Carboxytherapy: solve your doubts and find out if the treatment is worth it –

1. What is carboxytherapy?

They are injections of carbonic gas in the second layer of the skin or just below it. Originally created to treat artery problems and accelerate wound healing, carboxytherapy has also been used for aesthetic purposes because one of the effects of gas under the skin is to stretch it. In this way, the tissue undergoes reactions that stimulate the formation of collagen. “The acidic pH of the gas further influences collagen production, in addition to improving skin vascularization and oxygenation”, explains dermatologist Fabiana Wanick, responsible for the Outpatient Clinic of Dermatological Cosmiatry at the Federal Hospital of Bonsucesso, in Rio de Janeiro.

2. What are the indications?

Sagging skin on the face, neck, inner thighs, buttocks and stomach (especially after childbirth, liposuction or rapid weight loss). Stretch marks, especially the pink ones and those located on the breasts and abdomen (the skin in these regions is thinner and therefore also reacts better to the treatment). Cellulite on the butt and thighs. And fine wrinkles and scars in general, including acne scars.

3. How does carboxytherapy work?

It depends on the problem being addressed. Stimulating collagen production helps to tighten the skin. Collagen also influences the treatment of stretch marks as it smoothes the appearance of lines. Furthermore, as the technique improves vascularization, the most recent stretch marks gain a less reddish appearance. When it comes to cellulite, it is capable of breaking the fibrous beams that pull the skin down. “This, associated with the decrease in fat – perhaps by breaking the cell wall or by increasing oxygenation, it is not known for sure -, it ends up improving the appearance of cellulite”, says Fabiana.

4. Why is the treatment not unanimous among dermatologists?

“There are several criticisms related to the studies carried out. The majority of success cases end up being proven empirically, with the clinical and individual experience of each doctor who puts this type of therapy into practice in their office or aesthetic clinic”, explains dermatologist Jardis Volpe, from São Paulo. Dermatologist Fabiana Wanick is one of them. “I’ve had good to excellent results,” she says. Dermatologist Carolina Assed, researcher and spokeswoman for the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, says that the organization’s position regarding carboxytherapy for aesthetic purposes is clear: “It is still an experimental procedure. More controlled studies are needed, proving its real mechanism of action and the benefits for non-therapeutic purposes”.

5. Is there a health risk?

For dermatologist Jardis Volpe, it is a less invasive procedure than surgery and, therefore, it is possible to foresee lower risks. “However, it is a treatment in which the skin barrier is broken at several points through a needle. In rare cases, this can result in local infection”, he ponders. “When applied with sterilized materials, with the correct equipment and using the proper technique, the existing risks are the same as those of a small procedure performed with a needle”, says Fabiana. Dermatologist Lígia Kogos, from São Paulo, however, disagrees. “There are immediate and late complications related to carboxytherapy. Among the first is the rupture of vessels, which can leave bruises. Depending on the region – close to the eyes, for example – this can have consequences, such as nerve compression and vessel spillage. There may also be long-term sequelae, such as dark spots due to bruises, scars due to tissue rupture and even the appearance of stretch marks caused by sudden skin distension”, she lists.

6. Is the treatment painful?

The entry of gas into the skin causes, yes, discomfort. “To try to minimize the pain, there are devices that allow the gas to be injected little by little, in pulses, in a slower and heated way”, says Fabiana.

7. How is the skin after the session?

The needle prick can eventually break a vessel. Therefore, it is not uncommon for small bruises to appear, which disappear in a few days. The doctor can prescribe the use of ointments that facilitate the absorption of purple spots by the body and prevent the skin from becoming pigmented. Another measure is to avoid sunbathing at the application site, especially if the skin is marked.

8. What precautions should I take?

Although not prohibited, the Federal Council of Medicine advises against performing the procedure by professionals other than doctors. The ideal is to look for a dermatologist who has experience with the technique. In aesthetic clinics, always ask if there is medical supervision, check the hygienic conditions of the place and, if possible, talk to other patients. Avoid buying packages over the internet and always suspect values ​​well below average.

9. What are the advantages of carboxytherapy over other techniques with the same indications?

Today, there are much more modern technologies than carboxytherapy. This is the case of Accent and Exilis radiofrequency equipment, which treat flaccidity, fractional CO laser, to soften stretch marks, and cryolipolysis and low-intensity diode laser, which combat localized fat. All, however, require a large investment, as they are still very expensive. “The low cost of carboxytherapy attracts many women who seek aesthetic improvement, but still cannot afford cutting-edge procedures”, says dermatologist João Carlos Pereira, from São José do Rio Preto (SP). “Take into account that carboxytherapy alone presents discreet results. Its greatest effect happens when it is associated with other treatments, which, in the end, can raise the price of the package”, completes the doctor.

10. What is the average value per session and how many sessions are indicated?

The price per session can range from R$200 to R$400. Generally, five to ten sessions are indicated, once or twice a week, at a total cost that can vary from R$1,000 to R$4,000. A treatment for cellulite with the Accent Ultra equipment, which uses radiofrequency, can cost up to R$800 per session, depending on the region. Generally, six to eight are indicated – the total expenditure ranges from R$ 4,800 to R$ 6,400.