Recovering from major surgery can be painful and prolonged. What if there was a way to speed up the healing process? That’s where hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help. This non-invasive treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased oxygen in your blood could be just what your body needs to accelerate recovery from surgery.
How Does Oxygen Therapy Aid Post-Surgical Healing?
After surgery, your body works overtime to repair tissues and fend off infections. Here’s how oxygen therapy supports these processes:
- Faster wound healing: Oxygen is necessary for damaged tissue repair. HBOT saturates your blood with oxygen post-operation, delivering it directly to the injured areas for speedier wound closure and minimal scarring.
- Reduced swelling and pain: Surgery leads to inflammation, which can be painful and delay recovery. HBOT reduces swelling so your body can heal more comfortably.
- Lower chance of infection: Post-surgery infections are a common concern. HBOT enhances the activity of white blood cells, helping your immune system tackle threats more effectively.
- Supported blood vessel growth: During healing, your body must rebuild tiny blood vessels around the affected area. HBOT stimulates this growth to deliver more oxygen and nutrients.
- Minimized tissue damage from radiation or trauma: If you’ve had surgery following radiation treatment or significant injury, HBOT gives your body the resources it needs to heal properly.
Is HBOT Right for Your Surgery?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy isn’t limited to one type of surgery. It’s versatile and can complement recovery from various procedures, including:
- Major surgeries like hip replacements, knee surgeries, and spinal fusions
- Cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts, liposuction, or tummy tucks
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeries, including dental implants and jaw reconstruction
- Skin grafts following major trauma or burns
- Surgery following radiation therapy
- Less complex procedures like biopsies or minor skin excisions
A Study of Post-Surgical Healing with Oxygen Therapy
A retrospective study published in 2011 looked at how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help patients with serious chest infections after heart surgery. Six out of 18 patients received HBOT along with the usual treatments like antibiotics and cleaning out infected tissue. Those who had HBOT recovered faster and spent much less time in the ICU and on ventilators. Most importantly, all six survived, compared to three patients in the non-HBOT group who passed away. The results suggest that adding HBOT to standard care improves recovery and outcomes for these types of infections1.
Accelerate Your Recovery from Surgery
Baromedical Associates provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy in FDA-approved, single-person chambers. Our commitment to cutting-edge treatment attracts patients worldwide who want to receive the most advanced, effective therapy available. With four convenient locations in the Dallas Metro area, we’re ready to assist with your post-surgical recovery. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.