Regenerative Wellness · Charlotte, NC

CO2Lift V Therapy

Transcutaneous hypercarbotherapy for post-surgical healing and tissue restoration.

CO2Lift V hypercarbotherapy is integrated into Advanced Pelvic Surgery's post-surgical recovery protocols, in-office wellness visits, and at-home maintenance, applying a validated physiological mechanism to improve tissue hydration, elasticity, and healing without hormones or downtime.

The Mechanism:
Transcutaneous Hyperoxygenation

CO2Lift V Therapy (Transcutaneous Hypercarbotherapy) is a well-tolerated, non-invasive treatment that applies a fundamental biological principle to enhance blood flow, oxygenation, and neoangiogenesis in pelvic tissues.

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The Bohr Effect

Named after physiologist Christian Bohr, this phenomenon describes how carbon dioxide concentration governs oxygen release from hemoglobin.

During a CO2Lift V session, a medical-grade carboxytherapy gel is applied directly to the vulvovaginal tissues. The localized transdermal absorption of CO₂ signals an oxygen deficit to circulating red blood cells. In immediate response, hemoglobin releases its bound oxygen, flooding the targeted tissue with oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood.

This surge in local oxygen concentration stimulates microcirculation, reduces inflammatory mediators, promotes neoangiogenesis, and initiates cellular repair — without systemic hormone exposure.

Dual-Purpose Application

Clinical Indications

CO2Lift V is applied across post-surgical recovery, in-office wellness visits, and at-home maintenance — the same formulation and mechanism, suited to the clinical context.

Post-Operative Healing

Used as a structured adjunct following labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, or major excision procedures. Hyperoxygenation of fresh incision margins reduces post-operative edema, supports wound closure, and can improve final contour outcomes. Timing and frequency are determined by procedure type and healing progression.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

A hormone-free treatment for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). CO2Lift V supports mucosal hydration and tissue elasticity, addressing symptoms including vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and tissue fragility in patients who cannot or prefer not to use topical or systemic estrogen.

The Patient Experience

CO2Lift V is an entirely non-surgical, needle-free treatment performed in our Charlotte concierge suite.

No Needles, No Discomfort

The gel mask application produces mild pressure and gentle warmth. Topical anesthetic is available for sensitive patients. There are no injections involved.

Minimal Interruption

As a standalone wellness treatment, patients return to all normal activities immediately — including exercise and intimacy. Post-surgical use follows the recovery parameters of the primary procedure.

Session Duration

Active gel contact time is approximately 30 minutes. Total appointment time, including preparation and post-care review, is approximately 45 minutes.

Protocol Synergy

CO2Lift V is frequently combined with the Ultimate-O® Shot or PRP / PDGF therapy to support tissue preparation and biologic absorption.

One Product, Three Settings

CO2Lift V

CO2Lift V is a medical-grade carboxytherapy gel formulated specifically for vaginal application. It is the same product and the same Bohr Effect mechanism — transcutaneous CO₂ delivery to drive localized hyperoxygenation — whether applied during an in-office visit, as part of a surgical recovery protocol, or at home as part of a patient-directed maintenance routine.

In-Office Application

Applied by Dr. Stepp

For patients receiving CO2Lift V as part of a clinical visit, Dr. Kevin Stepp applies the gel directly, integrating it within the broader treatment session.

In-office application is appropriate for patients beginning carboxytherapy for the first time, allowing Dr. Stepp to assess tissue response before transitioning to an at-home maintenance protocol.

Surgical Recovery

Integrated into Post-Op Protocols

CO2Lift V is used as a structured adjunct following labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, or other pelvic procedures, where tissue status, incision integrity, and protocol timing require clinical oversight.

Timing and frequency are determined by Dr. Stepp based on procedure type and healing trajectory.

At-Home Kit

Available in the Wellness Shop

CO2Lift V kits are available for direct purchase through our curated online Wellness Shop. At-home use is appropriate for patients already established in a CO2Lift V protocol, or as an entry point for women experiencing vaginal dryness, loss of elasticity, or GSM symptoms.

Each kit includes the carboxytherapy gel and application instructions. Protocol frequency and duration can be discussed during a consultation.

