Carboxytherapy is an aesthetic medicine treatment consisting of subcutaneous injections of sterile, controlled medical carbon dioxide (CO2) to improve local microcirculation, stimulate tissue metabolism, and promote lymphatic drainage. The injected CO2 dilates capillaries and arterioles in the treated area, increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissues. It is a safe and well-established treatment, used in medicine for over sixty years for its vasodilatory and lipolytic properties.
• Cellulite of all grades, to improve microcirculation, reduce fibrosis, and soften the "orange peel" appearance on thighs, buttocks, and abdomen • Dark circles and periocular puffiness, where carboxytherapy improves local microcirculation by reducing blood stagnation and dark discoloration • Localized fat deposits, thanks to the lipolytic action of CO2 that promotes fat cell breakdown • Recent and older stretch marks, to stimulate collagen regeneration and improve the texture and color of striae • Mild skin laxity, to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone
• Heart or respiratory failure, as the introduction of CO2 could overload the cardiorespiratory system • Severe anemia, which could be worsened by local vasodilation • Pregnancy and breastfeeding, as a precautionary principle • Uncontrolled epilepsy, due to the theoretical risk of stimulation • Severe kidney failure, acute thrombophlebitis, or active skin infections in the treatment area
The treatment takes 15-30 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated and the amount of gas administered. It is performed in the office with a medical device that delivers sterile CO2 at controlled flow and volume through an ultra-fine needle inserted into the subcutaneous tissue. Recovery is immediate and the patient can resume all daily activities right after the session. Slight swelling and crackling in the treated area may be noticed, which resolve spontaneously within a few minutes.
No anesthesia is needed. The needle used is extremely fine (30 gauge) and the CO2 injection does not cause significant pain. A sensation of pressure or mild transient burning may be felt during gas insufflation, which disappears immediately afterward. For more sensitive areas such as the eye contour, the doctor adjusts the gas flow to a lower level to ensure maximum comfort.
Carboxytherapy results are progressive and cumulative. Initial improvements in skin quality and swelling reduction are noticeable after the first 3-4 sessions. For cellulite and localized fat deposits, optimal results are achieved after a complete cycle of 8-12 sessions. For dark circles and stretch marks, improvement is visible after 6-8 sessions. Results last longer with periodic maintenance sessions and an active lifestyle.
Discomfort is minimal and well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. During injection, a sensation of swelling and pressure in the treated area may be felt, sometimes accompanied by slight subcutaneous crackling that disappears within minutes. Some patients report mild transient burning. The discomfort is brief and stops completely as soon as gas administration ends. No significant visible marks remain after the session.
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