Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment increases the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Due to its micro-circular hyperoxygenation of the body, hyperbaric oxygen has been scientifically shown to be a successful kind of adjunct therapy with hair transplantation surgery.

This treatment is also used to speed up the healing of gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, wounds that won’t heal, and infected wounds that are deprived of oxygen. 

For this treatment, you are placed into a special chamber where you breathe in pure oxygen with air pressure levels 1.5 to 3 times higher than average. The goal of this treatment is to fill the blood with enough oxygen in order to repair tissues and restore normal body function.

Facts About Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

In 1662, the first hyperbaric chamber was built — a sealed room with a series of bellows and valves. The belief was that pressure could help treat certain respiratory diseases and illnesses. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was first attempted in the U.S. in the 1940s when the U.S Navy used it to treat deep-sea divers suffering from decompression sickness. This treatment was also used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning by the 1960s. 

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Effective?

Studies have shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is indeed effective in many cases. The FDA has approved its use for 13 conditions, with more set to join the list. 

Conditions it has proven effective for include;

• Hair loss and hair transplantation recovery
• Cyanide poisoning
• Crush injuries
• Decompression sickness
• Gas gangrene, compromised skin grafts and flaps
• Acute or traumatic reduced blood flow in the arteries
• Infection in bones (osteomyelitis) that isn’t responding to other treatment

How is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefical For Hair?

The odds of a successful hair transplant are increased by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a natural and secure manner. Many hair transplant doctors now encourage this drug-free approach since it can speed up healing and shorten recovery times. 

The reason that it is beneficial is that it increases collagen production and microcirculation. Hair follicles receive more essential nutrients as a result of improved blood circulation to the scalp.

Post-hair transplant, it assists with scarring, infection, scabs, as well as pain. There is also evidence that there is a reduction in hair shedding which occurs after hair transplant surgery. This, in turn, results in a quicker recovery time and better results after 1 month, and even higher chances of a successful hair transplant.

Types Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers

Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy is conducted in two types of chambers:

1. Monoplace chamber: This chamber is built for only one person. It is a long plastic cylinder that looks almost like an MRI machine. Patients slide into the chamber and 100% oxygen is slowly pressurised. 

1. Multiplace chamber: This chamber can fit 2 or more people at once, with a technician assisting you in the room. Patients breathe in pure oxygen through masks or hoods. 

What You Can Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

HBOT should only be applied by a healthcare professional. Patients sit or lie comfortably in these chambers while breathing in pure oxygen. These sessions can last anywhere from 45 minutes up to 300 minutes, depending on the reason for the treatment. When the treatment is used for hair transplants, it takes between 60 – 120 minutes.

Your ears might feel blocked as the oxygen pressure is raised, as though travelling in an aeroplane or between mountain passes. Swallowing regularly or chewing gum should open up your ears back to normal again. 

The oxygen travels through your blood to the injured tissues that need oxygen to start their healing process. 

After the session, you might feel lightheaded, and some side effects might include fatigue, claustrophobia, and headaches. We recommend that you always have someone to take you home after an HBOT session. 

There are a few things you should do before your treatment:

• Shower and avoid using any perfumes or deodorant during your treatment. It is important to keep your body as natural as possible.
• Keep your body healthy for at least two weeks before your treatment starts. Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks during this time. 
• Tobacco blocks your body’s natural ability to transfer oxygen, so it will be beneficial for you to put the tobacco down at least two weeks prior to, as well as during the length of treatment. 
• Don’t arrive sick to the treatment appointments. A cold, fever, or flu can delay the effects of your treatment.
• Avoid certain medications that might negatively affect you during the treatment. Consult with your medical professional if you are on any chronic medication. 
• HBOT ranges from 60 minutes to 2 hours, so make sure that you have eaten and are comfortable for your length of stay.

How Many Sessions Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Are Recommended?

Depending on individual circumstances, more than one session is often recommended. Our IdealofMeD specialists will advise you on how many sessions are recommended.

To maximize recovery, sessions can be performed both before and after hair transplant surgery. Our Standard and Premium packages include 1 and 2 sessions, respectfully, while our Executive Package will allow you 7 sessions.

After your appointment, your treatment team will check on you. A team member will check your ears and take your pulse and blood pressure. If you are diabetic, your glucose levels will be monitored.

You may feel somewhat tired or hungry following your treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy doesn’t limit activities.

Advantages Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

HBOT is certainly becoming very popular in the medical field, providing noticeable results in only a few sessions. Here are 5 advantages of HBOT:

1. Increases oxygen in the body’s tissues
2. Increased blood flow and circulation
3. Boosts white blood cell counts
4. Decreases pain
5. Minimises bruising and swelling

We suggest having hyperbaric oxygen treatment in conjunction with our hair-restoring products, to enjoy the maximum benefits.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Dangerous?

Please keep in mind that hyperbaric oxygen treatment is not effective or safe for the following conditions: 

• Heart disease
• Brain injury
• HIV/Aids
• Asthma
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injuries
• Depression
• Sports injuries

For these conditions mentioned above, it is best to stick to your treatment plan as advised by your medical professional. 

Precautions And Complications

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment isn’t the best choice for everyone. You should not consider this treatment if you’ve had a recent ear operation or injury, cold or fever, or certain types of lung disease. 

Although these chances of side effects are low, they should be kept in mind. The most common complication after HBOT is middle-ear trauma. Other possible complications might include:

• Lung collapse
• Temporary eye damage
• Low blood sugar in diabetics
• Sinus problems
• Oxygen poisoning 
• Seizures

All of our specialists are highly trained experts in their field, including Hyperbatic Oxygen Treatment. You can rest assured that you will receive the best possible attention during your treatment.

Conclusion 

Compressed air and hyperbaric oxygen have been utilised in medicine for centuries. HBOT is an effective method to increase blood and tissue oxygen levels, independently from hyperbaric transportation. 

It is important that you do whatever you can to ensure the success of your hair transplant. Making ensuring the hair grows back after surgery is one of the main issues with hair transplants. At IdealofMeD, we have witnessed first-hand how hyperbaric oxygen treatment can reduce the amount of postoperative follicle loss and reduce folliculitis and itching.

HBOT is an effective therapy for hair transplantation surgery ensuring that your hair transplant journey is successful.