Comparison of the Effects of Carboxytherapy and Radiofrequency on Skin Rejuvenation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Carboxytherapy (CA) refers to the cutaneous and subcutaneous administration of carbon dioxide gas [CO2] for therapeutic purposes. Radiofrequency (RF) is a method that uses electric current to generate heat into the layers of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue. Both techniques are indicated to the treatment of skin laxity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of CA an RF on human skin. Methods: Eight patients who underwent abdominoplasty surgery received a single procedure of both treatments. Untreated skin was used as control. In an area of 49 cm2 (7 x 7 cm) in the infra-umbilical region CA was performed on the right and RF on the left side. Sample collection period ranged from zero to 120 days. CA was administered at a velocity of 40 ml/min, and the total quantity of CO2 infused was approximately 20ml. RF was carried out in a temperature higher than 40ºC on the epidermis for 5 minutes after reaching this temperature.

Detailed Description
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Untreated skin was used as control. In an area of 49 cm2 (7 x 7 cm) in the infra-umbilical region CA was performed on the right side and RF on the left side. CA was administered using the beveled end of a 30G ½ needle introduced in the skin in an angle of approximately 30ºC and delivered at a velocity of 40 mL/min. The total quantity of CO2 infused was approximately 20 mL (0,3 to 0,6 mL/kg of patient's body weight) encompassing the whole delimited are. For the RF treatment, the epidermal temperature was controlled using an infrared thermometer monitored to reach 40ºC and treatment time was of five minutes starting after having reached this temperature. Sample collection varied from zero to 120 days after application. The samples were then fixed, cut in paraffin (5 µm) and stained with Picro sirus and Weigert. Morphological analyses were acquired using a Zeiss Axiophot® microscope, and they were processed using Adobe Photoshop®.

Official Title
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Comparison of the Effects of Carboxytherapy and Radiofrequency on Skin Rejuvenation

Conditions
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Skin Aging, Skin Rejuvenation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Carboxytherapy
* Other: Radiofrequency


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients who underwent abdominoplasty surgery and agree to participate to this study Exclusion Criteria: patients been treated with corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory during the period of the protocol, with cancer or other change that contraindicated the application of carboxytherapy and radiofrequency

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 27 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Carboxytherapy<br>It was administered using the beveled end of a 30G ½ needle introduced in the skin in an angle of approximately 30ºC and delivered at a velocity of 40 mL/min. The total quantity of CO2 infused was approximately 20 mL (0,3 to 0,6 mL/kg of patient's body weight) encompassing the whole delimited area. | Other: Carboxytherapy<br>* Carboxytherapy was performed on the right side and RF on the left side. CA was administered using the beveled end of a 30G ½ needle introduced in the skin in an angle of approximately 30ºC and delivered at a velocity of 40 mL/min. The total quantity of CO2 infused was approximately 20 mL (0,3 to 0,6 mL/kg of patient's body weight) encompassing the whole delimited area.<br>* Other names: Physical Therapy treatment;|
| Experimental: Radiofrequency<br>The epidermal temperature was controlled using an infrared thermometer monitored to reach 40ºC and treatment time was of five minutes starting after having reached this temperature. | Other: Radiofrequency<br>* The epidermal temperature was controlled using an infrared thermometer monitored to reach 40ºC and treatment time was of five minutes starting after having reached this temperature.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Effect on Skin morphology treatment with Carboxytherapy and Radiofrequency at the same day of a single session | Evaluation of elastic fiber and collagen remodeling from skin treated or not with Carboxytherapy and Radiofrequency. Samples were obtained from one patient who underwent abdominoplasty surgery. The samples were fixed, processed to paraffin and stained with Picro sirus and Weigert. Images were acquired using a Zeiss Axiophot® microscope, and they were processed using Adobe Photoshop®. | same 1 day of a single session treatment | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Effect on Skin morphology treatment with Carboxytherapy and Radiofrequency at the forth day after a single session | Evaluation of elastic fiber and collagen remodeling from skin treated or not with Carboxytherapy and Radiofrequency. Samples were obtained from one patient who underwent abdominoplasty surgery. The samples were fixed, processed to paraffin and stained with Picro sirus and Weigert. Images were acquired using a Zeiss Axiophot® microscope, and they were processed using Adobe Photoshop®. | 4th day after a single session | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Carbon dioxide, Carboxytherapy, Radiofrequency