Carboxytherapy is the administration of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas for therapeutic purposes. Dark under-eye circles, cellulite, and scars are believed to be caused, at least in part, due to poor blood-flow to the region.

By injecting a small amount of carbon dioxide gas into the area, the body becomes ‘tricked’ into increasing blood, and therefore oxygen, flow to the injected region. The increased quantity of red blood cells in this area serve to collect all the excess CO2 that has been injected. Excess CO2 is then carried back to the lungs for elimination from the body with the next exhalation.

Carboxytherapy is one of the so-called lunch-procedures, as there is no hospitalization or anesthesia required. Patients can resume their daily routine immediately after procedure.

Carboxytherapy for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks or striae distensae, as they are known technically, are a form of scarring caused by tearing of the dermis. They are caused by rapid growth or weight changes, such as those associated with pregnancy. Stretch marks can diminish over time but they do not disappear completely. They can also be caused by hormonal changes, typically during puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding or hormone replacement therapy.

Although there are several treatments for stretch marks, including topical treatments, IPL and Laser, Carboxytherapy is the only treatment that acts at the root cause of the problem. By actually repairing and rebuilding the collagen matrix, Carboxytherapy is not only a more permanent solution, but it is also suitable for all skin types and can be applied on both old and new stretch marks.

Cellulite refers to fat bulges which appear on the buttocks and thighs. Anatomically, the physiological reason behind cellulite is as a strategy to store fat for pregnancy, which is why women tend to exhibit cellulite more than men. The structure of a women’s skin also differs from that of a man. Fat deposition is regulated by hormones and the fatty deposits do not respond to exercise and diet in the same way as that of a man.

At an anatomical level, cellulite is caused by damage to the fibrous septae – a layer of connective tissue made from collagen – found between the dermis and the subcutaneous fat. When the fibrous septae is damaged, the fat cells are pushed up through the damaged areas, thus giving the skin the definitive dimpled appearance, we know as cellulite.

Carboxytherapy is a very effective treatment for dark circles under the eyes. In many cases, these circles are caused by poor blood circulation beneath the lower eyelids, known as vascular pooling.

Injecting carbon dioxide under the skin of the lower eyelid causes circulation to be increased, resulting in a marked improvement in the dark pigmentation. Treatments are short, virtually painless and risk free. The number of treatments required varies between 2 and 6, depending on the nature of the pigmentation and treatments are spaced one week apart.

Clinically proven efficacy, simplicity and absence of toxicity or complications make Carboxytherapy a highly desirable and effective treatment.