What Is Postoperative Recovery?
Postoperative recovery in aesthetic surgery involves providing biological support for the healing process following procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, blepharoplasty, liposuction, breast reduction surgery and other plastic surgical procedures.
The quality and speed of healing directly influence the final aesthetic outcome and may often determine the difference between an excellent and a moderate surgical result.
The factors that affect postoperative healing in aesthetic surgery are the same as those involved in general surgical recovery: blood supply to the treated area, tissue oxygenation, the inflammatory response, collagen synthesis and the formation of new capillaries.
Patients with impaired microcirculation, including smokers, people with diabetes and older adults, face a greater risk of delayed healing, scar discolouration and complications that may require corrective treatment.
Characteristics of Postoperative Recovery
In aesthetic surgery, healing is important not only from a functional perspective. The visibility of scars, uniformity of the skin, preservation of its radiance and prevention of hypertrophic scars or keloids all influence the final aesthetic result. Poor healing may compromise even a technically well-performed procedure.
A common feature of the postoperative period in aesthetic surgery is the patient’s persistent concern about scarring, discolouration or swelling that does not subside. Supporting the healing process and reducing recovery time can have a direct impact on the satisfaction of both the surgeon and the patient.
Scientific Basis for the Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Postoperative Recovery
The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy during recovery from plastic surgery is supported by evidence drawn from both general surgery and studies specifically examining aesthetic procedures.
Clinical reports have documented significantly faster resolution of swelling, reduced bruising, more rapid closure of surgical incisions and improved scar quality in patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy during the postoperative period.
In high-risk patients, including recent ex-smokers, individuals with impaired microcirculation and those with a history of poor healing, preoperative and postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy appears to reduce the risk of healing complications significantly.
The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In recovery from aesthetic procedures, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used as an adjunctive intervention to optimize healing. It does not replace postoperative care but supports and enhances its effects.
Treatment may begin on the second or third postoperative day. During the early phase, the primary aim is to accelerate the resolution of oedema and haematoma by reducing inflammatory cytokines and improving lymphatic circulation.
During the healing phase, fibroblast activation supports the synthesis of structurally sound collagen, while neovascularisation helps promote a uniform and less visible scar. In high-risk patients, several preoperative sessions may also improve the biological condition of the tissues before surgery.
A typical treatment course consists of 10 to 20 sessions, planned in collaboration with the plastic surgeon.