Written By: Aileen Moradian, PhD, MSN-Ed., RNC-NIC, IBCLC, FMP-BC
Why Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) After A Mommy Makeover?
A “Mommy Makeover” is a transformative combination of cosmetic procedures designed to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body. Commonly including breast augmentation, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), liposuction, and a tummy tuck, this extensive surgical suite can greatly enhance physical appearance and confidence. However, the cumulative recovery process can be demanding, with increased risk for complications such as pain, swelling, bruising, tissue stress, and infection.
To support a safer and more efficient recovery, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is emerging as an evidence-based adjunct therapy that can optimize healing outcomes across all four procedures. By delivering 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to compromised tissues, promoting faster recovery, reducing inflammation, and improving cosmetic results. Below, we explore the scientific benefits of HBOT for patients undergoing a full Mommy Makeover.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the bloodstream, allowing oxygen to reach tissues with compromised circulation due to surgical trauma, liposuction disruption, or implant placement. Enhanced oxygenation supports critical functions such as angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), collagen synthesis, and immune modulation, making HBOT a valuable tool in the surgical recovery toolbox.
How HBOT Enhances Breast Augmentation, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), Liposuction, and Tummy Tucks Outcomes
Accelerated Wound Healing Across All Surgical Sites
Procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and BBL involve large incisions and tissue manipulation. HBOT promotes the formation of new capillaries and stimulates fibroblast activity, leading to faster closure of incisions and more organized tissue regeneration. Improved oxygen availability enhances collagen production, crucial for scar strength and skin integrity (Thom et al., 2020).
Reduced Swelling, Inflammation, and Pain
Each Mommy Makeover procedure creates localized inflammation. HBOT reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory mediators, leading to faster resolution of edema and discomfort (Heyboer et al., 2022). This is particularly valuable in the early stages of BBL and tummy tuck recovery, where excessive swelling can compromise outcomes.
Improved Circulation and Blood Vessel Repair
Liposuction and fat transfer procedures such as BBL can compromise microcirculation. HBOT stimulates angiogenesis, enhancing blood flow to areas that are oxygen-deprived. This improved vascularization not only preserves transferred fat grafts in BBL but also protects against tissue necrosis (Memar et al., 2021).
Minimized Bruising and Better Cosmetic Outcomes
Bruising is common after liposuction, breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty due to vascular trauma. The oxygen-rich environment created by HBOT accelerates erythrocyte resorption and vascular repair, leading to quicker clearance of bruises and more even skin tone post-operatively (Cianci et al., 2020).
Lower Risk of Postoperative Infections
The surgical sites created in a Mommy Makeover are vulnerable to infection. HBOT has been shown to enhance leukocyte function and support the antimicrobial activity of neutrophils, strengthening the body’s natural defenses during this vulnerable period (Buras et al., 2020).
Faster Return to Daily Activities
Because HBOT helps resolve inflammation and pain more rapidly, many patients report quicker functional recovery and a smoother transition back to work, parenting duties, and physical activity. This is especially beneficial for mothers balancing post-op healing with caring for children.
Summary of Benefits
- Accelerates wound healing at all surgical sites, including breast, abdominal, and liposuction areas
- Reduces inflammation, pain, and swelling, supporting greater comfort during recovery
- Minimizes bruising and improves cosmetic outcomes through faster vascular repair
- Supports circulation and fat graft survival in BBL procedures
- Enhances immune function, reducing risk of post-surgical infections
- Promotes a quicker return to normal daily activities and responsibilities
By integrating HBOT into your post-operative plan, clients undergoing Mommy Makeovers or other surgical cosmetic procedures can benefit from a science-based recovery enhancement that supports both functional healing and aesthetic outcomes. While HBOT is not a replacement for surgical care or proper post-op protocols, it represents an exciting adjunct to optimize the recovery experience and improve satisfaction.
References
Hyperbaric oxygen protects from sepsis mortality via an interleukin-10-dependent mechanism
Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of post-operative complications
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Role in inflammation and angiogenesis
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Antimicrobial mechanisms and clinical application for infections
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