CO2Lift V is indicated for symptoms associated with vaginal aging, childbearing, and stress — including dryness, dyspareunia, and decreased elasticity. It is not a substitute for evaluation of underlying pelvic floor dysfunction or pathology. Patients with undiagnosed symptoms should be seen before initiating any at-home protocol. To purchase a kit for home use, visit the Wellness Shop. To schedule an in-office application or discuss surgical integration, schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

CO2Lift V

Discuss in-office CO2Lift V hypercarbotherapy, surgical integration, at-home kit availability, or how it fits your recovery or ongoing wellness protocol with Dr. Kevin Stepp.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Patient Questions

What is CO2Lift V therapy (transcutaneous hypercarbotherapy)?

CO2Lift V therapy delivers medical-grade carbon dioxide transcutaneously — through the skin — to vulvovaginal tissues. The Bohr Effect, in which elevated CO₂ concentration causes hemoglobin to release bound oxygen, creates a localized hyperoxygenation environment that stimulates tissue repair, improves elasticity, and supports collagen remodeling. Dr. Kevin Stepp, MD, FACOG, URPS offers this treatment in Charlotte, NC as part of his pelvic restoration protocols at Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Urogynecology of Charlotte.

Is CO2Lift V therapy a replacement for hormone therapy?

CO2Lift V is a non-hormonal option for addressing Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and vaginal tissue quality concerns. It does not replace hormone therapy but offers a clinically appropriate alternative for patients who cannot or prefer not to use topical or systemic estrogen. Dr. Kevin Stepp at Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Urogynecology of Charlotte discusses all available options during consultation.

Who is a good candidate for CO2Lift V therapy?

Candidates include women experiencing vaginal dryness, decreased tissue elasticity, mild laxity, or symptomatic GSM. The treatment is also used preoperatively to optimize tissue quality before pelvic surgery, and postoperatively to accelerate healing. Peri- and postmenopausal women benefit most frequently, though premenopausal women with specific tissue concerns are evaluated individually.

How many CO2Lift V sessions are needed?

A standard protocol at Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Urogynecology of Charlotte involves 3 to 6 treatment sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months. Results are cumulative; most patients report noticeable improvement in tissue tone and comfort after the second or third session. Post-surgical protocols are individualized based on procedure type and healing trajectory.

Is CO2Lift V therapy painful, and how long does a session take?

Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure and slight warmth. Topical anesthetic is available for sensitive patients. Recovery expectations are reviewed during consultation, and many patients resume normal activities quickly. Active gel contact time is approximately 30 minutes; total appointment time including preparation and post-care review is approximately 45 minutes. In-office sessions are performed at Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Urogynecology of Charlotte, 11210 Golf Links Dr North, #100, Charlotte, NC 28277. To schedule a consultation.

What's the difference between in-office, surgical, and at-home CO2Lift V?

CO2Lift V is one product — the same medical-grade carboxytherapy gel and Bohr Effect mechanism — applied in three different clinical contexts. In-office, Dr. Kevin Stepp applies the gel as part of a supervised visit. As a surgical adjunct, it's integrated into post-operative protocols following labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, or other pelvic procedures. At home, patients use a CO2Lift V kit purchased through our online Wellness Shop to maintain their protocol between visits. The product and mechanism are identical; only the setting and level of clinical oversight differ.

Can I purchase a CO2Lift V kit without an in-office visit?

CO2Lift V kits are available for purchase directly through our online Wellness Shop. Dr. Stepp recommends an initial consultation before beginning any at-home carboxytherapy protocol, as CO2Lift V is not appropriate as a substitute for evaluation of undiagnosed pelvic symptoms. For patients already established in care, kits can be securely ordered through our Wellness Shop.

About the Surgeon

Kevin Stepp, MD, FACOG, URPS

Double Board-Certified Urogynecologist  ·  Charlotte, NC

  • Board Certified — Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS)
  • Board Certified — Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN)
  • Fellowship — URPS, Cleveland Clinic
  • Fellowship — MIGS, Cleveland Clinic
  • >3,000 pelvic reconstructive procedures
  • Advanced experience in single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS)
<10 US surgeons with dual URPS + MIGS fellowship training
>3,000 Pelvic reconstructive procedures performed