Carboxy Therapy

FDA-approved non-surgical solution for eliminating cellulite, impotence, fat deposits, alopecia and stretch marks

Carboxytherapy is the new, simple and proven technique that can dramatically improve the appearance of cellulite by improving local tissue metabolism and perfusion. Treatments are rapid, comfortable and effective for a high percentage of patients.

Carboxytherapy is a non-surgical procedure used to infuse CO2 gas below the skin through a thin 30G (insulin size) needle – really small and even our ‘needle-phobic’s’ have managed well. Treatments are quick lasting about 30 minutes, each injection only requiring about 30 seconds, and effective with no down time. The gas is injected at different levels – just under the skin for skin tightening and rejuvenation, or into the fat pockets, around the ulcer or psoriasis lesions etc. On an average stomach one would have 4 injections to cover the area.

CO2 gas has the following effects: skin elasticity improvement – through the stimulation of collagen and angiogenesis – the growth of new capillaries (which in the long term improves blood supply permanently), this also improves the dark circles by relieving venous congestion around the sinuses. Cellulite reduction by the mechanical stretching of the collagen bands that cause the dimples and destruction of lipodystrophic nodules through breakage of fat cells as the gas moves through them. One can also reduce localized fat deposits on thighs, hips, tummies, arms – actually any area on the body.

Carboxytherapy works in a number of ways: it breaks fat cells – even in difficult to reach areas like under the arms, and around the knees. Secondly, CO2 leads to blood vessel dilation in the area and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. The end result is fewer fat cells and skin tightening with improvement of stretch marks and cellulite when used for body contouring. On the face the regenerative properties are long lasting and very pleasing comparable to surgical alternatives, it has also been said that CO2 will take over from Botox in a number of articles – just google carboxy, it’s results being much more permanent while maintaining natural expressions.

The Bohr effect caused by the dissociation of the gas inside the body, eases the release of oxygen from red blood cells leading to immediate oxygenation of the treated area, while providing also long term improved circulation – this allows for the treatment of diabetic ulcers, psoriasis and erectile dysfunction, and is undergoing pilot studies for vaginal rejuvenation – the preliminary results being very encouraging. Patients state that the tissues plump up and that lubricating glands regain function.

Carboxy Therapy has been used for over 70 years in Europe where it was discovered (France, Royat). No major side effect has ever been reported during this period. The aesthetic market has been using it since the beginning of this century.

Indications include:

cellulite reduction,
localized fat reduction,
evening out of irregularities after surgical procedures or liposuction and improvement of scar appearance
treating the effects of arterial diseases associated with diabetes,
skin ulcers,
some erection problems due to vascular disorders,
stretch marks,
acne scars
skin laxity (arms, chest, etc)
wrinkle reduction
treatment of dark circles
treatment of thinning facial skin.

How many sessions are necessary?

The number of sessions differ: e.g. Localized fat reduction typically requires from 6 to 20 sessions. For cellulite and peau d’orange, from 6 to 10 sessions are required for optimum results. Stretch marks are treated monthly, as well as facial antiaging.

Is CO2 Safe ?

Carbon dioxide is naturally produced by the cells in our bodies every day, being a product of normal metabolism, where it is transported in the blood and exhaled within a few minutes, leaving no residue. There are immediate and long term effects due to the stimulus though.

Side effects are minimal and resolve very quickly including: minimal discomfort during the injection process which does not require an anesthetic but we do let patients use a local working anesthetic cream for those with very low pain thresholds, a crackling sensation of the skin which dissipates quickly, and possible bruising, all of which are self limiting. The injections are manageable and quick. (e.g. 4 sites on an average tummy).

The latest anti-aging technique trend in the US and UK is carbon dioxide injections. The procedure is hailed as the next Botox and is most commonly known as ‘Carboxy’. Carboxy is popular because, like Botox, it is a non-surgical procedure therefore can be classed a lunchtime technique.

Carboxy injections involve injecting carbon dioxide just under the surface of the skin with a fine needle. The injected carbon dioxide spreads to the surrounding tissue and causes the blood vessels dilate. The dilation of the blood vessels causes extra oxygen to travel to the area and this nourishes the skin. It also distends fat cells and causes them to die whilst also stimulating the production of collagen.

