Carboxytherapy and oxygen infusions in the "Gas Contouring" technique

Carbon dioxide and oxygen can be used alone or in combination to rejuvenate the skin. This is exactly what Domenico Amuso (Domenico Amuso) – general surgeon and cosmetologist based in Modena, Italy.

What is carboxytherapy and what are its benefits

Carboxytherapy is defined as the use of medical grade carbon dioxide (CO₂) for intradermal and subcutaneous administration, usually by means of a device connected to a medical grade CO₂ balloon. Such a device allows the delivery of gas, as well as control and programming of such delivery in accordance with the resistance provided by the patient's tissues.

The first effect after CO₂ administration is a strong expansion of blood vessels, increased blood flow and an increase in the partial pressure of oxygen in the treated area. The Bohr effect describes the effect exerted by carbon dioxide on the dynamics of oxygen dissociation in the blood – the affinity of oxygen for hemoglobin decreases with an increase in the concentration of CO₂ in the blood. This reduction leads to better saturation of superficial tissues and muscles with oxygen.

The presence of CO₂ also promotes collagen remodeling and thickening and smoothing of the overlying skin. With regard to blood circulation, carboxytherapy causes active expansion of arterioles, increasing blood flow to the treated area. It also helps to reduce the accumulation of fluids and toxins between cells, promoting lymphatic drainage.

The procedure is safe for most patients. Carbon dioxide is non-toxic, non-embolic, and compatible with the human body, which continuously produces and releases carbon dioxide through the venous system and lungs.

What can be achieved with oxygen infusions

"Oxygen infusions" is a technique that involves injecting oxygen with a purity of 94-98% into the skin through special handles with "oxygen tips"; at a pressure two or three times normal atmospheric pressure.

Fick's First Law, as modified by Higuchi, states that the ability to transport a substance in the epidermis is directly proportional to the solubility and diffusivity of the applicable substance. The function of the protective barrier of the skin is performed by the stratum corneum.

During the infusion process, oxygen coming into contact with the skin has a latency period during which the gas reaches a state of balance with the skin. After reaching such a balance, the process of penetration begins, the scale of which is proportional to the concentration and pressure of the gas. This methodology allows gas to pass through the skin. 

The therapeutic effect of oxygen infusions is characterized by the angiogenic properties inherent in oxygen.

Oxygen infusion acts on the three main components of the connective tissue of the skin, supporting the proper production of glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid), elastin fibers and collagen.

Oxygen infusions may be effective in the treatment of edematous-fibrosclerotic  panniculopathy, smoothing wrinkles, eliminating stretch marks, restoring skin elasticity and eliminating localized obesity and dyschromia.

Combination of carboxytherapy and oxygen infusions

The so-called "Gas Contouring" is a technique that combines local injections of carbon dioxide and infusions of pure oxygen at pressures greater than two atmospheres. Compared to carboxytherapy, which has been used for a long time, a relatively new technique has shown significant advantages.

The results of the study indicated an increase in skin elasticity by 35.3% after oxygen infusions, by 41.8%  after  carboxytherapy and by 53.6% after the combined effect of the two above procedures. Skin moisture increased by 19.9%, 15.6% and 27.9% respectively. Also, in patients who underwent the combined procedure, there was a clear reduction in local fat deposits in the abdomen and thighs.

Conclusions

Based on my own experience in this field and the experience of my colleagues, I can say that the effects of carboxytherapy and oxygen infusions:

• promotes the synthesis of collagen I and III;
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• promotes the synthesis of collagen IV and VII;
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• tones the skin, makes it more voluminous and dense;
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• stimulates the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans;
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• promotes the synthesis of amino acids and natural moisturizing factor to hydrate the skin;
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• prevents cell oxidation and tissue glycation;
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• counteracts the loss of elasticity and tone of the dermis, as well as the appearance of stretch marks;
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• acts on adipose tissue: carbon dioxide destroys fat cell membranes, and oxygen infusion promotes the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids, reducing fat accumulation.