Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is a medical treatment that consists of breathing pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This treatment allows more oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream, enhancing the recovery times for various medical conditions and after surgical procedures. (1) Patients interested in this treatment often seek to alleviate chronic pain, improve wound healing, and enhance soft tissue repair.

Alexus Plastic Surgery is one of San Diego’s premier aesthetic practices, dedicated to helping each patient enhance their health and appearance through tailored, natural solutions. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Alexander II, Alexus Plastic Surgery combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to help each patient. No matter what your concern may be, our team is here to help and support you.

If you are ready to learn more about what this treatment has to offer, please submit our online contact form to schedule your consultation. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please call (888) 463-9532.

About Hyperbolic Oxygen Treatment

Hyperbaric oxygen treatments place you inside a specialized chamber that is filled with pure oxygen at a higher atmospheric pressure. This treatment allows the body to absorb high amounts of oxygen, increasing the amount of oxygen within the bloodstream and tissues. This allows oxygen to diffuse within the body, reaching areas that may not be receiving enough oxygen, such as wounds or damaged tissue.

On a cellular level, this treatment can reduce inflammation by targeting cells called neutrophils. These are a type of white blood cell that can trigger early inflammation. The increased amounts of oxygen can encourage apoptosis, reducing the presence of neutrophils. Hyperbolic oxygen treatments can also influence the inflammatory signals within the body, reducing pro-inflammatory molecules and boosting anti-inflammatory cytokines (signaling proteins). (2) By enhancing certain functions and suppressing others, hyperbolic oxygen treatments can create a more balanced response, accelerating wound healing while minimizing inflammation.

Benefits

The advantages of hyperbaric oxygen treatments are vast. Patients receiving these treatments benefit through:

  • Enhanced Wound Healing and Recovery: By increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to injured and healing tissue, this treatment promotes faster recovery from surgical procedures.
  • Reduced Inflammation: Increased oxygen levels can help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with injuries or other illnesses.
  • Improved Tissue Repair: Enhanced oxygen concentrations aid in cellular repair mechanisms and can stimulate new blood vessel growth, which is essential when recovering from injury.
  • Management of Chronic Pain: Patients experiencing repetitive injuries or long-term pain often report reduced discomfort after undergoing a treatment session.
  • Support for Sports Injuries: Athletes often turn to HBOT to speed up their recovery after sustaining injuries from training or competitions.

Candidates

Candidates for our hyperbolic oxygen treatments are typically those undergoing post-surgical recovery. All candidates interested in this treatment should be in good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may affect their results or recovery. Patients with certain respiratory illnesses, lung conditions, or untreated heart conditions are not recommended for this treatment, but are encouraged to schedule a consultation so that our team may find a suitable alternative. Our specialists will determine each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before starting your hyperbaric oxygen treatment, you will need to attend a personal consultation. During this meeting, you will meet one-on-one with one of our specialists to learn more about what this treatment consists of. They will learn more about your medical history and concerns, as well as evaluate your overall health. This consultation is essential as it helps establish realistic expectations and goals, and will also determine the appropriate number of treatment sessions needed to achieve your recovery goals.

Please submit our online contact form to schedule your personal consultation and receive your tailored treatment plan. If you have any further questions or would prefer scheduling your consultation over the phone, please call (888) 463-9532.

Preparation

To prepare for your hyperbaric oxygen treatment, your specialist will provide a set of pre-treatment instructions. These instructions will vary depending on the conditions being treated, but each is designed to facilitate a smooth recovery and ideal outcomes. You may be asked to avoid using certain products, such as lotions, oils, or perfumes, before undergoing treatment. It is also recommended to wear loose-fitting and breathable clothing during your session to enhance your comfort. Any jewelry should also be removed before the treatment. Unless otherwise advised, you should also arrive well-hydrated and eat a light meal beforehand.

Procedure

On the day of the treatment, our specialists will lead you to our state-of-the-art, walk-in hard-shell hyperbaric chamber. Inside, we have a comfortable airline-style seat and a TV to keep you comfortable, entertained, and relaxed. The chamber is pressurized to deliver oxygen at two to three times the normal atmospheric pressure, allowing your lungs to fully inflate while breathing pure, concentrated oxygen. Once the desired pressure is reached, you will remain in the chamber breathing pure oxygen for approximately one hour.

Recovery and Results

After your hyperbolic oxygen treatment, you will be able to return to your daily schedule, as there is no associated downtime. It is common to experience minor side effects, such as headaches or fatigue, but these typically resolve quickly. You may also feel mild pressure in your ears following treatment, similar to that of an altitude change.

The results of your hyperbolic oxygen treatment will vary depending on the conditions you are addressing. This treatment can help enhance wound healing and speed up your recovery after an infection or another surgical procedure by reducing inflammation, scarring, bruising, and swelling. The increased flow of oxygen can also stimulate neocollagenesis and stem cell activity, which can improve the appearance and health of your skin. While many benefits can be experienced after just one treatment session, it might be recommended to undergo several sessions for the best outcomes.

Corresponding Procedures

Stem Cells

Stem cells are a type of cell found within the body that can transform into several other types of cells. Stem cells are often thought to help with wound healing and chronic pain, offering a natural solution to accelerate your recovery after a surgical procedure. Our stem cells may either be injected directly into the areas you wish to address or may be dripped directly into your bloodstream using an intravenous (IV) drip. We offer both bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and placental stem cells to address various conditions.

  • Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC): These stem cells are harvested from your own bone marrow.
  • Placental Stem Cells: Our placental stem cells are sourced from safe, secondary placental tissue and are immune-evasive. This means that they have a lowered risk of rejection or complications when administered. These stem cells are ideal for patients who are unable to undergo or are uninterested in a BMAC procedure.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes the growth factors and platelets naturally found in your blood. This treatment is known to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation. PRP therapy involves collecting a sample of a patient’s blood before processing it to separate the PRP from the other cellular contents. The PRP is then carefully administered into the skin using a thin needle.

Cost of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments in San Diego

The cost of each patient’s treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of sessions needed, the condition being treated, and more. Your specialist will discuss the cost of your hyperbaric oxygen treatment once an evaluation has been completed.

Alexus Plastic Surgery also offers financing plans through Cherry.

To discover the cost of your hyperbaric oxygen treatment, please schedule a consultation at our office in San Diego by submitting our online contact form or calling us directly at (888) 463-9532.

FAQ

Are hyperbaric oxygen treatments safe?

When conducted in a professional setting, HBOT is considered safe for most patients. Our team will thoroughly assess each candidate before starting any treatments to ensure minimal risks.

How many HBOT sessions will I need?

The number of required sessions will vary based on individual factors, but we recommend three sessions starting the day after your procedure.

What should I expect during my first hyperbaric oxygen treatment?

You can expect to experience mild pressure changes; however, these sensations are manageable, and patients often remain relaxed and comfortable.

Can anyone undergo a hyperbaric oxygen treatment?

Not everyone qualifies for this treatment. Patients with respiratory issues, certain lung diseases, or untreated heart conditions are recommended to consult with a medical professional first.

Does it hurt to undergo hyperbaric oxygen treatments?

HBOT is generally painless. Most patients tolerate the pressure changes without discomfort, but some may experience mild ear discomfort akin to altitude changes.

References

  1. Ortega MA, Fraile-Martinez O, García-Montero C, et al. A General Overview on the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Applications, Mechanisms and Translational Opportunities. Medicina. 2021;57(9):864. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57090864
  2. Fu Q, Duan R, Sun Y, Li Q. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healthy aging: From mechanisms to therapeutics. Redox Biology. 2022;53:102352. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2022.102352