Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in the Postoperative Hair Transplantation with Follicular Unit Excision Technique (FUE)

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an excellent alternative for treating both acute and chronic injuries. With the increasing demand for hair transplants using the FUE technique, one way to reduce the risk of postoperative complications is to seek complementary treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Objectives: To analyze whether the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the postoperative period of FUE hair transplant contributes to better results and fewer complications. Methods: A literature review was conducted, including 10 publications on the subject, without temporal limitations, extracted from the databases: PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: Treatment uses 100% oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber, inhaled by the patient for approximately one hour. We observed a reduction in inflammatory markers, decreased cytokines and interleukins, increased growth factors and angiogenesis, and reduced complications. Conclusions: Patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, smokers, those with heart disease, and the elderly are good candidates due to their altered microvasculature.