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One of the frequently asked questions from patients concerned about "scars around the ears after facelift surgery" is about oxygen chamber, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). To put it plainly, HBOT can be utilized as a supplementary means for scar recovery after facelift surgery. However, this is not an independent treatment but rather management that should be conducted in stages under the guidance of the operating surgeon. Let me explain step by step who can use it, when, and how.
Can Oxygen Chamber (HBOT) Help with Facelift Scars?
Oxygen chamber treatment, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), is a therapeutic method that increases oxygen supply within tissues by allowing patients to inhale high-concentration oxygen in a pressurized environment. When sufficient oxygen is supplied during the post-operative recovery process to meet the tissue's needs, collagen synthesis can be promoted and angiogenesis can be activated, potentially improving the wound healing environment.
Clinical research published on PubMed (PMC10387739) confirmed that HBOT can support post-operative healing through four pathways: increased tissue oxygen supply, promotion of tissue repair and regeneration, reduction of swelling and inflammation, and improved immune function. Additionally, clinical research on facelift and eyelid surgery patients reported that the group receiving HBOT at 7 days post-surgery showed approximately 35% faster reduction in bruising compared to the group that did not receive it.
However, this does not mean it can be immediately applied to all patients. The timing of initiation, number of sessions, and whether there are contraindications based on one's health status must be determined after prior consultation with the operating surgeon.
Mini Q&A
Is oxygen chamber a treatment that removes scars?
It does not remove scars themselves, but rather serves as a supplementary role in improving the post-operative tissue recovery environment so that scars settle in more cleanly. The key to scar treatment is the surgical technique and step-by-step post-operative management.
Why Do Facelift Scars Form, and How Does Oxygen Chamber Work?
Facelift surgery involves incising and suturing the skin and deep tissues. During this process, the body synthesizes new collagen and reshapes tissues to heal the incision site. This is the essence of scarring—not a pathological phenomenon but a natural response of the body recovering itself. According to clinical data, scars undergo a proliferation phase for approximately 4 weeks immediately after surgery, and then over 3-6 months enter the maturation phase, gradually fading and becoming less noticeable.
So what role does HBOT play in this process? According to Seoul National University Hospital Medical Information, HBOT is a therapeutic method that significantly increases the oxygen concentration in blood plasma by having patients inhale 100% oxygen in a 2-3 pressure environment. When this elevated oxygen is delivered deep into tissues, angiogenesis can be promoted and collagen fiber organization can be improved. A PubMed clinical study (PMC11866543) reported that HBOT can contribute to scar thickness reduction and improved scar quality through inflammatory pathway regulation and improved collagen structure.
One important point is that HBOT is not a treatment that 'eliminates' scars. It is a supplementary treatment that creates a good environment for tissue recovery, and it is generally recommended to begin around 4 weeks after surgery or later. The appropriate timing varies depending on the scar recovery stage and individual skin characteristics, so it is advisable to consult with the operating surgeon before determining the start point.
What 21plastic surgery Focuses On in Facelift Scar Management
Scar severity is not merely a matter of post-operative management. Individual differences are significant in skin elasticity, pigment response, and personal recovery speed, and most importantly, the incision line design and suturing method during the surgical stage have a major impact on the final scar outcome. Clinical data consistently mentions that scar severity varies depending on surgical technique, suturing method, individual skin characteristics, and post-operative management.
21plastic surgery, located between Shin-Nonhyeon and Gangnam stations, pursues an approach of jointly designing the direction and suturing details of incision lines in front of and behind the ear during the facelift surgery planning stage to lower the scar burden during the recovery process.
Regarding post-operative management, we provide stage-by-stage guidance based on the following flow:
✓ Immediately after surgery~2 weeks: Protection of incision site, thorough sun protection, avoidance of strong stimulation
✓ After suture removal~4 weeks: Begin applying silicone gel or scar tape, compression management of incision area
✓ 4 weeks onwards~3 months: Review with operating surgeon whether HBOT and other supplementary treatments are possible, discuss timing of laser treatment initiation
✓ 3 months onwards: Entry into scar maturation phase, pigmentation management and determination of additional improvement treatment options
Remember that regardless of which supplementary treatment is chosen, the foundation of post-operative scar management lies in the precision of surgical technique and early recovery management.
