Plastic Surgery

Benefits from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Important effects of pre and post-surgical hyperbaric oxygen for patients is the stimulation of leukocyte microbial killing, the enhancement of fibroblast replication, increased stem cell production, and increased collagen formation and neovascularization of ischemic tissue. HBOT is a safe, painless, non-invasive adjunctive therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen is a safe way to alter the inflammatory process to help wound healing. It minimizes pain, scarring, swelling, and inflammation in the tissue, and has an antibacterial effect. Patients who have this therapy in conjunction with their cosmetic surgery exhibit a shorter recuperation period. For example a patient having a full face lift can expect his/her recovery time to average 4-8 weeks without HBOT and 2-4 weeks with HBOT!

More cosmetic surgeons are recommending hyperbaric oxygen particularly for patients who have a history of healing problems. They may have been smokers, overweight or may be immune suppressed. HBOT facilitates the healing process and enhances the body’s white blood cells’ ability to fight infection. This prompts healing and growth of new blood vessels, decreases bruising, deactivates and clears toxins and metabolic waste, and improves the healing rate and capacity to fight infection. Many patients report an overall improved healthy feeling.

Patients who elect to have laser peels typically experience days of lingering redness and discomfort. With HBOT the redness is minimized and the patient recovers more quickly. For patients receiving liposuction, the hyperbaric treatments will help decrease swelling much faster resulting in less postoperative discomfort.