Carboxytherapy Overview

As with many other health and beauty treatments, there are varying opinions on the effectiveness of carboxytherapy. People have recognized the health benefits of bathing in spring water with carbon dioxide for decades, and it is thought to be effective in treating some vascular diseases, high blood pressure and heart disease. Some scientific studies have shown that carbon dioxide can have a positive effect on the human body. For example, one study found that such bathing improved blood flow through the areas of the body that were immersed in the water [source: Ito].

However, some experts question whether enough scientific evidence exists to prove carboxytherapy's effectiveness in treating cellulite or scar tissue. Carboxytherapy practitioners disagree, saying that the treatment can trick the body into increasing blood flow. They argue that the procedure is much less invasive than liposuction, with similar results [source: CarboxyWorld]. Practitioners of carboxytherapy can see the effects and results up close -- and many claim it works wonders -- but without extensive, long-term studies, the jury is still out on this one.

If you choose this treatment, you should notice improvement after your first time, but you will likely require multiple treatments to achieve maximum results [source: McDonald]. Since cellulite can return, you might need additional treatments several times per year.

Multiple treatments, however, can mean high bills. For more about the cost of carboxytherapy, read on.

One factor that can play a part in choosing a health or beauty treatment is its cost. Because it usually requires multiple treatments, the cost of carboxytherapy can add up in the long term. Although the price varies by area, expect to pay between $100 and $150 per treatment.

For an average problem that requires 10 treatment sessions, the total cost is likely to rise above $1,000. You should also consider the cost of additional treatments once or twice a year thereafter.

The number of treatments also may vary according to the practitioner you visit. Depending on the severity of the case and the practitioner, you may be scheduled for somewhere between four and 15 treatments [source: McDonald].

Of course, for the effects of carboxytherapy to last, you have to do your part. For example, if you experience a successful round of treatment for cellulite, you might be able to keep the appearance cellulite away for years if you eat right and exercise. If you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle, though, you might notice the cellulite beginning to reappear after five or six months, resulting in the need for several more sessions of carboxytherapy. With more sessions comes more cost to you.

However, carboxytherapy can be less expensive than more invasive alternatives such as surgery. Surgery, in addition to being more expensive, can be risky and involve time away from home and work. Carboxytherapy, on the other hand, is said to have very mild side effects.

Read on to find out more about the kinds of side effects that come with treatment.

Though "no pain, no gain" is a common saying when it comes to improving your appearance, exactly how much pain is involved in a health and beauty treatment is usually a determining factor. Compared with plastic surgery, carboxytherapy is said to have minimal side effects. You might feel some discomfort during the procedure, and the amount of discomfort varies depending on the problem being treated [source: Zdinak]. Your practitioner can tell you what to expect. Once you have completed a treatment, you can typically return to your usual activities immediately [source: Cosmetic Medical].

The most common side effect of carboxytherapy is the possibility of bruising at the site of the injection. While treatments to eyelids typically do not cause bruising, redness and swelling are common on arms and legs that have been treated [source: Zdinak].

After a carboxytherapy treatment, you might feel warmth or tingling at the injection site for a short time; this is considered normal [source: Cosmetic Medical]. Treatment of cellulite and fatty deposits may cause a feeling of pressure as the carbon dioxide expands into the deposits. This sensation should subside after a no more than a day [source: Zdinak]. If you experience any unusual side effects after receiving a treatment, you should consult a physician.

If you want to get rid of cellulite, stretch marks or other skin issues but don't want to have surgery or worry about horrible side effects, carboxytherapy might be what you're looking for. To learn more about this treatment, check out the resources on the next page.