Good for? Known as Brazilian miracle gas because of its popularity there, this procedure claims to get rid of stretch marks, cellulite and scars, as well as plumping the skin. Suddenly those taut bottoms on Rio's beaches make sense.
What is it? Micro injections of carbon dioxide just beneath the surface of the skin. This is supposed to stimulate circulation and collagen production, which improves the appearance of skin. Ageing causes capillaries to become dormant, which reduces blood circulation. This deprives cells of oxygen which stops the cells' ability to regenerate. Injecting carbon dioxide makes your body think there is an oxygen deficit and it responds by increasing the blood flow. This leads to a surge of oxygen and nutrients to the treated area, which results in cell restoration. “It's more painful than most cellulite treatments, but has a much stronger effect,” says Joanne Evans, an aesthetician, who carries out the procedure with Dr Jules Nabet in London.
Ouch factor? Each injection feels like a strong sting, on a similar level of pain to electrolysis.
Clock-watching You should notice a difference after one treatment, but a course of between four and six is recommended. Each treatment takes 40 minutes. If the stretch marks are recent they should be treated once a week for five or six appointments; if they have been there for a while, once a month for five or six treatments.
Downtime None, although the area treated might be red and puffy.
What to ask This procedure is not regulated but Joanne Evans recommends checking that the clinic is registered with the Healthcare Commission (healthcare commission.org.uk). Ensure that there is a doctor on the premises; he or she may not be giving the procedure, but it is being done under their aegis.
Cost RioBlush Carboxy Therapy costs £100 per treatment with Dr Jules Nabet; www.julesnabet.com.
Dermatologist's verdict “As with many such treatments there is a smattering of science here, which gives a sense of credibility. In reality there appear to be no good scientific studies to confirm the claims and any improvement is likely to be slight and not maintained over time,” says Dr Neil Walker, consultant dermatologist at Churchill Hospital, Oxford.
