Carboxytherapy in dermatology: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction The overall effects of Carboxytherapy, defined as the administration of carbon dioxide, have been studied for many years. It has been suggested that by improving oxygenation, interacting with the tissue perfusion regulators, and disrupting the adipose cell membranes, the method can lead to notable improvements in different esthetic and pathological conditions. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the available studies evaluating the potential benefits of carboxytherapy in dermatological conditions and how it objectively stands against scientific scrutiny. Methods We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases, including the studies exploring the method's efficacy in managing any dermatological condition. Results A total 27 of studies were identified (with a pooled sample of over 700 cases), most of which were clinical trials. Facial wrinkles, periorbital hyperpigmentation, skin laxity deficiency, scars, striae distensae, localized lipolysis and cellulite, alopecia, chronic diabetic wounds, and psoriatic plaques comprised the package of the dermatological conditions that were studied. Except for a few studies, the method mainly demonstrated significant improvements on all of the mentioned conditions. The inter‐ and post‐operational adverse events were mild and transient, including erythema, pain, crepitus, and ecchymoses. Discussion Carboxytherapy can provide those practicing in the field with sustainably favorable results. However, the numbers of cases on whom the fat‐reducing capabilities of the method were studied and experienced varying degrees of recurrence caught our eye. In addition, we observed a notable disparity between the outcome measures utilized in the studies. The modest sample size in each condition also added to the injury, as the conditions on which the method was evaluated are pretty common in the general population. Therefore, for a definite conclusion, more randomized controlled trials with the shortcomings mentioned well addressed need to be conducted.

Analgesic Effect of Carboxytherapy for Postoperative Neuropathic Facial Pain: A Case Report

“…Carboxytherapy is a well-known technique in dermatology, and it has been used for several years for both aesthetic and pathological conditions [3][4][5][6]. It is considered a simple and safe procedure, with mostly mild and temporary adverse events such as pain and bruising [5].…”

“…Carboxytherapy is a well-known technique in dermatology, and it has been used for several years for both aesthetic and pathological conditions [3][4][5][6]. It is considered a simple and safe procedure, with mostly mild and temporary adverse events such as pain and bruising [5]. The use of this technique for the treatment of conditions associated with pain, such as myofascial syndrome and fibromyalgia, has also been described [3], although we found no clinical trials on the subject.…”

An overview of the role of carboxytherapy in dermatology

“…3 Secondary to decreased pH and subsequent Bohr effect, the bond between hemoglobin and oxygen weakens, leading to increased release of oxygen. 3,4,7,8 Subsequently, the low pH results in some events summarized in Figure 1.…”

“…The combination of carbon dioxide with water molecules in tissues results in the formation of carbonic acid 4 within 1–3 min 3 . Secondary to decreased pH and subsequent Bohr effect, the bond between hemoglobin and oxygen weakens, leading to increased release of oxygen 3,4,7,8 . Subsequently, the low pH results in some events summarized in Figure 1.…”

The Tissue Response to Hypoxia: How Therapeutic Carbon Dioxide Moves the Response toward Homeostasis and Away from Instability

“…There are now many more methods for using therapeutic CO 2 . Such treatment regimens used today include carbonated water (i.e., baths) (CB) [ 6 ], CO 2 gas applied to the skin (transdermal [TD]) [ 7 , 8 ], intra-arterial infusions of carbonated solutions into tumors (IA) [ 9 ], intraperitoneal injection of CO 2 (IP) [ 10 ], inhaled CO 2 or hypercarbia (IH) [ 11 ], carbonated paste or gel (CG) [ 12 ], and subcutaneous microinjections of CO 2 (SQ) [ 13 ]. In all these therapeutic applications, except for SQ, CO 2 is applied for 10–20 min.…”