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Carboxytherapy - how it works and what it might help you with
Dark undereye circles, cellulite and stretch marks are some of the most common – and stubborn – skin complaints. Thankfully, they also happen to be the issues carboxytherapy tackles best.
This non-invasive treatment has also been noted to improve fine lines and skin elasticity – but what does it actually involve?
In this article:
Fast facts
Best results
4 to 6 sessions
Duration of results
6 months
Back to work
Same day
Full recovery time
24 hours
Price range
205 SAR to 255 SAR
Treatment duration
15 minutes
Comfort
Local anaesthetic
Treatment type
Minimally invasive
What is carboxytherapy?
Carboxytherapy is a cosmetic skin treatment that involves injecting sterile carbon dioxide beneath the skin. This can reduce fatty deposits, break up scar tissue and promote skin healing.
It’s also used to treat the face, particularly where blood flow problems contribute to dark eye circles and wrinkles, and even some medical issues – doctors have used it to treat alopecia-related hair loss and psoriasis.
It may be used to treat:
- Cellulite.
- Scars, including acne scars.
- Stretch marks.
- Eye wrinkles and dark circles.
- Loose skin on the hands or neck.
- Wrinkles.
- Uneven skin tone.
- Varicose and spider veins.
How does carboxytherapy work?
The science behind it
Carbon dioxide is injected into the skin’s underlayer – the dermis. The idea is to increase blood circulation in problem zones, promoting skin-rejuvenating processes such as collagen production. This happens because of the way skin cells naturally create and process carbon dioxide.
When this gas is a waste product from respiration, red blood cells rush along to carry it away – so if it’s injected, the same thing happens. Carbon dioxide is a gas the body produces naturally, which sets carboxytherapy apart from alternative treatments that rely on toxins, such as Botox.
Before the treatment
Before an appointment, you’ll need to:
- Find a provider. Use our clinic locator/listings page to find a treatment near you.
- Attend a consultation, where you’ll discuss the results you’d like to achieve.
- Don’t wear makeup to your appointment if you’re receiving carboxytherapy injections to the face. Your clinician may also advise you to shave the area and avoid anti-inflammatory medications that might make bruising more likely in the first two weeks.
- Eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of water.
During the treatment
The provider will clean the area and then carefully inject it with a fine needle. The procedure can take as little as 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Aftercare
There is no downtime necessary, and you can get back to work straight away. You should, however, avoid vigorous exercise and intense heat and light for the first 72 hours.
Possible side-effects include:
- Bruising.
- Painful and tight skin.
- Swelling.
If they are severe, or last for more than a few days, speak to your doctor.
How much is carboxytherapy? Plus, other things you need to know
How much does carboxytherapy cost?
You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of SR205 to SR255. But the price does depend on the area where you’re receiving treatment and the number of injection sites. Carboxytherapy is a multiple-session treatment, however – so you might need to multiply this figure by four or six.
Is carboxytherapy permanent?
No, but it is long-lasting. You may choose to have touch-up injections every six months, but some people find one course of treatment lasts for a year or more.
How can I find carboxytherapy near me?
Take a look at selfologi’s clinic locator tool to get started.
Alternative treatments
Common alternatives include:
- Microneedling – a treatment designed to encourage collagen and elastin production by puncturing the skin with lots of tiny needles.
- Chemical peels – a treatment to spark skin repair through chemical exfoliation. If you have stubborn scars or hyperpigmentation, then a chemical peel could be a workable alternative.
- Laser therapy – uses focused light to remove sunspots, warts and improve the appearance of scars. Results are usually permanent.
- Mesotherapy – vitamins, hormones, plant extracts and enzymes are injected into the skin to improve blood circulation.
- Botox – relaxes nerves and facial muscles to smooth out wrinkles and manipulate features. This might be an option if you’re considering carboxytherapy for facial pigmentation, wrinkles, or scarring. You might notice more significant results with Botox but bear in mind that you’ll need top-ups every few months.
- Dermal fillers – if your dark undereye circles are caused by tear trough hollowing rather than poor blood circulation, then dermal fillers might be a viable alternative. Some people use them in combination to treat both hollowing and discolouration.
- Skincare – this is cheaper than carboxytherapy and doesn’t require needles, but results aren’t permanent, and they can be much less effective.
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