will hyperbaric chamber therapy help speed up the facelift healing process?

Question

I there I'm about to do. Facelift , neck, eyes, brow lift one dr recommendation after surgery I do hyperbaric chambers (an extra fee done elsewhere) vs another one says it's typically only used for wound therapy and not needed. I feel like the one that stated not needed is the surgeon I'm going with to do my work. Should I do this as precaution, would you heal faster, quicker ? Is it worth doing anyways as it's an external place don elsewhere?

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thanks for your enquiry.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven its value in wound therapy, where its effects can be measured. 
It is not possible to accurately measure the effects of prevention. As such, some surgeons’ observations make them feel hyperbaric oxygen therapy is helpful and some may feel it is not damaging but also not necessarily helping.
In terms of the impact on the tissues, hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps distribute oxygen to the healing area in higher quantity. Oxygen tends to be valuable for healing wounds, and the rationale is that can also be an accelerator for a healing process that would happen anyway but at the slightly slower rate.
Ultimately, in the absence of visible poor vascularity in the tissues, it remains a choice based on the assumption rather than proof of possible value.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is typically only used if there is a problem with wound healing due to marginal blood supply to the edges of the tissue. The vast majority of people who undergo facial rejuvenation with a facelift heal up uneventfully on their own. There may be some small subset of people, such as smokers, prior radiation patients or diabetics, who may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen treatment, but in these groups, modification of the extent of the facelift is usually enough to help them avoid having healing issues after surgery. This is likely a expense that you could avoid. Best wishes.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In healthy person there is no need for hyperbaric therapy regardless of the surgery performed. In rare cases where there may be some question of skin necrosis due to poor circulation after surgery, this can be considered. That is unnecessary discomfort and expense with no clinical benefit.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

This is a recent trend in Facelift surgery and one that I would state is not necessary in 99% of uncomplicated facelift recoveries.  In circumstances of suspected flap necrosis or smoking/ nicotine use, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a serious consideration, but overkill as a baseline treatment. My practice is primarily facial rejuvenation, and I have no plans of mainstreaming this modality for my facelift patients.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

The quick answer is it may not be necessary but it is very likely going to further improve your recovery and results.  An enhanced oxygen environment has positive effects on wound healing.

will hyperbaric chamber therapy help speed up the facelift healing process?

Answers (8)

Answer: Hyperbaric: Do You Need It? No

Answer: Hyperbaric: Do You Need It? No

Answer: Can't hurt

Answer: Can't hurt

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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will hyperbaric chamber therapy help speed up the facelift healing process?

Answers (8)

Answer: Hyperbaric: Do You Need It? No

Answer: Hyperbaric: Do You Need It? No

Answer: Can't hurt

Answer: Can't hurt

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.