Compromised Skin Grafts & Flaps Treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
When a skin graft or surgical flap is at risk of failure, HBOT delivers the extra oxygen needed to help the tissue survive and integrate successfully.
Understanding Compromised Skin Grafts & Flaps
Skin grafts and surgical flaps are techniques used to repair areas of the body where tissue has been lost or damaged — often after trauma, burns, cancer surgery, or reconstruction. A graft involves transplanting skin from one area of the body to another, while a flap involves moving tissue along with its blood supply.
Sometimes these procedures are at risk of failure because the transplanted tissue does not receive enough oxygen and blood flow to survive in its new location. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, previous radiation, infection, or poor circulation. When a graft or flap becomes compromised, the tissue may darken, swell, or begin to break down.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, delivering it directly to the grafted or flap tissue where blood supply may be insufficient. This extra oxygen supports cell survival during the critical healing period when new blood vessels are forming between the transplanted tissue and the wound bed.
HBOT also reduces tissue swelling, enhances collagen production needed for tissue integration, and boosts immune function to reduce the risk of infection — all of which improve the chances of graft or flap survival.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment for compromised grafts and flaps is often time-sensitive. Your hyperbaric physician works closely with your surgeon to begin HBOT as soon as possible after the concern is identified. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes, and a typical course involves 20 or more treatments depending on the response.
Insurance & Coverage
HBOT for compromised skin grafts and flaps is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans when medically necessary. Our team handles insurance verification and prior authorization so you can focus on healing.
Our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on healing. We will verify your benefits, obtain any required prior authorizations, and keep you informed every step of the way.