Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen, But Make It Clinical
Imagine stepping into a pressurized chamber and breathing pure oxygen at a pressure higher than normal atmospheric pressure. The increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in your blood plasma, increasing oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body.
That’s hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a medical treatment now available at Athré Facial Plastics. For appropriately selected patients in Houston, HBOT may be used to support healing and recovery after cosmetic procedures.
“Couldn't be any more pleased! I came in with a mindset of what I was expecting and they surpassed my expectations!”
– Julie P. (Houston, TX), facial plastic surgery patient
Potential Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT is used to treat certain medical conditions and may also be recommended as an adjunct to support healing and recovery in appropriately selected patients.
Beyond healing wounds, HBOT supports overall skin health, bolsters immune function, and might improve mental clarity.
By increasing the amount of oxygen available to tissues, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can support several processes involved in healing. The potential benefits depend on the condition being treated and the individual patient.
HBOT may help:
- Support healing in certain difficult-to-heal wounds
- Increase oxygen delivery to tissues
- Support the formation of new blood vessels in healing tissue
- Help the body respond to certain serious infections when used as part of appropriate medical treatment
- Support healing and recovery after surgery in selected patients
About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber at a pressure higher than normal atmospheric pressure.
The increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma, increasing the amount of oxygen available to tissues throughout the body. This increased oxygen availability can support several processes involved in healing, including tissue repair and the formation of new blood vessels.
Depending on the condition being treated, HBOT may also help reduce swelling and support the body's response to certain infections. The specific benefits and treatment protocol depend on the patient's condition and reason for treatment.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Cost
The cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy depends on how many sessions you’ll need and the reason you’re receiving treatment. For cosmetic recovery, a treatment plan may include 5–20 sessions, depending on your individual needs and goals.
If you’re using HBOT to support healing after facial surgery, our team can include it as part of your postoperative care plan. During your consultation, we’ll review pricing, the expected number of sessions, and whether your treatment plan may involve short-term or ongoing care.
Insurance may cover HBOT for certain medically indicated conditions, depending on your diagnosis and insurance plan. Cosmetic applications are generally considered elective and typically are not covered by insurance. We’ll help you understand whether your treatment may qualify for coverage.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
$200-$300 Single Session
- Discounted rates are often available for treatment packages
- Packages available for postoperative or chronic care
- Full pricing discussed during your consultation
Treatment Areas
Postoperative Recovery With HBOT
For patients recovering after a facelift, neck lift, or other facial procedures, HBOT may be used as an adjunct to support postoperative healing in appropriately selected patients.
Who Is a Candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Candidacy for HBOT depends on your reason for treatment, medical history, and individual risk factors. HBOT may be appropriate for patients who:
Not everyone is a candidate for HBOT. An untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is an absolute contraindication to treatment. Certain other conditions, including active upper respiratory or sinus infections, may require treatment to be postponed or additional medical evaluation.
Your medical history, current medications, and reason for treatment will be reviewed before treatment to determine whether HBOT is appropriate for you.
Before your first session, our team will review your medical history and medications and discuss any factors that could affect your ability to tolerate changes in chamber pressure.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Like?
As the chamber pressurizes, you’ll hear a gentle hum and may notice pressure in your ears similar to what you experience during airplane takeoff or landing.
You’ll breathe normally during treatment while our staff monitors you throughout the session. We’ll help you manage pressure changes as the chamber is pressurized and depressurized and help keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
Preparing for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Your personalized treatment plan begins with a consultation.
We’ll review your medical history, current medications, and reason for treatment and identify any potential contraindications.
What to Expect:
- Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes.
- No anesthesia is required; you’ll breathe normally during treatment.
- You may notice pressure in your ears during pressurization and depressurization, similar to takeoff or landing in an airplane.
Why Dr. Athré for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Raghu Athré can incorporate hyperbaric oxygen therapy into a broader treatment and recovery plan for appropriately selected patients.
For patients undergoing facial surgery, HBOT can be considered as part of postoperative care rather than as a standalone treatment. Your reason for treatment, medical history, current medications, and potential contraindications are reviewed to determine whether HBOT is appropriate for you.
When HBOT is recommended following a procedure, the treatment plan can be coordinated with your surgical recovery and adjusted according to your individual needs.
Athré Facial Plastics offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy at its Houston practice on Ella Boulevard.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQs
See below for frequently asked questions about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.