Before Facelift Scar Management, Check These Points First
Although HBOT can be useful as a supplementary measure, it cannot be immediately applied to everyone. Please refer to the table below to check your situation first.
Situation | Reason for Confirmation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
Having pneumothorax or history of pneumothorax | Pneumothorax may worsen or progress to tension pneumothorax in high-pressure environment | Prior intervention by operating surgeon and related departments required |
Currently taking certain medications (bleomycin, cisplatin, disulfiram, doxorubicin, etc.) | Interaction between these medications and hyperbaric oxygen has been reported | Confirm with attending physician about medication adjustment and HBOT feasibility |
Keloid tendency | Scar tissue tends to proliferate excessively, requiring separate preliminary management planning | Recommend thorough prior consultation with specialist |
Pregnant | Research on fetal effects of hyperbaric oxygen environment is limited | Confirmation with attending physician essential before HBOT application |
Scar maturation phase (3 months post-surgery onwards) | Stable phase allowing review of various options including HBOT and laser treatment | Consult with operating surgeon about management options |
Seoul National University Hospital Medical Information specifies HBOT contraindications for pneumothorax patients and those taking certain medications, and related clinical data recommend that prior specialist consultation is a priority for those with keloid tendency.
If you are considering facelift or eye-lifting recovery in the Shin-Nonhyeon, Seocho, or Apgujeong areas in Gangnam — regardless of whether you visit for Shin-Nonhyeon facelift, Seocho eye-lifting, or Apgujeong facelift recovery — supplementary treatment planning including HBOT is provided through individual consultation based on the same standards.
If You Want to Know Which Facelift Recovery Direction is Right for You
21plastic surgery located between Shin-Nonhyeon and Gangnam stations in Gangnam provides individual consultation guidance for questions about scar recovery after facelift surgery. Recovery begins at the same moment you decide to change beautifully.
Scar management options including silicone gel, scar tape, laser, and HBOT vary depending on the recovery period. Clinically, the principle that earlier initiation of management opens up wider selection of options applies. However, supplementary treatments including HBOT should not be regarded as treatments that replace surgical technique, individual skin condition, overall health status, blood circulation, and the body's natural healing response. It is helpful to keep this in mind as well.
If you are curious about the direction of scar management, check an individual plan tailored to your skin condition and surgery timing through consultation.
About Facelift Scars and Oxygen Chamber, Here's What You're Curious About
Q1. When can I start receiving oxygen chamber after facelift surgery?
It is generally considered after 4 weeks post-surgery. The period from immediately after surgery to 4 weeks is the proliferation phase of scarring, during which protection and sun protection are priorities. The exact start time should be determined in consultation with the operating surgeon based on recovery status. However, considering necrosis of the lifted flap after facelift, some cases begin from 3 days post-surgery.
Q2. Does HBOT completely remove scars, or does it serve a supplementary role?
HBOT is not a treatment that removes scars. It is a supplementary treatment that improves the wound healing environment by increasing oxygen supply within tissues, and surgical technique and step-by-step post-operative management are the keys to scar outcome. It is more accurate to understand it as part of a comprehensive management plan rather than having excessive expectations.
Q3. Are there body types or conditions where oxygen chamber is not suitable?
If you have a history of pneumothorax, are taking certain medications such as bleomycin or cisplatin, or are pregnant, confirmation with your attending physician is essential before HBOT application. Seoul National University Hospital Medical Information also specifies these items as contraindications or precautions.
Q4. Besides oxygen chamber, what other methods can be combined with facelift scar management?
Applying silicone gel or scar tape immediately after suture removal and thorough sun protection is the foundation. Subsequently, depending on the recovery stage, laser treatment or injection combination therapy can also be considered. The range of management options tends to widen the earlier you start.
Q5. I have keloid-prone skin—can I still have a facelift?
Having keloid-prone skin does not mean facelift surgery is absolutely impossible, but since scar tissue tends to proliferate excessively, thorough pre-operative consultation and establishment of a scar management plan are important. We recommend sharing your body type and past scar history with the operating surgeon in advance and jointly designing a customized management direction.
⚠️ Possibility of procedure side effects may vary depending on individual skin condition.