Stretchmarks improvement with carboxytherapy

Principle

Improve neovascularization and blood flow (red color seen via skin transparency will appear pink, close to the natural skin color), improve melanocyte pigment production to darken white stretch marks. Improve collagen synthesis to reduce the wave appearance of old stretch marks.

Indications

Old white stretch marks, deep depressed stretch marks, irregular old stretch marks are the main indications. For young pink/red stretch marks, laser treatment is preferred: KTP or pulsed dye laser, one to three sessions, 1 month apart.

Protocol

• Intradermal  injections
• One session per month
• Flow: 80–150 cc/min
• Puncture inside the mark
• Number of sessions: four to ten

Technique

It is preferable to start injecting the dermis and when done push the needle further to inject the subcutaneous layers. This appears to be the easiest approach.

Endpoints

Popcorn appearance (inflated stretch marks) for 1 or 2 minutes then erythema.

Injection points

Follow each stretch mark and inject each 1–2 cm.

Post-treatment care

No post injection care is required. Sun protection is advisable.

Pain management

Injecting stretch marks is often painful. Patients describe a burning sensation. Although flow greater than 100 cc/min is recommended, it is sometimes impossible to maintain these values because of the pain. Lowering flows to 70–80 cc/min may make the patient more comfortable.