Recently I heard about Carboxytherapy, a new beauty treatment that’s designed to make you look younger. It’s been popular overseas for years, so I wanted to find out more about it and went to Dr. Fardad Forouzanpour to find out more. He’s a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and is the founder of Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgical Group. Here’s more about this treatment.

Can you briefly tell us how Carboxytherapy works and the benefits of it?

Carboxytherapy is a procedure whereby an extremely small needle containing carbon dioxide is injected into the skin and the fat layer beneath the skin.  The presence of carbon dioxide in the tissue stimulates a number of cellular and chemical reactions.  These include increased vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels), which causes more blood flow and more oxygen flow to the area.  The increased blood flow stimulates collagen production and breaks up fat cells which results in skin tightening and skin color improvement.

It’s been popular in South America and France for years—why is it just now getting to the US?
Unfortunately, the United States is usually behind other countries when it comes to using or trying new devices and products due to tougher FDA regulations and requirements. But, there are a number of doctors who are now offering the procedure here in the US.

Where (on the body) is it most commonly used?
It’s most commonly used under the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles, in the lower extremities for cellulite reduction, in the abdomen to minimize stretch marks, and can be used in conjunction with mesotherapy treatments on other areas of the body where a patient wants to reduce fat.

Walk us through the process of what happens?

A small needle containing carbon dioxide is injected into the skin or the tissue beneath the skin. There is a small amount of discomfort due to the expansion of the tissue when the gas is infused. The injection lasts about 3-5 seconds.  The total procedure time depends on the number of areas that need to be treated.  The patient is awake during the process.

What’s the healing process like?
There is a small chance of swelling and bruising that takes 1-3 days to resolve for most patients.

What can you expect before and after? Is there upkeep you need to do?
Results are a little slow. Normally, it will take a few days for patients to notice a difference. And, for optimum results, it’s typically recommended that a patient get a few treatments. Unfortunately, our bodies are constantly changing due to aging, the weather, lifestyle, smoking habits, diet, genetics, etc., so yes, future treatments are needed for maintenance.

What’s the cost?
Based on the number of areas treated, the cost can vary from $300 to $600 a session.

Who’s the prime candidate for this procedure?
Really anyone is a candidate for the procedure as long as they have areas of loose skin, or severe wrinkling.

What are the downsides of carboxytherapy?
This is a great treatment because the downsides are minimal.  Other than the need for future treatments, slight discomfort, and the possibility of small bruising, there are not many downsides to the procedure. Patients report being very happy, and they like that it’s natural.

Tags: Anti-Aging, Beauty

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