Carboxytherapy involves the therapeutic application of medical-grade carbon dioxide gas for various cosmetic and medical indications. This minimally invasive technique administers CO2 into or just beneath the skin’s surface. The treatment is primarily used to improve the appearance of conditions like cellulite, stretch marks, and dark undereye circles, leveraging the body’s natural physiological response.
Understanding the Carboxytherapy Procedure
The procedure works by delivering a controlled amount of sterile carbon dioxide gas through a fine needle inserted subcutaneously or intradermally into the targeted area. CO2 is naturally created by cellular metabolism and cleared from the body through the lungs. Introducing a concentrated amount beneath the skin creates a temporary, localized imbalance that the body immediately works to correct.
The presence of this injected carbon dioxide triggers the Bohr effect. The body interprets the localized CO2 increase as a sign of oxygen deficit and responds by significantly increasing blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow causes vasodilation, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the tissues. The improved circulation promotes tissue regeneration, stimulates collagen production, and enhances the overall appearance of the skin.
Common Side Effects Versus Serious Risks
Following carboxytherapy, experiences are limited to common, temporary side effects. Immediately after the injection, patients often report a temporary stinging or pressure sensation as the gas expands beneath the skin. This discomfort is short-lived, resolving within minutes as the gas diffuses.
Localized side effects include temporary redness, warmth, and swelling, which occur due to the intended effect of increased blood flow. Small bruises may also form at the injection points, especially when treating areas with dense blood vessel networks. Some patients describe a transient crackling or crunching sensation, known as crepitus, as the gas moves through the subcutaneous layer.
Serious complications are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional. The primary serious risk is infection, which can occur if sterile protocols are not strictly followed. Gas embolism is a rare risk, involving the entry of a large volume of gas into the bloodstream. Since carbon dioxide is highly soluble in blood and rapidly eliminated by the lungs, the risk of a life-threatening embolism is significantly lower compared to air. Practitioner skill is paramount to prevent accidental injection directly into a major vessel.
Identifying Who Should Avoid Treatment
Certain pre-existing medical conditions prohibit the safe use of carboxytherapy because they compromise the body’s ability to process and eliminate the injected gas. Individuals with severe, uncontrolled heart conditions, such as unstable angina or severe heart failure, should not undergo the procedure. Those with severe pulmonary diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), may struggle to efficiently clear the excess carbon dioxide via the lungs, leading to potential systemic complications.
Active infections or open wounds in the proposed treatment area are absolute exclusions, as the procedure could inadvertently spread bacteria or worsen the infection. Individuals with active clotting disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications may experience excessive bruising or bleeding. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also contraindications due to the lack of sufficient data.