· What is carboxytherapy? Carboxytherapy is the administration of carbon dioxide gas for therapeutic purposes. Carboxytherapy was discovered in the Royal Spas of France in the 1930’s when bathing in the pools of carbon dioxide rich waters was shown to speed wound healing. Carboxytherapy takes advantage of a physiological principle known as oxygen off-loading.Carbon dioxide is naturally present in our bodies at all times and it is essential to the life processes of both animals and plants.With every breath, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. By injecting a small amount of carbon dioxide gas into the area, we are “tricking” the body into increasing the oxygen flow to the area by compelling the red blood cells to pick up all of the excess CO2 that we injected so that it can be carried back to the lungs for elimination from the body with the next exhalation. Carboxytherapy is used for the treatment of dark under-eye circles, stretch-marks, cellulite reduction, non-surgical fat sculpting on the face and the body, etc. What areas of the body can be treated with carboxytherapy? Carboxytherapy can be used to treat the eyelids, face, neck, arms, stomach, buttocks, and legs. What other benefits occur from carboxytherapy? In addition to increasing oxygenated blood-flow to the region injected, carboxytherapy also increases collagen formation in the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. How does carboxytherapy work for dark undereye circles? One major cause of dark under eye circles is vascular pooling. The capillary network of the lower eyelids can become congested for a variety of reasons. Normally, the tears drain from the eyelids into the nose, but if there is some obstruction due to chronic nasal congestion from seasonal allergies, previous nasal fracture, or a deviated septum, the drainage doesn’t function well, and the blood flow to the lower eyelids becomes sluggish, giving rise to the boggy blue tinge known casually as “allergic shiners.” The lack of appropriate oxygenation to the lower eyelid skin allows the bluish cast to show through the thin skin of the eyelids. Carboxytherapy works to improve the capillary network of the lower eyelids, as well as to increase the dermal collagen layer in the lower eyelid skin. By injecting a small amount of carbon dioxide gas into the affected areas, blood flow is increased and improved capillary networks are formed for longer lasting circulatory benefit. The bluish cast is replaced with a healthy pink tone. Once a series of treatments is completed, the skin has a more luminous appearance that lasts approximately six months. The technique used to treat dark circles beneath the eyelids is different than the technique used to treat fat. However, there are some instances where we may wish to dissolve fat beneath the eyelids. How does carboxytherapy work for stretchmarks? Stretchmarks (striae distensae) occur when the skin is stretched to the point where the dermal collagen ruptures. Carboxytherapy causes the formation of new collagen and subsequently thickens the skin to improve the appearance of the stretchmarks by rebuilding the collagen matrix. How does carboxytherapy work for cellulite and fat reduction? When injected via a specific technique, carbon dioxide gas is directly toxic to fat cells. The fat cells literally burst and are eliminated by the body. How is the carboxytherapy treatment administered? We use a special machine to administer the carbon dioxide gas. There is a tank of carbon dioxide gas that is connected by plastic tubing to a flow-regulator. The flow-regulator slows down the speed of the gas according to the rate selected by the physician, Dr.med. J. Infantes. The gas emerges from the flow-regulator into sterile tubing that has a filter connected at the exit to remove any trace impurities before the gas is run through a tiny needle attached to the opposite side of the filter. The pure gas is now ready to be injected beneath the skin via the tiny needle. What does carboxytherapy feel like? Carboxytherapy doesn’t hurt; it just feels a little “weird.” Because of differences in the techniques used to treat the eyelids, stretch- marks, scars, and fat deposits, the sensation is slightly different depending upon what is actually being treated. When treating the lower eyelids patients will feel puffy, like they were up crying all night, but that will subside once the gas is absorbed over the next five to ten minutes. The treatment of stretch-marks and scars is relatively painless because this skin doesn’t have the same ability to sense pain. Some pressure from the gas may be felt as the stretch- marks are distended, and they can feel a bit itchy, but again this subsides in about five minutes once the gas is absorbed by the body. Scars generally feel no pain because there are no nerves in scar tissue. The treatment of cellulite and fatty deposits on the arms, abdomen, and legs has a unique sensation of its own. This is because a larger amount of the gas is injected directly into the offending fat deposits and allowed to expand. While the gas is expanding, you may feel some pressure in the area being treated that feels similar to when the arm is squeezed by a blood pressure cuff. The areas will feel warm and tingly for up to 24 hours after the treatment as the circulation to the area is improved. How many treatments will I need? This depends upon the severity of the problem being treated. Usually, six to twelve treatments spaced one week apart yields an excellent result. Are there any risks and side effects associated with carboxytherapy? Yes, please, check “ Contraindications & Side effects ”. How long does a typical treatment session last? The average carboxytherapy treatment takes approximately fifteen to thirty minutes to complete. What should I avoid after treatment? Avoid emerging in water for 4 hours after the treatment such as baths, swimming, or saunas. Click the following liks for more information: 1.- Introduction 2.- Indications 3.- Contraindications & side effects 4.- Frequently asked questions 5.- Photo Gallery If you would like additional information regarding our services or to request an appointment, you can contact us by phone (952 80 53 68) or by email .