A Potential Life Changing Injury for Alex: A Case Study Using Carboxytherapy and Growth Factor Recovery Serum.

A case study of utilising carboxytherapy and unique growth factor serums to restore an injury which might have a life changing impact on a former model.

In February 2020 I received a phone call from an amazing woman, colleague and friend (Roz) who was devastated by an injury her daughter had sustained. Her daughter (Alex) is in her early 30’s, a former model and beautiful. An unfortunate accident resulted in horrific injuries to her face which necessitated an urgent trip to A&E where she had to undergo treatment by plastic surgeons to suture her lower face.

The first phone call was about the injury and to offer my friend (Roz) moral support. We are both nurses by background and understand injuries like this all too well. Initially the area will be red, inflamed and very painful. The second concern will be scarring and contractures. We both work in aesthetic medicine and realised that our next steps will be crucial. Roz asked for my help.

The first step was once the wound was sutured to immediately start with AQ Solutions which I have been using in my clinic for some time and had spectacular results with. The solution is to be applied directly onto the wound and rubbed in several times a day during wound healing.

Wound Healing:

Optimal wound healing involve the following events that rapidly overlap with each other: (1) rapid homeostasis (return body to balance); (2) appropriate inflammation to protect the body from invasion by bacterial organisms; (3) cell differentiation, proliferation and migration to the wound site; (4) angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels); (5) prompt re-growth of epithelial tissue over the wound surface; (6) proper synthesis, cross-linking and alignment of collagen to provide strength to the healing tissue. In the repairing dermis (tissue) the fibroblasts (produces collagen and fibres) and endothelial cells are the most prominent cell types. Their function is to support capillary growth, collagen formation and the formation of granulation tissue at the site of the injury. The fibroblast produces collagen as well as glycosaminoglycans (shock absorber and attracts fluid) and proteoglycans (a core protein) and are major components within the skin tissue (extracellular matrix). So our efforts were to harness the bodies own recovery but enhance it with AQ solutions and carboxytherapy. It aids healing and prevent scarring in the following ways.

Phase 1: AQ Recovery Serum

AQ recovery serum is a pharmaceutical grade product that contains a concentration of natural human growth factors which is designed to enhance the skin’s natural process of regeneration. It further aids repair by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell circulation by increasing cell renewal. We started to apply it immediately several times a day to aid regeneration.

The next step is to follow this up with carboxytherapy. I would have preferred to inject carboxytherapy at this stage already already where the skin is tight, inflamed, red and sore immediately after suturing. The reason is that it creates vasodilation within the tissue and actually relieves pain but Alex understandably refused at this stage. Carboxytherapy is administered with a tiny needle several times into the wounds and she was in too much pain to consider this.

Phase 2: Carboxytherapy and how it works.

Carboxytherapy is a safe minimal invasive method, where the tissue is infiltrated with a high volume of CO2 (natural gas which you exhale). It triggers two responses by creating Bohr’s effect and a healing cascade. Bohr’s Effect: Carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with water molecule (H2O) which generates carbonic acid. Haemoglobin carries oxygen and the acidic content created by the carboxytherapy changes haemoglobins affinity for oxygen which means it gives it off quicker. It therefore results in MORE oxygen being released into the tissues and changes the permeability of the cell walls. The changes in the pH of the skin result in further anti-spasmodic effect which allows the capillaries and arterioles to relax. The result is a flood of oxygen but also offer immediate pain relief. 

So, What Happens with Carboxytherapy?

The aim of the carboxytherapy was twofold. The wound healing affected the connective tissue and collagen which is the remodelling phase in healing. The newly formed capillaries increases the density of the wound which result in contractures in the healing process In Alex's case the tissue density increased as seen below.

The first aim: The skin is thickened around the wound site, creating abnormal undulations and thickening where the collagen has deposited making it more uneven. This create deep indentations in the ? side of the chin but is also starting to pull her mouth downwards where it extends into the lip on the (L) side of her face. This is more noticeable when smiling and talking and when her mouth is rested in certain postures.

The second aim: Carboxytherapy helps modulate the tissue by decreasing thickness and uneven formation. However, its other bigger function is to trigger healing and reducing scarring. It is done in the following way. The area where carboxy is administered undergo a loss of oxygen (anoxia) which immediately triggers growth of stem cells for the formation of new tissue or hair. The body recognises the loss of oxygen to a specific area and makes every effort to increase the blood flow to that area flooding it with oxygen, nutrients which triggers cell restoration. The injury to the dermis itself caused by insertion of the needle also further triggers fibroblasts which triggers platelets, growth factors and a cascade of tissue and cell growth function. 

The Results:

Improved and accelerated healing of the wound. Improvement of the wound over time and breaking down irregularities and abnormal collagen formation. The scar lightens and start to disappear.

The process has taken 9 months with initial treatment twice a month and then monthly. Due to other commitments Alex was not able to attend my clinic more frequently. The result would have been quicker but in the long run we still achieved the results. 

Another contributing factor to her recovery is that Roz (Alex's mom) has started Alex on a skin regime for her hyperpigmentation. She used medical skincare and one of the products is a Vitamin A derivative. Vitamin A is known as the workhorse in skin care and contributes to increased skin (dermal) turnover and collagen production. It is used in acne scars on the face. So the cumulative effect certainly helped Alex recover with spectacular results.

What’s most important is that we have restored this beautiful young woman and enabled her to recover fully and live a happy fulfilled life.

Tania is the founder and clinical director of Uniskin who specialise in restoration, regeneration, beautification and nourishment in order for patients to live their best lives. We utilise unique treatments such as carboxytherapy, injectable platelet rich plasma, stem cells applications, DNA testing, vitamin and mineral infusions etc. that are unique and aimed at skin, hair and general wellness and wellbeing.