What to Know About HBOT After Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a significant medical procedure that can lead to transformative results for patients. However, like any surgical intervention, it comes with a recovery period that requires careful management to ensure optimal outcomes. One increasingly popular method to enhance recovery and improve results is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. The team at Baromedical Associates provides this innovative therapy to patients in the Dallas Metro Area, as well as many others who come to us from across the world. Explore HBOT, its benefits, and how this approach can speed recovery after plastic surgery.
What Is HBOT and How Does It Work?
During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), patients enter a pressurized chamber and breath pure oxygen. This environment allows the lungs to gather more oxygen than would be possible while breathing normal air. With more oxygen comes a speedier healing process. Here are some fundamentals of hyperbaric oxygen plastic surgery recovery:
- Enhanced Oxygen Supply—Oxygen is critical for the repair and regeneration of tissues damaged during surgery. HBOT significantly increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues, thus accelerating the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation—The swelling and inflammation that come after plastic surgery are no joking matter. Fortunately, increased oxygen at the cellular level can diminish both of these side effects.
- Strengthened Immune Function—The immune system has to work overtime after surgery to fight infections. HBOT’s oxygen-rich approach enhances the ability of the white blood cells to ward off infection and speed up recovery1, and HBOT kills anaerobic bacteria.
- Increased Collagen Production—HBOT stimulates collagen production, which is essential for wound healing, scar reduction, and better aesthetic outcomes.
The Benefits of Post-Plastic Surgery HBOT
Post-operative plastic surgery patients who undergo HBOT see a variety of benefits. This advanced treatment is known to accelerate healing as the body recovers from the trauma of a cosmetic procedure. HBOT enhances the body’s natural healing mechanisms and paves the way for faster, more efficient healing. This means shorter recovery times and a quicker return to daily activities. Other benefits include:
Reduced Bruising and Discomfort
Swelling and bruising are common side effects after plastic surgery. These symptoms not only cause discomfort but can also delay the recovery process. HBOT helps to reduce swelling and bruising more quickly by improving blood circulation and oxygen supply to the affected areas. Patients often report a significant reduction in these symptoms after undergoing HBOT sessions.
Minimized Scarring
Scarring is a major concern for many plastic surgery patients. While skilled surgeons take measures to minimize scarring, the body’s healing response plays a critical role in the final appearance of scars. HBOT promotes the formation of new blood vessels and collagen, which results in less noticeable scars.
Infection Prevention
Infections are a potential risk after any surgical procedure. HBOT strengthens the immune system’s response by increasing oxygen levels in the blood, and HBOT kills anaerobic bacteria, making it easier for the body to fend off infections. Studies2 have shown that patients who undergo HBOT have fewer post-surgical infections and a generally smoother recovery.
What to Expect From HBOT
If you’re nervous about an upcoming HBOT appointment, don’t hesitate to speak with your provider at Baromedical Associates. We want to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your enhanced recovery from plastic surgery. Here’s what to expect as you go into your first appointment:
Professional Consultation
Before starting HBOT, patients undergo a thorough consultation at Baromedical Associates. During this consultation, we’ll look at your medical history, the type of plastic surgery you have planned, and your overall health status. From there, our team will determine if this plastic surgery healing therapy is suitable for you.
HBOT Sessions
HBOT sessions typically last between 60 to 120 minutes and are conducted in a specially designed clear hyperbaric chamber. Patients comfortably sit or lie inside the chamber while breathing pure oxygen—many choose to watch TV, listen to music during this time. Every patient is different, so the number of sessions required will vary according to your recovery needs.
Monitoring Progress
Throughout the HBOT treatment, we’ll closely monitor your progress. HBOT shouldn’t be painful, but you should let us know if you begin having trouble clearing your ears or feelings of claustrophobia. However, in our very large, FDA approved, clear acrylic chambers, it is rare for our patients to experience claustrophobia. Between sessions, our team will evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness and make changes to your treatment plan as needed. This personalized approach ensures each patient receives optimal care tailored to their specific needs.
Ask Us About How HBOT Can Enhance Your Recovery
HBOT is making waves in medical practices across the country. Our team is glad to help patients recovering from plastic surgery experience minimal pain, scarring, and stress. The specialists at Baromedical Associates have years of expertise in HBOT and have consulted with patients of all ages. Get in touch with us today for details about how HBOT can enhance the plastic surgery recovery process.