Carboxytherapy was initially a painful aesthetic treatment , from which other functions of immediate and mediate effect were derived , including some permanently that include the stimulation of production of certain elements in our body.
The following article will address what carboxytherapy is, its functionality, and the side effects that can be triggered.
What is carboxytherapy?
Carboxytherapy is the application of CO2 (carbon dioxide) for therapeutic purposes. It is applied subcutaneously (just under the skin) or percutaneously (through the skin), depending on its purpose.
From there, it spreads through microcirculation , beginning its effects after 30 minutes of application, lasting up to 24 hours and generating permanent changes.
A fine ½-inch 30-gauge needle is used and it is recommended to be applied in large volumes and quickly, since it is a painful process and the slower it is considered the more annoying.
Important: It is not recommended to apply in patients with heart failure, preventing kidney failure, asthma or poorly controlled arterial hypertension.
What is carboxytherapy used for?
Carboxytherapy has a wide application in the body, especially at an aesthetic level. These will be mentioned and described below for your understanding and acknowledgment.
Eliminate localized fat
Carboxytherapy restores circulation , increasing the speed and amount of blood flow, thereby decreasing fluid accumulation and reducing fat concentrations.
Increase oxygenation of blood vessels
As we previously mentioned, the application of CO2 subcutaneously increases blood flow , which oxygenates and increases circulation speed. It works as a response in the area where the treatment has been applied, being described as vasodilation .
Increase collagen production
It favors the production of collagen , which gives an increase in the firmness of the skin. It is then to this property that the capacities are conferred.
Note: It is due to the previously mentioned microcirculation that the formation of new collagen in our body is stimulated. (1)
Reduce cellulite and stretch marks
One of the main applications of carboxytherapy is aimed at reducing cellulite and stretch marks. Its principle is the action of estrogens and progestogens , which leads to the creation of a positive feedback circle.
Note: It is a long process but with a wide response of results, decreasing nodules and improving adiposities. (two)
Reduce dark circles
As the carbon dioxide works, improving blood circulation in the area, the tissues are oxygenated and improve their appearance through revitalization . For these reasons, the characteristic color of dark circles disappear and they return to their normal skin tone.
promote healing
There is research that supports the medical alternative, where carboxytherapy is applied to accelerate and stimulate the healing process , stimulating microcirculation.
Promote hair growth
Circulation in the scalp is stimulated , which also benefits being a non-surgical procedure. It has a revitalization that stops hair loss and improves the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the follicles, thus allowing their care and protection.
Side effects of carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy, although it has approval and is clearly a medical application, can present certain side effects that must be considered. They will be mentioned and described below.
inflammation and pain
Due to the invasive intervention involved in the application of carboxytherapy, which allows the passage of gas into the skin causes it to shed lightly and temporarily. Pain and inflammation are temporary , but they are present and cause some discomfort.
numbness and burning
Due to the slight shedding that was previously described, these types of side effects arise. It is local and there are even patients who describe it as crepitation in the applied areas, for periods of up to 30 minutes maximum.
Note: There are mentions of only being a little discomfort or slight pain , compared to the results obtained.
Redness and bruising
The way in which CO2 is penetrated into our skin involves a subcutaneous alteration that, although only limited in the area where the application has occurred, does appear. It is a small redness initially that can proceed to become bruises .
Important: The application must be controlled and not excessive , avoiding unnecessary pain and the cause of subcutaneous emphysema.
Key Findings
- Carboxytherapy is an aesthetic treatment where CO2 is applied subcutaneously to reduce dark circles, stretch marks, cellulite and improve healing due to the microcirculation effect it has.
- It improves the blood circulation of the vessels in the area of application , in addition to the reduction of fat deposits, which is why it is even considered an alternative to liposuction.
- You must be very careful and vigilant in the doses or sessions and the speed with which the gas is delivered to the area of the body, since this decreases pain , swelling and adverse side effects.
- It favors the production of collagen and hair growth, being very advantageous for the application of treatment sessions to many individuals with proven results.
- Reduces skin flaccidity.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.