeneration. Better circulation also facilitates the removal of metabolic waste.
- Collagen production stimulation – Well-nourished tissues boost the production of collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and a youthful appearance.
- Tissue regeneration support – Carboxytherapy promotes faster healing of the skin, whether it’s stretch marks, scars, or damaged tissue after surgery.
- Fat cell breakdown – The procedure has a lipolytic effect, meaning it can dissolve fat. Increased blood circulation facilitates the breakdown and removal of fat. As a result, carboxytherapy helps eliminate cellulite and fat deposits.
Tip: Carboxytherapy is used to contour problem areas such as the thighs, hips, abdomen, or double chin. However, if you desire a more significant fat reduction, liposuction might be a suitable solution for you. Read about what liposuction is and how different types compare.
What Are the Benefits of the Procedure?
The natural regenerative processes triggered by CO2 injections can lead to numerous positive effects, including:
- Improved skin quality, including reduced dark circles under the eyes and pigmentation spots.
- Firmer skin due to increased collagen and elastin production.
- Reduction of aging signs, such as wrinkle smoothing, skin elasticity restoration, and minimization of other aging indicators.
- Improved appearance of stretch marks and scars.
- Reduction of cellulite and fat deposits in various areas of the body.
- Support for skin healing and regeneration.
Is a Consultation Necessary?
Although carboxytherapy is a minimally invasive method, like any other dermatological procedure, the first step should be a consultation with a doctor. The consultation is essential to assess your health condition and discuss possible risks and expected results. Since this is not a complex procedure, no special preparation is required, allowing for the consultation and treatment to be performed in a single visit.
Tip: Regardless of the aesthetic-dermatological treatment you choose, always carefully select a clinic and a doctor to perform the procedure. Read our article outlining four steps to help you make the best choice.
How Is Carboxytherapy Performed?
Before the procedure, the doctor cleanses the treated skin area. Then, using gas injections, non-toxic carbon dioxide is injected beneath the skin. The amount of CO2 and injection depth depend on the treated area and desired results.
A fine needle is used, so anesthesia is not necessary for the treated area. During the application, you may feel slight discomfort, tingling, or mild burning. These are natural side effects and subside shortly after the treatment.
The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the treated area. However, a single session typically lasts about 20 minutes. The ideal number of sessions is determined by the doctor based on the desired results and the condition of your skin. Typically, the number of sessions ranges from 5 to 10, with intervals of 1–2 times per week.
What does post-treatment care involve?
The aforementioned discomfort typically subsides within a few minutes after the procedure. Small bruises may appear at the treatment site, but they will fade within a few days.
Since this is not an invasive procedure, you can immediately return to your normal activities after the treatment, including exercise and other physically demanding tasks. However, when exposing the treated skin to sunlight, it is recommended to use a high SPF sunscreen.
Tip: If you want to avoid unwanted skin pigmentation, you should protect your skin from sun exposure throughout the entire year. Read all the tips on how to protect your skin during the summer.
Are the results permanent?
The results of carboxytherapy last for approximately 6 months. Since the skin’s aging processes continue after the procedure, the results are not permanent. To maintain the effects of carboxytherapy, we recommend repeating the procedure at regular intervals.
The treatment can also be combined with other skin rejuvenation techniques, such as microneedling or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
What are the contraindications?
Carboxytherapy is a minimally invasive and safe treatment. However, there are situations where this procedure should not be applied due to the risk of complications or worsening of existing health conditions. For this reason, the treatment requires a prior consultation, during which the doctor will rule out any contraindications.
In which situations is carboxytherapy not suitable?
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- In cases of unhealed skin injuries.
- During active inflammatory skin conditions.
- In individuals with serious health conditions.
- In patients diagnosed with cancer.
Is carboxytherapy the right treatment for you?
Do you want to achieve a youthful appearance but are unsure if carboxytherapy is the right procedure for you? Book a non-binding consultation with us. Our experienced specialists will assess your skin condition and select the treatments that are most suitable for you and will bring you the desired results. Whether you have concerns about your face or body, we will find the ideal solution for you.