Carboxytherapy: what é, what it is for, risks and side effects

2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-27 20:34

Carboxytherapy is an aesthetic therapy that consists of the application of carbon dioxide under the skin to treat cellulite, stretch marks, localized fat and also to eliminate sagging.

The carboxytherapy technique can be used for different types of treatment, both facial and body, and allows you to increase collagen production, fight localized fat and destroy fat cells, being widely used on the face, belly, flanks, arms or thighs.

In order to have all the benefits of carboxytherapy and lasting results, the therapy must be performed by a dermatologist, dermatofunctional physiotherapist or beautician qualified to apply the technique.

What is it for

Carboxytherapy is usually indicated to treat:

• Cellulite: improves blood circulation and causes a rearrangement of adipose tissue, increasing local lymphatic drainage. Understand how carboxytherapy is done for cellulite;
• Streaks: the infusion of gas under the stretch marks causes skin detachment, stimulating collagen production and improving the healing process. See how carboxytherapy works for stretch marks;
• Localized fat: favors the breakdown of fat cells and improves blood circulation at the injection site. Learn more about carboxytherapy for localized fat;
• Flacidity: the inflammatory process, resulting from the injection of carbon dioxide, favors the production of collagen fibers, which support the skin, leaving it firmer and less flaccid;
• Dark circles: increases blood circulation to the skin near the eyes and, consequently, the arrival of oxygen to the tissues, reducing puffiness and relieving dark circles. Discover some homemade options to remove dark circles;
• Hair loss: favors the growth of new hair strands, by stimulating an increase in blood flow in the scalp;
• Acne scar: increases blood circulation in the area, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which give firmness and support to the skin, attenuating acne scars.

The number of carboxytherapy sessions may vary according to the purpose of the treatment and the area to be treated. Therefore, there should always be an indication of a dermatologist, who will make an evaluation before and after the applications to determine the number of sessions needed.

How carboxytherapy works

Carboxytherapy is performed through a thin needle measuring 0.30 x 13mm, attached to a cylinder of medicinal carbon dioxide, which is regulated by the professional who is performing the procedure, after evaluating the skin and cleaning the site with 70% alcohol.

The gas causes a small detachment of the skin, filling the region with air and stimulating blood circulation. It is essential that the procedure is done in a safe place and with a qualified professional.

Carboxytherapy hurts?

Carboxytherapy can generate a little discomfort, as the entry of gas causes a small detachment of the skin. However, the pain is temporary, and it goes away after about 30 minutes, improving little by little, as well as the swelling and redness, which can also appear at the site.

Risks and side effects

Carboxytherapy is an aesthetic treatment that can generate some risks, such as prolonged pain, which can last for more than 3 days, after application and the emergence of small bruises in the region where it was treated. After the procedure, it is common to observe some side effects on the skin, such as:

• Injection site swelling;
• Burning sensation;
• Itching at the treatment site.

These risks and side effects are also related to the way in which carboxytherapy is performed, and it is essential that the professional is aware not only of the possible effects it can generate, but also to perform the appropriate technique so as not to cause any harm to the patient.

Contraindications

Carboxytherapy is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune diseases, people who show signs of infection and inflammation of the skin, gangrene or who have diseases such as epilepsy, cardiorespiratory failure, kidney or liver failure or severe uncontrolled hypertension.

In addition, carboxytherapy should also be avoided during pregnancy.