What is Carboxytherapy?

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Carboxytherapy: Applications in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine

Carboxytherapy is a minimally invasive procedure involving the subcutaneous or intradermal injection of sterile, purified carbon dioxide (CO2) gas for therapeutic purposes in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. 1

Mechanism of Action

Carboxytherapy works through several physiological mechanisms:

  • Bohr Effect: CO2 shifts the hemoglobin dissociation curve, improving oxygen release to tissues 2
  • Vasodilation: Causes local blood vessel dilation, increasing blood flow to treated areas 3
  • Neoangiogenesis: Stimulates formation of new blood vessels 3
  • Collagen Reorganization: Promotes collagen remodeling in the dermis 1
  • Lipolysis: Breaks down localized fat deposits 4
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces inflammation in treated tissues 3

Clinical Applications

Aesthetic Dermatology

  • Skin Rejuvenation/Anti-aging: Improves skin texture, elasticity, and reduces fine lines 2
  • Cellulite: Reduces appearance of cellulite through improved microcirculation and fat metabolism 5
  • Localized Fat Deposits: Helps reduce stubborn fat areas through lipolysis 1
  • Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks): Improves appearance through collagen remodeling 1
  • Infraorbital Hyperpigmentation: Reduces dark circles under eyes 1

Medical Dermatology

  • Scars: Improves appearance of atrophic and hypertrophic scars 4
  • Hair Loss: Used in androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata 1
  • Skin Disorders: Shows benefits in psoriasis, morphea, and vitiligo 1
  • Chronic Wounds: Enhances healing in diabetic wounds 2
  • Lymphedema: Improves lymphatic drainage 1

Treatment Protocol

The typical carboxytherapy protocol includes:

  • Administration: Intradermal or subcutaneous microinjections of sterile CO2 1
  • Session Duration: 15-30 minutes per session
  • Treatment Course: Usually 6-10 sessions
  • Interval: Sessions typically spaced 1-2 weeks apart 5
  • Maintenance: Follow-up sessions every 3-6 months

Efficacy and Evidence

Research demonstrates carboxytherapy's effectiveness in several conditions:

  • Cellulite: A pilot study showed significant reduction from grade III to grade II cellulite after 8 weekly sessions, confirmed by ultrasound imaging 5
  • Skin Rejuvenation: Multiple studies confirm its effectiveness as an anti-aging treatment 2
  • Fat Reduction: Shows promising results for localized fat deposits 1

Safety Profile

Carboxytherapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Temporary pain during injection, erythema, bruising
  • Rare Complications: Emphysema, inadvertent lipolysis in unintended areas 4
  • Contraindications: Pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension, recent surgery, acute infection, severe respiratory or cardiac conditions

Advantages Over Other Treatments

  • Minimally invasive: No surgery required
  • Low downtime: Patients can resume normal activities immediately
  • Cost-effective: Compared to many other aesthetic procedures
  • Versatile: Treats multiple conditions with the same technique
  • Natural process: Works by enhancing the body's physiological responses 3

Clinical Considerations

  • Results are typically progressive and cumulative over multiple sessions
  • Best results often seen when combined with other modalities (e.g., microneedling, radiofrequency)
  • Patient selection is important - not all conditions respond equally well
  • Proper technique and equipment are essential for safety and efficacy

Carboxytherapy represents an innovative approach in aesthetic and medical dermatology with growing evidence supporting its use across multiple applications. Its physiological mechanisms make it particularly valuable for conditions involving microcirculation impairment, collagen deficiency, or localized fat accumulation.

References

1
Research

An overview of the role of carboxytherapy in dermatology.

Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2023

2
Research

Carboxytherapy in Dermatologic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives-A Systematic Review.

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 2025

3
Research

[Carboxytherapy - an innovative trend in resort medicine].

Voprosy kurortologii, fizioterapii, i lechebnoi fizicheskoi kultury, 2018

4
Research

Carboxytherapy in dermatology.

Clinics in dermatology, 2022

5
Research

Effectiveness of carboxytherapy in the treatment of cellulite in healthy women: a pilot study.

Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 2016

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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