✿ Circulation · CO2 boost

Carboxy Therapy in Seoul, Korea

Carboxy therapy uses tiny, controlled injections of medical-grade CO2 to boost circulation, firm skin and improve under-eye darkness and mild cellulite, with minimal downtime, at NEST Clinic, Gangnam.

  • Session 10–20 min
  • Downtime Minimal
  • Under-eye plan 3–8 sessions
  • Spacing 1–2 weeks apart
Woman with brighter under-eye area after carboxy therapy at NEST Clinic, Gangnam

🌸 Quick answer

What is carboxy therapy and how does it work? Carboxy therapy injects small amounts of medical-grade carbon dioxide just under the skin. The body responds by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the area, which triggers natural regeneration — more collagen, better elasticity and faster removal of fluid. It is used on the face for under-eye darkness and early aging, and on the body for cellulite and small fat pockets. Sessions take about 10–20 minutes with minimal downtime.

What is carboxy therapy?

Carboxy therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that delivers controlled medical-grade CO2 into the skin or just beneath it. The temporary rise in CO2 prompts the body to send more oxygen-rich blood to the area, improving microcirculation and stimulating collagen, elasticity and fluid drainage.

In Korea it is a popular, gentle option for brightening tired skin and improving under-eye circulation, and it is often used to support healing after other procedures or alongside cellulite treatment.

What it treats

  • Under-eye dark circles and puffiness
  • Dull or fatigued skin
  • Fine lines and early aging
  • Mild cellulite and localised fat
  • Stretch marks and poor circulation

Why people choose it

  • Quick 10–20 minute sessions
  • Minimal downtime
  • Improves under-eye circulation
  • Boosts collagen and elasticity
  • Supports recovery after other treatments

Before & after: what changes

Improvement is gradual over a series — skin looks brighter and firmer as circulation and collagen improve with each session.

Illustration of skin before and after carboxy therapy Left: dull skin with dark, tired under-eyes. Right: brighter, firmer skin after a course of carboxy therapy. Before Over a series ✿ CO2 · better circulation dull · dark under-eyes brighter · firmer
Illustration for explanation only — not an actual patient photo. Individual results vary.

Who is a good candidate?

Usually a good fit

  • Want brighter, less tired under-eyes
  • Want firmer skin without fillers
  • Have mild to moderate cellulite
  • Have small, stubborn fat pockets
  • Want to improve post-liposuction unevenness

Not the right choice for

  • Are pregnant
  • Have certain circulatory or lung conditions (consult first)
  • Have an active infection in the area
  • Expect dramatic fat removal (consider fat-dissolving injections)

How a carboxy session works

  1. Cleansing and prep

    The area is cleansed and marked for treatment.

  2. Fine needle or cannula

    A very fine needle or cannula is inserted into the target area.

  3. CO2 injection

    Medical-grade CO2 gas is released; you may feel brief warmth, pressure or a full sensation as it spreads.

  4. Absorption

    The gas is absorbed by the body within minutes. A session takes about 10–20 minutes depending on the area.

Recovery and results timeline

Downtime is low. Mild redness, swelling or a full sensation may last from a few minutes to a few hours, and slight bruising is possible. The under-eye area may look puffy for 20–30 minutes before settling. Most people resume normal activities right away.

  1. Same day Back to normal activities
  2. Minutes to hours Warmth or fullness settles
  3. After each session Gradual brightening and firming
  4. Full series Best results build over the course

Carboxy therapy cost in Seoul

Pricing varies by area and number of sessions, and packages often reduce the cost per session. International patients pay the same local price; your quote is confirmed at consultation.

Under-eye carboxy ₩30,000 – ₩80,000 per session
Face carboxy ₩40,000 – ₩120,000
Body carboxy (larger zones) ₩70,000 – ₩200,000
Under-eye sessions 3–8, spaced 1–2 weeks
Cellulite / stretch marks 6–12 sessions
Local fat / rejuvenation 3–10 sessions

Safety and considerations

  • Performed with medical-grade CO2 only
  • Temporary swelling or pressure is normal
  • Bruising is possible in sensitive areas
  • Not suitable during pregnancy
  • People with certain circulatory or lung conditions should consult first

Aftercare tips

  • Avoid heavy workouts for 24 hours
  • Stay hydrated to support circulation
  • Avoid alcohol and sauna on the same day
  • Use gentle skincare if the face was treated
  • For body areas, light massage can support results
Dr. Heein Song, Medical Doctor at NEST Clinic

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Heein Song · Medical Doctor, NEST Clinic

Graduate of Seoul National University College of Medicine. Member of Korean societies for aesthetic laser, skin and hair medicine, obesity aesthetics and facial fillers.

Last reviewed: October 2026 · This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability is decided by a doctor at consultation.

Carboxy Therapy FAQ

How many carboxy therapy sessions will I need?

Under-eyes usually need 3–8 sessions, cellulite or stretch marks 6–12, and skin rejuvenation 3–6, spaced about 1–2 weeks apart. Your doctor will set a plan at consultation.

Does carboxy therapy hurt?

Most people feel only mild pressure or warmth as the gas spreads, which is brief. Discomfort is short-lived and fine needles or cannulas are used.

Is there downtime?

Downtime is low. Mild redness, swelling or a full feeling can last minutes to hours, and the under-eye area may look puffy for 20–30 minutes before settling.

How much does carboxy therapy cost in Seoul?

Under-eye sessions are around ₩30,000–₩80,000, face around ₩40,000–₩120,000 and larger body zones around ₩70,000–₩200,000. International patients pay the same local price.

Is it safe for darker skin tones?

Yes. Carboxy therapy does not rely on high heat or pigment targeting, so it is generally suitable for melanin-rich skin when performed correctly.

Can carboxy therapy replace fillers or fat removal?

No. It improves circulation, firmness and mild fat and cellulite, but it is not a filler or a major fat-removal treatment. Your doctor can suggest alternatives if needed.

Often considered with carboxy therapy

✿ Free consultation

Curious if carboxy therapy suits you?

Tell our English-speaking team which area bothers you most on WhatsApp — our doctors will advise a session plan or a combination at the same local price for international patients.