|
-1. What is HBOT?2. When can HBOT be performed? 3. What does a typical HBOT consultation entail? 4. How is HBOT performed? 5. What should I expect post-treatment? 6. Does HBOT hurt? 7. When will I be able to see the results? 8. What are the risks of HBOT?
1. What is HBOT?HBOT is the treatment in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen at pressures greater than normal atmospheric (sea level) pressure. HBOT involves the systemic delivery of oxygen at levels 2 to 3 times greater than atmospheric pressure. This way oxygen is literally forced into the tissues to promote nitrogen bubble release for Decompression Sickness (DCS) in which scuba divers can be subject to if they make a decompression dive without proper decompression stops. For medical reasons pother than for divers in need of decompression -- HBOT's capability of producing high levels of oxygen saturation helps promote and extraordinary healing environment. Vascularization is increased, excess scar tissue probability is lessened, healing time is lessened -- risks and problematic wounds percentages are decreased and more. Back to Top2. When can HBOT be performed?Anytime there is a need for tissue oxygen saturation. Many patients are infants and younger children with grave illnesses -- all the way up into the 90's for problematic wounds. There is no age limit, usually. However in infants there is sometimes a need to pierce the eardrum for proper equalization as infants do not know that swallowing will ease the pressure. Back to Top3. What does a typical HBOT consultation entail?Your doctor will discuss with you the risks, the complications, determine if you are a good candidate and assess your needs. If you have any of the following TELL THE TECHNICIAN.
Back to Top4. How is HBOT performed?You will have extensive rules tossed at you. But, listen to them because they are for your own best interest and safety. You should come to the clinic fully scrubbed and clean -- no perfume, make-up, hairspray, leave in conditioners, moisturizers, powders, etc. NOTHING. You will enter the chamber and a HBOT session can be anywhere from an hour to 1 and a 1/2 hours -- depending. Usually it will be about once a day, but sometimes you may have 2 sessions a day at 3 to 4 hours apart. Whatever the case expect to be there for at least 2 hours per session. After your evaluation and briefing you will be lead into a chamber and if in a multiplace chamber just sit there with an oxygen mask on your face and breathe. That's it, period. But, you can not hold your breath in any way - not even for a few seconds. Especially if you are ascending (decompressing). You do this and your lungs could be very damaged or collapse from a weakened spot bursting from the pressure of the expanding oxygen in your lungs. If you are in a monoplace chamber you don't even get to move much -- you basically lie there. NO anything as the oxygen in the chamber is very flammable and you could quite frankly die from an inner explosion from any ignition of the oxygen. Your clothing should only consist of 100% cotton, to be safe) According to the NFPA, 19-3.1.5.4 (b) states "Garments fabricated of 100 percent cotton or an antistatic blend of cotton and polyester fabric shall be permitted in Class A chambers equipped with fire protection as specified in 19.2.5, and in Class B chambers" (Thank you, Tom Workman). Let the chamber operator know immediately if you experience any of the following :
Back to Top5. What should I expect post-treatment?There really is no recovery per se connected with HBOT, only decompression. Your initial complaints are what you are attempting to heal from and HBOT is only a tool in which to speed that process up. However, you should not go scubadiving after (if applicable) or flying. Your tissues are still saturated with gases and any further compression of your tissues can lead to more gas saturation, thereby giving you decompression sickness (DCS). Then you will have to go back in a chamber and re-compress and then be decompressed VERY slowly in hopes that your tissue saturation returns to normal without any long term damage. Back to Top6. Does HBOT hurt?It can if you do not equalize properly. This can cause ear pain which can be relieved by swallowing or holding your nose and attempting to blow out of it at the same time -- gently. You may also be able to drink sips of water in some chambers which may ease pressure. IN persons who have colds and are unable to equalize you may not be able to have an HBOT session until your cold or ears aren't stopped up any longer. You may have felt such pressures if you dive into the deep end of a pool, have ascended or descended in an airplane or driven up to high altitudes (mountain ranges). If you are unable to equalize and continue to increase pressure, your eardrums can burst or pop (rupture). Let the technician know if you are having difficulty equalizing before it is too late. Back to Top7. When will I be able to see the results?There really is no result only improved healing, possibly lessened scarring, improved vascularity, etc. You are going to heal regardless in many cases, but many times HBOT allows for decreased healing time, and increased chance of graft survival and lessened scars. Back to Top8. What are the risks of HBOT?Risks can be anywhere from disorientation, ruptured ear drums and more -- Please see our HBOT main section for this information.
home
| facial procedures | body
procedures | surgeon info
| consultation info | surgery
preparation Are you lost? View Site Index
Yes
They're Fake! Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Beauty Network Please read Usage Agreement This page was last updated: 03/23/2006
|
