Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an innovative tool that can augment the body’s natural healing process, providing optimal well-being and recovery after surgery or illness.

woman with red hair smiling facing downwards

Expedite Recovery with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy by Dr. Joshua Korman

At the prestigious practice of board-certified aesthetic expert Dr. Joshua Korman, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be utilized as a component of a customized aftercare regimen for expedited recuperation.

Why Choose Korman Plastic Surgery In The Greater Bay Area?

As an internationally respected, board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Joshua Korman cares deeply for his patients and is committed to acquiring best-in-class technology that accelerates recovery and optimizes quality of life. Thanks to his precision, artistry, and painstaking attention to detail, Dr. Korman has been honored as a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly from 2017-2023. He is a frequently sought-after guest contributor to media broadcasts and noteworthy publications, including ABC’s “20/20”, CNN, The New York Times, and Ebony Magazine. As a testament to his excellent reputation, he was invited to serve as Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at Stanford University’s School of Medicine.

After obtaining his bachelor’s and medical degrees from Cornell University, among the most elite and renowned training institutions in the country, Dr. Korman pursued in-depth plastic surgery training at Stanford. He continued to hone his knowledge with demanding Fellowship training at Canniesburn Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, as well as a Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship in Miami, Florida. Dr. Korman is devoted to his patients and conducts informative, empowering consultations in Los Altos, San Jose, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Mountain View.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

During a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) session, the patient rests comfortably in a pressurized air chamber filled with pure oxygen. While continuing to breathe normally, the patient enjoys an increased level of oxygen in the blood, which leads to a myriad of therapeutic advantages.

One of the most common uses of HBOT is post-surgical aftercare. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is relaxing and restorative, allowing the body to access its regenerative healing abilities, which in turn speeds up recovery.

HBOT

Improves blood flow
Minimizes swelling, bruising, and inflammation
Lowers the risk of infection
Prevents the formation of excess scar tissue

Who Is A Good Candidate For Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery – or even non-surgical enhancement – with Dr. Korman can benefit tremendously from adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy to their aftercare regimen. Even if you are simply seeking out HBOT as a means of improving your health and vitality, the treatment can bring numerous advantages. For instance, many athletes undergo HBOT to assist in recovery after high-level training and/or injuries. Patients can also qualify to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy if they have been affected by any of the following:

Burns
Infections
Injuries
Radiation exposure
Diabetic foot ulcers
Blood-borne air or gas bubbles

To evaluate whether HBOT might be a good solution for you, Dr. Korman and his knowledgeable team will conduct a thorough consultation in Mountain View, San Jose, Los Altos, or Carmel-by-the-Sea. They will review your medical history and current medications, delaying treatment if anything is amiss. Patients with certain medical or psychological conditions may not be ideal candidates for HBOT, including those with ear conditions, lung disorders, or claustrophobia. In these cases, Dr. Korman will make recommendations for more appropriate post-surgical care.

How Does HBOT Differ From Normal Oxygen?

Air is composed of nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. In this equation, oxygen accounts for only about 21% of the air we breathe, limiting the amount of oxygen that can enter the bloodstream. When patients inhale pure oxygen (100% oxygen) inside the hyperbaric chamber, the body can hold and store more of this healing resource than is normally possible. HBOT can increase the body’s access to vital, healing oxygen tenfold.

What Are The Benefits Of HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and effective way of increasing oxygen levels in the body. Benefits of the treatment include:

Accelerates healing after surgery or injury
Reduces inflammation
Jumpstarts the immune system
Enhances stem cell production
Boosts energy levels
Triggers collagen renewal
Minimizes swelling, bruising, and discomfort
Reduces the likelihood of infections
Improves neurological functionality
Helps to repair soft tissue damage
Improves post-training recovery for athletes
Helps to offset sports injuries

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

HBOT allows the body to mimic the experience of being at a lower altitude where there is more available healing oxygen to be absorbed. In the pressurized HBOT chamber, every cell of the body can absorb the ideal amount of oxygen needed for repair, replenishment, and regeneration. During treatment, oxygen is non-invasively absorbed into the blood, the plasma, and the body’s cerebral and spinal fluids. One session usually lasts around 60-90 minutes. During the appointment, the patient lies down and continues to breathe normally.

During Your Session

Before HBOT, you will need to follow a few guidelines and avoid certain products, including some skincare and hair care items. You will also receive a list of devices and electronics that are prohibited inside the HBOT chamber. When you enter the hyperbaric chamber, find a comfortable position to rest and relax. Once you are ready, the chamber will be sealed and your session will begin.

Within 15 minutes the chamber will be fully pressurized and you will begin receiving the maximum amount of healing oxygen. You may have some of the same physical reactions to the air pressure as you would in an airplane cabin. As your session progresses, you will continue normal breathing. If any discomfort arises, you can easily communicate with your practitioner to make adjustments.

After Your Session

After your session, our team will carefully monitor you to ensure you are ready to go home. We will assess your blood pressure, pulse, and ears, as well as your blood glucose levels. Once you are cleared, you are free to leave the office. While some patients may feel fatigued or hungry after their HBOT sessions, there are no activity restrictions.