Definition
Carboxytherapy is a medical-aesthetic technique that involves injecting medical carbon dioxide (CO₂) under the skin using micro-needles. The gas, naturally present in the body, stimulates microcirculation, tissue oxygenation and the production of collagen and elastin.
Main Indications
Carboxytherapy is used on both the face and the body:
- Vascular circles (bluish or dark): Improves microcirculation, reduces dark coloration, gives a more rested look.
- Stretch marks: Stimulates skin regeneration, improves skin suppleness and elasticity, can reduce depth and width of stretch marks (especially recent ones).
- Cellulite & sagging skin: Destroys adipocytes (lipolytic effect) and improves skin tone.
- Scars (acne, post-surgical, traumatic): Promotes regeneration and evens the skin.
- Skin aging: Restores shine and density, stimulates collagen, slows down sagging.
Course of a Session
- Duration: approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
- Subcutaneous injection of CO₂ via a fine needle connected to a device regulating flow and pressure.
- Sensation: slight pressure, tingling or heat (bearable).
- Number of sessions: variable depending on the indication (often 6 to 10 sessions, spaced 1 week to 15 days apart).
Results
- Progressive, visible after a few sessions.
- Improvement of skin texture, elasticity, and coloration.
- Cumulative effects, especially for dark circles and stretch marks.
Post-operative (After Session)
- Immediate resumption of activities.
- Slight redness, swelling, or crackling sensation under the skin (due to gas) → disappears within a few hours.
- Sometimes small bruises (black and blue).
- Recommendations: avoid sun, sauna, hammam, intense sport within 24 hours.
Disadvantages / Side Effects
- Moderate pain possible at the time of injection.
- Transient redness or swelling.
- Small, punctate hematomas.
- Rare: prolonged sensation of heat, discomfort if injection is too deep.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Severe heart or lung disease.
- Severe renal or hepatic failure.
- Coagulation disorders, heavy anticoagulant treatment.
- Skin infections or lesions on the treated area.
- Recent history of vascular accident or embolism.
In summary
Carboxytherapy is a natural, safe, and effective method for improving skin quality and treating dark circles, stretch marks, cellulite, and certain scars. It has few side effects, but requires multiple sessions for optimal results.