Carboxy injections are said to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, helps to fade scars, make skin look younger and firmer, and also help to reduce fat deposits. The most ideal areas to target with Carboxy are the jowls, bingo wings, stretch marks, décolletage and any areas with cellulite. Each treatment will last around 6 months.

The University of Siena conducted a study on Carboxy injections and found that on average, those who had the injections on their legs saw a 2cm reduction on the size of their thighs, 1cm reduction on the knees, and a 3 cm reduction in waist size when injected around the stomach. It was also noted that skin in the surrounding areas was thicker and smoother.

Carboxytherapy for Cellulite

Cellulite refers to the lumpy fat bulges on the thighs and buttocks of over 95% of the normal female population. There are many reasons why most women are predisposed to cellulite whereas the condition is much rarer in men. To begin with, the underlying structure of the skin is different in males verses females. Male skin tends to be thicker and the fibrous septae has strong cross-linking of the connective tissue. Females have thinner skin and no cross-linking of the underlying septae. Women have more fat layers than men, and the subcutaneous fat layer in women is regulated by hormones and does not respond to diet and exercise. The female hormone estrogen causes these fat cells to store fat, whereas the male hormone testosterone stimulates the fat cells to break down fat. So, women are genetically superior at storing energy in the form of fat to provide energy during pregnancy. Women also have a higher percentage of body fat in the areas of the thighs, hips, and abdomen, and these fat cells are resistant to diet and exercise. Directly beneath the fat layer there is a layer of connective tissue comprised of collagen called the “fibrous septae.” When the fibrous septae becomes damaged, the subcutaneous fat cells are pushed through the damaged regions and are squeezed into small bulges that give the overlying skin the “puckered” or “dimpled” appearance that we call cellulite.

Women have tried numerous therapies to eliminate their cellulite including various creams, endermologie, lymphatic drainage massage, etc to no avail because none of these therapies correct the underlying physiological problems of poor circulation and damaged collagen septae. Two therapies that have shown promise in eliminating this difficult problem are the Thermage CL cellulite tip and carboxytherapy. Carboxytherapy was originally used for aesthetic purposes by the Brazilians to sculpt residual post-liposuction fatty deposits above the knees and histological studies showed that the fat cells were ruptured by the CO2 gas while leaving the remaining skin structures and nerves unharmed. Collagen remodeling was also shown to occur, as well as thickening and smoothing of the overlying skin.

Carboxytherapy for Stretch Marks Stretchmarks [striae distensae] are characterized by wide linear bands of discolored or wrinkled skin that occurs in areas of collagen damage due to stretching. Striae are usually found on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and breasts. Women develop striae more commonly than men, and striae are seen in 90% of pregnant women due to a combination of hormonal factors along with increased stress on the collagen and elastin in the skin. Some studies indicated that striae are a form of scar tissue that forms in response to collagen rupture and elastic fiber changes. Two types of striae are described, newly formed, reddish colored “striae rubrae” and older, white “striae albae.” The treatment of striae distensae has been challenging and various modalities have been studied. These include topical retinoids (Retin A), microdermabrasion, intense pulsed light (IPL) and fractionated laser skin resurfacing. Although striae are thought to be a result of collagen rupture and breakdown during stretching of the skin, until recently, few treatments actually targeted the root cause of the striae formation, the damaged collagen in the dermal layer. Furthermore, laser and light modalities are not safe for individuals with darker skin tones. Carboxytherapy is the only treatment available for both old and new stretchmarks that visibly repairs the broken collagen and is safe for all skintypes. Carboxytherapy causes the formation of new collagen and subsequently thickens the skin to improve the appearance of the stretchmarks by rebuilding the collagen matrix.

Carboxytherapy for Dark Undereye Circles

Carboxytherapy can dramatically improve the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Although sometimes caused by darkened pigment, or a hollow depression below the lower eyelids [tear trough deformity], the majority of dark under-eye circles are caused by poor circulation beneath the lower eyelids [vascular pooling]. Dr. Zdinak designed and conducted the first study in the English literature using carboxytherapy for rejuvenating the under- eye region. She found that by injecting a small amount of carbon dioxide gas just beneath the skin of the lower eyelid, circulation was increased and dark under-eye circles were markedly improved. The treatment takes only five minutes, and is virtually painless and risk-free. A series of 2-6 treatments spaced one week apart is all that is required to achieve a great result.