Would a session of hyperbaric oxygen speed the recovery of bruising, swelling and overall healing after a facelift?

I think that most people who have had a "good" facelift have flaps that are elevated extensively and benefit from HbO2.  I agree that "deep tanks" have increased risk, and that a "shallow tank" is sufficient.  These treatments are not expensive.
I formerly did not believe in them, but had a patient start smoking 3 packs a day after a facelift (he had been off cigarettes for years).  His flaps turned extremely dusky.  Within two days of shallow HbO2, his flaps returned to normal.  I have also seen secondary patients from other surgeons who have had flap loss and have benefited from HbO2 with quick healing that normally might have taken months.  One of the most dramatic patients was one who had a occlusion of a vessel from an injection in the upper nasolabial fold (elsewhere, but could happen to anyone) with imminent necrosis of medial facial skin that responded to Hyperbaric.
It would be difficult to do a controlled study on facelift patients, but these experiences, though anecdotal are persuasive.  We certainly use HbO2 for failing flaps in cancer reconstruction, as it improves the oxidation and metabolism of the flap. I have not had necrosis of any portion of a flap for years, since starting HbO2, and do an aggressive facelift, so it is difficult to change my opinion that it really does help.

Thank you for your question.  Hyperbaric oxygen is typically used to help in healing wounds which have not healed under normal circumstances.  I typically would not recommend hyperbaric oxygen treatments for improved healing after a facelift, as long as you are healthy and have no healing issues.  The reason is the high pressure has its own possible side effects, and I'm not sure that the risks would outweigh the benefits.I would consult with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who specializes in performing face lifts.  I would certainly discuss your question with him/her as every surgeon's experience is different.I hope that this helps!–David Gilpin

Patients with questions about how to speed up the healing process after facelift ( eg. with hyperbaric oxygen, etc) should contact the plastic surgeon that will  perform the procedure to determine if it is safe to do so. 

Oxygen not only feeds the cells, it produces a healthy blood flow which carries away waste products such as cellular debris and toxins. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy essentially bathes the cells in the body with oxygen, and because the chamber is pressurised, oxygen can easily enter into every tissue of the body.HBOT can benefit patients of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures, such as abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, liposuction, facelifts and breast augmentation. Chemical peels, blockages/necrosis caused by dermal fillers are non-surgical procedures where oxygen therapy can prove to be extremely effective.

Hi vickielp. I have a single person hyperbaric oxygen chamber in my office to shorten recovery time, (bruising, swelling, fatigue) that is offered to all surgical patients.  Patients with challenges to healing, such as smokers, this provides an extra assist to get oxygen to combat the free radicals and oxidative stress that comes from anesthesia and surgery.  When I compare patients who do hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to those who do not, there is about 5-7 days shorter recovery in the HBOT patients.  I typically have one session right before surgery, and then each day after surgery for four days--not sure if just one session will make a difference.  Keep in mind that the hyperbaric oxygen chambers in the hospitals and wound care centers are stronger/more pressure, and that a series of treatments is typically recommended for healing of complex wounds--the recommendations and protocols for these chambers will be different.  Consult with your plastic surgeon about their opinion.  Good luck!

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs numerous cosmetic surgeries, and the director of a wound center/HBO unit, don't bother getting hyperbaric.  While hyperbaric oxygen treatments are excellent for treating wounds or chronic radiation damage, there is no benefit or evidence that it will improve the healing of a healthy individual or shorten the recovery time after Cosmetic Surgery.

Hyperbaric O2 for routine use after a cosmetic procedure is controversial .  There are different levels of chambers available. The more powerful ones have risks and must be run by a professional to minimize side effects. In addition they are expensive to use and most centers won't allow you to use one unless you have a documented indication for use such as flap necrosis or poor wound healing.  If you were to use one my understanding is you should be in one just before the surgery and for several sessions right after the surgery. Possibly could be of some benefit especially if an aggressive facelift is performed and/or you are a smoker  and/or a diabetic as it may decrease the chance of poor wound healing.  If you really wanted to minimize risks I would not have the CO2 laser at the same time as the facelift and make sure the facelift is done by an experienced surgeon and you follow all the routine instructions. 

 Hyperbaric oxygen is typically used for patients  who are having significant  healing issues. There  is certainly no harm in having a treatment for two before and after your facelift procedures 

There may be some people advocating hyperbaric oxygen for enhanced healing. I would not be one of them. You need to make sure your surgeon is aware of what you are contemplating. Don't do it.Talmage Raine MD