Introduction
Carboxytherapy is a recommended procedure to combat cellulite blemishes, reduce adiposity and improve stretch marks, and involves the subcutaneous introduction of carbon dioxide through a fine needle. This action promotes the improvement of the vascularization of the treated area. The vasodilator action of carbon dioxide dilates the capillaries, which improves local oxygenation and makes the skin look brighter and fresher.
What is carboxytherapy?
It is a very common technique in aesthetic medicine and consists of subcutaneous injections of carbon dioxide in a gaseous state aimed at improving blood and lymphatic circulation. This treatment is used primarily to combat cellulite and aging skin problems, but it is also recommended to improve localized fat, stretch marks, and other aesthetic and medical problems.
The injected substance is natural and is not dangerous, it is not toxic and it is very effective in restoring tissue tone, explains According to “carbon dioxide helps reduce the fat load of the adipocyte.”
- Advertisement -
The main utility of this technique is to increase the uptake of oxygen by the tissues, which improves cell metabolism. Carbon dioxide also improves blood flow and vasodilation, acting positively on microcirculation.
The treatment is aimed at activating a lipolytic action, both direct and indirect, as well as allowing vasodilation that restores luminosity, freshness, and tone to the skin. The therapy acts on the circulation because the gas generates vasodilation and increases the speed of the blood flow; Greater oxygenation of the tissues is obtained, giving our skin a regenerating effect.
Benefits of carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy reduces excess fat located in various parts of the body. It also has very positive effects in the treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin diseases. Specifically, this technique is suitable for reducing and/or eliminating: excess cellulite, dark circles, and wrinkles reducing sagging and sagging skin and helping the production of collagen making the skin more elastic, luminous, and compact.
Carboxytherapy improves skin quality, increases skin elasticity, and is non-toxic. Therefore, it is a safe and effective therapy,
Carboxytherapy has many advantages and makes visible improvements for various problems:
- Cellulite and localized fat
- Stretch marks
- Flaccidity
- Venous and lymphatic insufficiency. Varicose veins improvement
- Disorders characterized by impaired microcirculation
- Skin aging
- Hypertrophic scars
- Eye bags
- Leg ulcers
- Psoriasis
- Alopecia
- Its visible effects are progressive and cumulative.
It is very useful in combination with mesotherapy, pressotherapy, microwave, massages, etc .; the effects of these techniques are enhanced with carboxytherapy. It should be noted that in no case is it an alternative to liposuction.
Who should I contact for this treatment?
Carboxytherapy is used for both therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. If you want to undergo treatment to improve your skin tone, the most suitable specialist is the aesthetic doctor, who specialized in body treatments. This will evaluate which is the best treatment for each patient, knowing not only the technique but also the machinery used. In addition, only a professional who has studied Aesthetic Medicine and is specialized in this type of treatment will be able to offer you the best care.
Tip: a good practice is always to verify that the chosen doctor is registered with one of the main aesthetic medicine associations
How is the first visit?
During the first visit, before starting the carboxytherapy session, the doctor will carry out an initial medical evaluation aimed at indicating and suggesting to the patient the best procedure to follow to resolve their imperfections, thus ensuring the best possible service. At this stage, it is important to establish a relationship of total trust, so that the patient feels safe and comfortable. This is the perfect time to request information on treatment, request details of the machinery used, and expose your fears and concerns.
Once the areas to be treated and the goals to be achieved are determined, the doctor may request additional information on your clinical picture to avoid unwanted side effects. Specific blood tests or other types of specialized tests are sometimes performed for this purpose.
How is carboxytherapy performed?
It consists of subcutaneous injections of medical carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is administered under the skin through a thin needle attached to the end of a tube, connected to the medical device that contains carbon dioxide.
The needles used are sterile and disposable they are replaced for each patient and have a length that varies from 4 to 13 mm. Thanks to a modern microprocessor, the CDT constantly monitors the amount and purity of the carbon dioxide emitted, allowing the operator greater control throughout the session.
The complete treatment can vary from 6 to 10 sessions. The flow of carbon dioxide changes according to the pathology, and it will be the competent physician who will identify the correct amounts to be administered.
The injections could generate a feeling of discomfort in the patient that may require the application of an anesthetic cream, which will be distributed in the area to be treated 20 minutes before the session. According to the specialists, the treatment with carboxytherapy is not almost painful since the puncture is carried out with a micro-needle. The patient may notice a slight stinging and redness.
Treatment is minimally invasive, performed in the clinic, and does not require a period of hospitalization. At the end of the session, the patient can safely return to activities without problems.
Results of carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy has beneficial effects on three different levels: fat, circulation, and skin. The results can be noticed from the first application, although the most obvious effects can be seen in the long term. In general, a session lasts between 15 and 20 minutes and the number of sessions varies according to medical prescriptions.
All these actions combined result in visibly improved, more elastic, and luminous skin, thanks mainly to the stimulation of the production of elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen.
In summary, carboxytherapy produces:
- Improved “orange peel” effect
- Relief of the feeling of heaviness and swelling of the legs
- Increased brightness of the skin
- Superficial wrinkle attenuation
- Improved skin tone
- Improved blood and lymphatic circulation
Post-treatment care
Professionals assure that after treatment a normal life can be carried out, although they recommend following these indications to maximize results:
- Drink two liters of water a day.
- Perform the aerobic physical exercise as it increases blood flow and improves circulation and gas exchange.
- Do not swim after the session and use good sunscreen.
Side effects and contraindications
Carboxytherapy, in addition to being an effective treatment, is non-toxic, safe, and has no relevant side effects. However, it is not recommended for people with respiratory problems, for patients with liver failure problems, or active cancer. It is also not suitable for those with anemia or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The only side effects can be slight discomfort, small bruises, slight swelling, and redness of the treated areas. These effects are minimal and resolve in a short time.
From the comment that the administration of carbon dioxide is used in other medical techniques, such as endoscopic surgery of the abdomen, and does not present problems.
Frequently asked questions
- Is carboxytherapy effective against Reynaud’s syndrome? Carboxytherapy can bring improvements to patients suffering from this syndrome, thanks to increased blood flow and increased oxygenation of the tissues.
- How many sessions of carboxytherapy are necessary to obtain satisfactory results? It depends a lot on the specific case of the individual patient, however, it always starts with a minimum of 6-8 sessions.
- Is carboxytherapy useful to eliminate varicose veins? This treatment relieves the feeling of heaviness and swelling, but it is not able to eliminate capillaries and varicose veins. We could define it as a preventive treatment for this type of problem.
- Can you perform carboxytherapy in any area of the body? The treatment can be carried out on any part of the body, without particular problems. Recently it is also used successfully in the eyelid area as an anti-aging treatment.
- Is it a painful treatment? Not significantly, the patient perceives only slight tolerable discomfort.