Carboxytherapy: what it is and its place in facial aesthetics
Quick facts
- Definition
- Injection of medical-grade carbon dioxide under the skin, in small amounts, with a fine needle.
- Facial use
- Cited for under-eye circles with a vascular component and for skin quality, at the professional's discretion.
- Expected effects
- A feeling of pressure or stinging at the time, small marks and mild swelling in the following days.
- Limit
- It does not add volume and does not replace assessing the cause of the concern.
Carboxytherapy is the injection of medical-grade carbon dioxide (CO2) under the skin, in small doses, through a fine needle connected to a device that controls the flow. The gas spreads through the tissue, triggers a local response, and is eliminated by the body itself, without staying in place.
What is it used for on the face?
On the face, the technique is cited mainly in two situations: under-eye circles where the darkening has a vascular component, and improving skin quality, such as glow and texture. The indication, number of sessions, and interval are set by the qualified professional, following the rules of their professional council, and depend on what the assessment shows.
| Concern | Is carboxytherapy a fit? |
|---|---|
| Vascular dark circles (purplish) | May be considered |
| Dark circles from a deep groove | Does not correct volume, needs another approach |
| Dark circles from pigmentation | Generally not the first choice |
| Marked sagging | Does not replace structural support |
What does the patient usually feel?
During the procedure, a passing pressure and stinging. Afterward, small purplish dots (ecchymosis), mild swelling, and, more rarely, a bruise may appear. The skin around the eye is thin, which makes these signs more visible there. The patient needs to know this beforehand, in the informed consent.
How does it compare with other techniques?
Carboxytherapy shares with intradermotherapy the route of delivery into the skin, but the active agent is a gas rather than a substance injected in droplets. When the concern is the groove of the lower eyelid, planning usually points to under-eye filler, with its own vascular safety precautions.
In Harmy
Harmy projects the Tear Trough area with filler, in the volume you choose in ml. It does not simulate carboxytherapy or other skin techniques.
Frequently asked questions
Does carboxytherapy work for dark circles?
It may be indicated for dark circles with a vascular cause, at the professional's discretion after assessment. It does not treat circles caused by a deep groove or pigmentation.
Does carboxytherapy hurt?
The sensation is a passing pressure and stinging while the gas spreads. Tolerance varies from patient to patient.