Plastic Surgery

“Cosmetic Surgery”

HBOT Benefits Plastic Surgery

Enhanced Surgical Outcomes Through HBOT

1. Enhances Oxygen Delivery to Compromised Tissue

HBOT increases dissolved oxygen in plasma up to 10–15 times baseline, enabling diffusion into hypoxic tissue even when microvascular perfusion is limited.

This is particularly valuable in:

Tenuous mastectomy or reconstruction flaps
Large undermined body contouring procedures
Revision cases with scarred tissue
Smokers, diabetics, and vasculopathic patients

By improving oxygen gradients at the cellular level, HBOT supports marginal tissue before it progresses to necrosis — protecting surgical outcomes and reducing the likelihood of reoperation.

2. Improves Flap & Graft Survival

HBOT stimulates angiogenesis, fibroblast activity, and collagen synthesis while reducing tissue edema. These mechanisms collectively improve viability in compromised flaps and grafts.

For surgeons, this means:

Greater salvage potential
More predictable healing in high-risk cases
A non-invasive adjunct when vascular compromise is suspected

Early intervention is critical — outcomes are strongest when treatment begins at the first clinical signs of ischemia.

3. Reduces Post-Operative Complications

Oxygen is essential for neutrophil-mediated bacterial killing and collagen cross-linking. Hypoxic tissue impairs both immune function and structural wound integrity.

HBOT supports:

Reduced infection risk
Lower rates of dehiscence
Decreased fat necrosis
Improved wound strength

This is especially impactful in higher-risk surgical populations and complex reconstructive procedures.

4. Protects Aesthetic Outcomes & Reduces Revision Risk

Complications such as flap necrosis, delayed healing, and wound breakdown can compromise both clinical results and patient satisfaction.

By supporting tissue viability and accelerating recovery, HBOT may:

Reduce the need for revision surgery
Shorten prolonged healing timelines
Improve overall outcome predictability

For surgeons, this translates to improved patient experience, stronger case results, and reduced downstream complication management.

Key Considerations for HBOT in Post-op Care

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Adjunctive — Not a Replacement for Surgical Judgment
HBOT is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive surgical plan. It does not substitute for meticulous technique, appropriate debridement, vascular assessment, or timely operative intervention.

Early Intervention Improves Outcomes
Outcomes are strongest when HBOT is initiated at the first signs of compromise (e.g., dusky flaps, capillary refill changes, early ischemic indicators), rather than as a last-resort measure.
Patient Selection Matters
Highest value is typically seen in high-risk populations: smokers, diabetics, post-radiation tissue, revision surgeries, large-volume body contouring, and reconstructive cases with tenuous perfusion.
Clear Protocol & Communication Are Essential
Effective integration requires coordinated care between the surgical team and hyperbaric provider, with defined treatment timing, number of sessions, and clear post-operative goals.