CO2 therapy for the treatment of obesity and skin irregularities. Part 2

In 2011, Balik et al. investigated the effects of CO₂-therapy with breathing air in animal models. The results of the study showed that the differences obtained in terms of fat-splitting effect and changes in microcirculation were statistically insignificant. Important data have been obtained with the use of different gases in experimental models, but they do not contraindicate the use of CO₂-therapy.

However, Balik's model has dual sides. It was not built around a clearly defined gas injection and protocol. Second, the researchers did not test the relationship between transcutaneous carbon pressure (tcPO₂) and laser Doppler flow, as it is not simply applied in the model used. Moreover, the lack of toxicity of CO₂ has not been discussed, and this is a key point in the question of the use of such treatment in humans.

CO₂-therapy devices  

1. The safety and effectiveness of this procedure depends greatly on the correct execution of the technology. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately set the correct characteristics of the devices.
2. Must use medical and sterile CO₂.
3. The equipment used must allow the doctor to pre-set the purity of the injected gas, the amount of gas injected, the time of injection, the volume of gas injected, the temperature of the gas, the degree of gas injection, which must be constantly at the same level.
4. The equipment must have certificates that confirm that its technical characteristics comply with the specified ones, as well as confirm the possibility of using the equipment for the introduction of medical gas.
5. A 30 or 32 gauge 13mm needle should be used.

Treatment of cellulite and localized fat deposits with CO₂-therapy

The use of CO₂ is based on positive and documented effects on deficiencies of various etiologies. Adipose tissue – it is a connective tissue composed of fat cells, stromal elements, blood and lymph vessels, and a matrix of collagen fibers. Clinical changes in the connective tissue can be local (obesity) or widespread (cellulite), and often appear simultaneously, therefore, they must also be treated simultaneously.  

Local obesity is the accumulation of fat in certain areas of the body (abdomen, thighs, knees, etc.). The goal of treatment is to reduce the volume of fat masses. Therefore, CO₂ is recommended for use together with surgical procedures (in order to stabilize and optimize the results obtained) or separately if the patient refuses surgery.  

Cellulite is an irregularity in the skin of the legs associated with sexual, genetic and lifestyle factors, including inappropriate clothing such as too tight pants or high heels. Cellulite can also be caused by the presence of renal vein disease and/or lymphatic disease. This is a chronic condition, and it is very important to explain to patients how many times to repeat procedures and explain their technique, which may vary depending on the case.   

Treatment is based on a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle changes, control of vascular and/or lymphatic circulation, use of individualized diets, and concomitant psychological treatments and physiotherapy such as carboxytherapy (used alone or in conjunction with other therapies). The pathophysiology of cellulitis includes changes in the microcirculation, vascular and lymphatic systems that are adversely affected by the accumulation of fat within the connective membranes.  

Subcutaneous administration of CO₂ improves microcirculation by increasing blood flow in the treated areas. This is due to vasolidation induced by CO₂ therapy as well as changes in blood flow and vasomotor response as indicated by capillaroscopy, Doppler and laser Doppler flow.  

Furthermore, CO₂-therapy has been shown to increase oxygenation of peripheral tissues due to the artificial Bohr effect and fat-splitting effect on adipose tissue, without damaging the connective tissue or reducing the thickness of adipose tissue.

Stretch Mark Treatment with CO₂  

Stretch marks (atrophic skin streaks, atrophic cutaneous-epidermal streaks) – it is the result of crushing the dermis and epidermis. They appear as linear scars, and their origin is due to the rupture of collagen fibers, which occur when the tissue is not elastic enough, and as a result of ischemic damage associated with stretching of the capillaries of the skin. This phenomenon can be caused by both mechanical (eg weight loss) and hormonal (eg steroid treatment) factors, while a genetic predisposition has not been directly proven.   

The positive effect of CO2 therapy on blood flow and oxygenation of peripheral tissues reduces the hypoxic damage associated with the etiology of stretch marks. Histological analyzes performed after CO₂ treatment showed that session after session it changes the structure of the dermis, including an increase in its thickness and a wider distribution of collagen fibers. 

Conclusions  

Literature data suggest that CO₂-therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many vascular and skin disorders. 

Based on Prime magazine.