plastic surgery

Whether cosmetic or reconstructive, HBOT may aid in the healing process and shorten recovery time.

Patients undergoing surgery face many post-operative challenges similar to traditional surgery but may also be effected by specific post-operative challenges unique to plastic surgery.

HBOT is an option that may speed healing while minimizing the effects of these other challenges. The high complication rate of these surgeries is attributable to blood supply disruption resulting ischemia, necrosis, infection, wound dehiscence, and excessive scarring. HBOT improves this by inducing new blood vessel growth.

Many surgeons now recommend pre and/or post-operative HBOT to their patients in order to enhance their healing, recovery and results.

BENEFITS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY FOR PLASTIC SURGERY PATIENTS

Clinical studies have demonstrated the following benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients receiving plastic surgery.

PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Quicker healing
Less scarring, bruising and infection

ENHANCES HEALING AND RECOVERY

Reduces inflammation
Minimizes pain and discomfort
Reduces swelling

SUPPORTS HEALING AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL

Promotes anti-inflammatory proteins
Improved angiogenesis enhancing blood flow to tissue
Induces fibroblast activation
Enhances collagen production

REDUCES RISK OF INFECTION

Elevates phagocytosis to above normal levels
Enhances microbial activity
Increases intracellular leukocytes

Research

STUDY: HYPERBARIC OXYGEN PRECONDITIONING CAN REDUCE POST ABDOMINOPLASTY COMPLICATIONS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

A study published in 2019 examined the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on wound healing as it has been found to have positive preconditioning effects in animal models. Patients who received preoperative HBOT were compared with patients who did not receive HBOT. The study determined the efficacy of preoperative HBOT, conducted before abdominoplasty, on postoperative complications. “Based on the beneficial effects of preoperative HBOT in our study, it could be argued that the use of preoperative HBOT preconditioning could potentially benefit patients undergoing several other surgical procedures. The treatment is safe and well-tolerated and can be easily conducted for most patients.”

Tali Friedman, MD, Shaked Menashe, MD, Geva Landau, MD, Matan Sherf, MD, Italy Wiser, MD, Yaakov Seligman, MD, Mony Friedman, MD, Amir Hadanny, MD, Shai Efrati, MD, Lior Heller, MD. (2019)

Clinical Research

The following research highlights the benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for people who have had plastic surgery.

Study