HBOT supports tissue recovery after filler-induced vascular occlusion by increasing oxygen delivery to tissue at risk of damage. At NUMA, treatment is medically assessed, prescribed and used alongside urgent reversal treatment.
Vascular occlusion occurs when blood flow is partially or completely blocked after filler injection, potentially causing tissue ischaemia and necrosis. Severity depends on the vessel involved, duration of reduced flow and collateral circulation. Treatment aims to preserve tissue at risk of damage but still viable before irreversible injury occurs.
A narrative review supports HBOT as an adjunct to standard treatment for filler-induced vascular occlusion, with potential benefits through improved tissue oxygenation, modulation of oxidative stress, angiogenesis and hypoxia-response pathways.
HBOT markedly increases dissolved plasma oxygen, increasing diffusion from functioning vessels into hypoxic tissue.
HBOT can reduce tissue oedema while maintaining high oxygen availability, supporting compromised microcirculation.
Broader evidence from compromised hypoxic soft tissue supports HBOT as a tissue-salvage therapy, including improved graft and flap survival in comparative studies.
Vascular occlusion is time-critical. Urgent assessment and standard treatment, including hyaluronidase where indicated, come first. HBOT is an adjunct, not a replacement. Sudden visual or neurological symptoms require immediate emergency specialist assessment.
A review of the role of HBOT in vascular occlusion: the biological rationale for increasing oxygen delivery to tissue at risk of damage, and what the current evidence shows.
Every HBOT programme begins with an individual medical assessment. Treatment is prescribed according to the type and severity of injury, clinical presentation and rehabilitation goals, with the protocol tailored to each patient.
HBOT may support tissue at risk of damage but still viable after standard treatment has begun.
HBOT may still support viable tissue and healing where ischaemia persists or tissue breakdown develops. Treatment is medically assessed and adjusted according to clinical response.
Sudden visual disturbance, severe ocular pain or neurological symptoms after facial filler require immediate emergency hospital assessment. HBOT must never delay transfer, ophthalmological review or stroke management.
Every treatment plan is personalised. The number, frequency and timing of HBOT sessions vary according to individual clinical circumstances and may change as treatment progresses.
HBOT is a medical treatment that requires specialist assessment and prescription to ensure it is safe, appropriate and tailored to your individual needs. Treatment is provided alongside, not in place of, the care of the doctor managing your occlusion. Your consultation with our specialist medical doctor includes:
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How HBOT is used to support healing after surgery and injury, including its effects on oxygenation, inflammation and tissue repair.
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A walk-through of a session at the clinic, from medical assessment and monitoring to time in the chamber.
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NUMA is a consultant-led specialist HBOT clinic focused exclusively on medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Our service combines medical oversight, personalised treatment planning and purpose-built facilities designed to support safe and high-standard care.
