Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Anil Shah, M.D., is bringing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) into the aesthetic conversation at his Chicago-based practice, where it’s being used to support healing after both surgical and non-surgical procedures. As patient demand grows for treatments that optimize results and recovery, HBOT is emerging as a powerful adjunct in modern facial plastic surgery.
HBOT delivers highly concentrated oxygen in a pressurized environment, helping to support the body’s natural healing processes. In a cosmetic setting, this can translate to reduced swelling and inflammation, improved tissue repair, and potentially less visible scarring.
“One of the biggest benefits is improved recovery and improved overall results,” says Shah. “Patients who undergo facelifts and neck lifts often notice less swelling, because increased oxygen delivery helps tissues heal more efficiently. We’re also seeing more organized collagen formation, closer to youthful collagen rather than scar tissue. This helps prevent fibrosis and thickening that can make patients look like they’ve had surgery.”
Shah notes that HBOT is particularly impactful anytime the skin is healing from a controlled injury—whether surgical or non-surgical.
“Anytime there’s a scar, there’s an opportunity for hyperbaric therapy,” he explains. “Procedures like facelifts, eyelid surgery, and even laser resurfacing create controlled wounds. By delivering oxygen immediately after, we can support faster healing, reduce swelling, and lower the risk of infection, helping patients get back to normal more quickly.”
What to Know About HBOT in Aesthetics
- It’s non-invasive: Patients relax in a pressurized chamber—no needles or additional procedures required
- Oxygen supports healing: Increased oxygen delivery may help reduce swelling, accelerate tissue repair, and support more refined collagen formation
- Treatment schedule: Patients typically undergo a series of sessions, often ranging from three to six treatments lasting 60 to 90 minutes each
- Recovery may be accelerated: In some cases, studies suggest recovery time may be reduced by up to 75 percent, particularly following treatments like laser resurfacing, where the skin is healing from a controlled injury
- Applies to surgical and non-surgical treatments: From facelifts and rhinoplasty to laser resurfacing, HBOT can support recovery anytime the skin is healing
- Consistency matters: A series of sessions delivers the most noticeable benefit, though protocols can be adjusted based on patient schedules
- Safety is highly controlled: Treatments are conducted in medical-grade chambers under strict protocols to ensure a safe, monitored environment
- Part of a larger trend: Reflects a growing focus on optimizing recovery, not just results, in aesthetic medicine
