Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Before and After Surgery: Proven Benefits for Faster Healing and Fewer Complications
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is becoming an increasingly popular adjunct treatment to improve surgical outcomes. Whether used before surgery (pre-operative HBOT) or after surgery (post-operative HBOT), this powerful therapy helps accelerate healing, reduce complications, and improve overall recovery — especially for patients undergoing cosmetic, orthopedic, dental, and reconstructive procedures.At the Hyperbaric Spa in Albufeira, many clients seek HBOT specifically to support their pre- and post-surgical recovery, and the results speak for themselves.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT involves breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This process significantly increases oxygen concentration in the blood and tissues, stimulating cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and promoting faster wound healing — all essential for successful surgery recovery.
Top Benefits of HBOT for Surgery Recovery
1. ✅ Reduces Post-Surgical Complications
A clinical study involving 356 abdominoplasty patients found that pre-operative HBOT reduced post-surgery complications from 32.6% to just 8.4%. Patients who received HBOT experienced zero cases of tissue necrosis, compared to 6.2% in the control group (PubMed Study).
2. 🩹 Accelerates Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration
HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to injured tissues, stimulating collagen production and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation). These effects help surgical wounds close faster and improve scar appearance over time.
3. 💥 Reduces Inflammation and Pain
Hyperbaric oxygen suppresses inflammatory responses and reduces swelling, making it especially beneficial during the first few days after surgery. This leads to faster pain relief and less reliance on medication.
4. 🛡️ Strengthens Immune Response and Fights Infection
Increased oxygen levels improve the efficiency of white blood cells, helping the body fight off infections more effectively. HBOT can be especially helpful for diabetic patients or those with slow-healing wounds.
5. 📈 Enhances Recovery in High-Risk Patients
Patients with risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or previous surgeries often experience better surgical outcomes with HBOT, making it a valuable tool for improving success rates across various procedures.
Recommended HBOT Protocol for Surgical Patients
Pre-Surgery (Pre-Op HBOT):
- 3 sessions, ideally completed in the week leading up to the surgery
- Final session should be the day before the operation
Post-Surgery (Post-Op HBOT):
- Begin 24–48 hours after the procedure
- A full recovery protocol typically includes 5 to 20 sessions, depending on the surgery and patient profile
📌 Consult your surgeon or HBOT provider to tailor a specific plan that fits your needs.
Is HBOT Right for Your Surgery?
If you're preparing for or recovering from surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a natural, non-invasive solution to enhance your recovery. Whether you’re undergoing cosmetic surgery, orthopedic procedures, or dental implants, HBOT helps your body heal faster, fight infection, and reduce complications — giving you the best possible outcome.
Ready to speed up your recovery?
Book your HBOT consultation today at the Hyperbaric Spa in Albufeira.