Carboxy Therapy Research
4 peer-reviewed studies supporting this intervention. Evidence rating: C
Study Comparison
| Study | Year | Type | Journal | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabaie SM et al. | 2024 | Clinical Trial | Journal of cosmetic dermatology | Weekly carboxytherapy sessions significantly reduced periorbital hyperpigmentation across lateral, middle, and medial regions (p<0.01). |
| Martignago CCS et al. | 2023 | Systematic Review | Research, Society and Development | Analysis of 27 studies (700+ patients) found carboxytherapy effective for cellulite and stretch marks, though no treatment is fully effective for striae. |
| Saleh F et al. | 2021 | Clinical Trial | Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | Eight sessions of carboxytherapy improved stretch marks with objective 3D imaging showing better skin topography and histology confirming collagen remodeling. |
| Maia-Figueiro TL et al. | 2019 | Randomized Controlled Trial | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | Carboxytherapy reduced abdominal fat at 1 week but the effect was not maintained at 6 months, suggesting temporary metabolic effects without adipocyte death. |
Study Details
Journal of cosmetic dermatology
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This single-arm clinical trial evaluated carboxytherapy for periorbital hyperpigmentation (dark under-eye circles) in 20 Iranian patients with symmetric dark circles.
Patients received weekly intradermal CO2 injections for 4 weeks. Treatment involved 10-20 mL of CO2 at 20 mL/min at 15°C temperature.
Research, Society and Development
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This systematic review analyzed 27 studies with over 700 pooled cases examining carboxytherapy for aesthetic applications including cellulite, stretch marks, facial rejuvenation, and localized fat reduction.
The review found generally positive results across applications, with the strongest evidence for stretch marks and cellulite. However, the authors noted significant heterogeneity in protocols and outcome measures across studies.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
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This clinical trial evaluated carboxytherapy for stretch marks (striae distensae) in 20 patients using both objective measurements and histological analysis.
Patients received 8 sessions of CO2 injection at 2-week intervals. Computerized 3D camera imaging objectively assessed skin topography changes, and skin biopsies confirmed histological improvements.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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This rigorous randomized, sham-controlled, split-body study tested carboxytherapy for abdominal fat reduction. Adults (BMI 22-29) received 5 weekly treatments of 1000 cm³ CO2 on one side of the abdomen and sham treatments on the other side.
Key finding: Fat reduction was significant at 1 week post-treatment but disappeared by 28 weeks, suggesting carboxytherapy causes temporary adipocyte shrinkage rather than permanent cell destruction.
Evidence Assessment
This intervention has preliminary evidence from early-stage research, mechanistic studies, or observational data. More rigorous trials are needed.