What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review of published studies examining whether HBOT helps improve healing, reduce downtime, and enhance results in aesthetic surgery, cosmetic procedures, and anti-aging treatments.
What They Found
Of 591 articles initially identified, only 15 met the inclusion criteria. The review found HBOT may serve as a useful add-on in aesthetic surgery and anti-aging medicine, potentially reducing swelling, improving wound healing, and minimizing tissue damage. However, the overall evidence was limited in quantity and quality.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadians considering HBOT as part of cosmetic surgery recovery should know the supporting evidence is preliminary at best. No large, well-designed randomized trials exist to confirm that the added cost of HBOT translates into meaningfully better outcomes compared to standard recovery.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Aesthetic surgery recovery is not an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT.
Study Limitations
Only 15 studies met inclusion criteria from a pool of 591, and no standardized HBOT protocols exist across studies, making direct comparison difficult.