Will Hyperbaric Treatment Help with a Breast Reduction Recovery Post-surgery?

Thank you for the question.

No, I do not recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy to postoperative patients. 

 Best wishes.

Hyperbaric oxygen is good therapy for wounds that have problems healing. In the majority of breast reduction cases this is not necessary.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are generally reserved for significant medical conditions and not routine healing. The basis is to increase oxygen levels in the tissue during the treatment period. There are some significant side effects that can occur and the treatments are fairly expensive.

For best results in healing after routine surgery you should quit smoking, stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals and consider vitamin supplements as directed by your surgeon.

HBOT or hyperbaric oxygen therapy does help in the healing process. This treatment is usually reserved for problematic wounds in patients who are VERY slow to heal. Many patients with poor nutrition, diabetes or vascular problems may develop simple wounds that continue to fester and not heal for weeks or months. As a general rule, HBOT is not used in healthy patients who are expected to heal without any complications from surgery.

Thank you for your question!

 

Gregory C. Park, M.D.