Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Compromised Skin Grafts & Flaps in Sherman Oaks & Calabasas
What Are Compromised Skin Grafts & Flaps?
A skin graft involves transplanting skin tissue to cover a wound or surgical site, while a surgical flap transfers tissue along with its blood supply to repair defects caused by trauma, cancer surgery, reconstructive procedures, or cosmetic surgery.
A graft or flap is considered compromised when it shows signs of inadequate oxygenation or blood flow, resulting in delayed healing or tissue failure.
Clinical signs of compromise may include:
- Tissue ischemia (poor blood flow)
- Cyanosis or pallor of the graft/flap
- Delayed wound healing
- Partial tissue loss
- Skin breakdown or ulceration
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Increased risk of infection
Causes of Graft or Flap Compromise
Radiation-related soft tissue necrosis may present as:
Insufficient blood supply
Venous congestion
Tissue hypoxia (low oxygen levels)
Infection
Hematoma or swelling
Radiation-damaged tissue
In some cases, compromise may develop after cosmetic or elective surgical procedures, including situations where post-surgical necrosis or non-healing wounds occur.
Compromised Grafts & Flaps After Cosmetic Surgery
Following cosmetic or aesthetic procedures, compromised tissue may present as:
- Post-surgical ischemia
- Skin flap necrosis
- Delayed wound healing
- Partial tissue loss
- Non-healing surgical wounds
These complications may arise even when surgery is technically successful, particularly in patients with underlying vascular risk factors, smoking history, prior radiation exposure, or infection.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be considered as an adjunctive treatment to support tissue salvage and wound healing in these medically documented cases.
Why Compromised Tissue Fails to Heal
Successful graft and flap survival depends on adequate oxygen delivery during the critical early phases of healing. When tissues are hypoxic, the body cannot:
- Generate new blood vessels effectively
- Produce collagen for wound closure
- Control infection
- Maintain tissue viability
Without sufficient oxygen, tissue breakdown and necrosis may progress.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps Compromised Grafts & Flaps
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, significantly increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues with limited blood flow. For compromised skin grafts and flaps, HBOT may support healing by:
HBOT helps create an environment that supports tissue salvage and recovery when used alongside appropriate surgical and medical care.
FDA & UHMS Status
FDA-Approved / UHMS-Recognized Indication
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is FDA-approved and UHMS-recognized for the treatment of compromised skin grafts and surgical flaps when specific medical criteria are met. Treatment eligibility depends on clinical documentation of tissue compromise and physician evaluation.
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Insurance Coverage & Referrals
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What to Expect at OxygenWell
At OxygenWell, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is delivered in a clinically supervised, medical-grade environment. Patients receive:
Treatment courses often involve multiple sessions over several weeks, depending on tissue response and physician recommendations.
Why Choose OxygenWell
FDA-approved medical-grade hyperbaric chambers
Experience treating radiation-induced tissue injury
Medically supervised and hyperbaric certified.
Locations in Sherman Oaks & Calabasas
11+ years practicing hyperbaric medicine.
Integrative, science-driven approach to healing
Schedule a Hyperbaric Consultation
If you or a loved one is living with achronic non-healing wound and exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, our team ishere to help.
ⓘ Medical Disclaimer
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medicaltreatment and may not be appropriate for all patients. Treatment eligibility,protocols, and insurance coverage depend on individual diagnosis and medicalevaluation. OxygenWell does not guarantee outcomes.