Patient Profile:
A 45-year-old woman underwent a bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer. During reconstruction, her nipples began to show signs of ischemia—they appeared purple and pale, indicating compromised blood flow. She was at high risk of tissue necrosis and potential tissue loss.
Challenge:
The early signs of tissue ischemia required urgent intervention to prevent necrosis. Traditional management involved surgical options, but time was critical to salvage the tissue.
Intervention:
The patient was started immediately on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—initially scheduled for daily sessions. After five sessions, notable improvements were observed: the nipples regained color, warmth, and blood flow, indicating successful tissue salvage.
Outcome:
The patient’s tissue was preserved without requiring additional surgical removal. She continued HBOT treatments as part of her recovery protocol, and her healing proceeded smoothly. This intervention prevented tissue necrosis, preserving her body image and confidence.
Blog: How HBOT Saved Nipples After Double Mastectomy
Saving Nipples and Tissue with HBOT: A Critical Step in Post-Mastectomy Recovery
For women undergoing double mastectomy, preserving tissue integrity is essential—not just for physical health, but also for emotional well-being and body image. One of the surprising yet increasingly supported interventions in tissue salvage is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Why does tissue sometimes become compromised after mastectomy?
During mastectomy and reconstruction, blood supply to the nipple-areolar complex can be interrupted, leading to ischemia (lack of oxygen). Early signs include discoloration (purple or pale tissue), swelling, and pain—signs that tissues are at risk of necrosis.
How does HBOT help?
- Boosts oxygen supply: HBOT delivers 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressures, flooding tissues with oxygen needed for healing.
- Stimulates new blood vessel growth: It encourages angiogenesis, helping re-establish blood flow to ischemic tissue.
- Reduces swelling and inflammation: This relieves pressure on blood vessels, restoring circulation.
- Supports cellular repair: It enhances tissue regeneration, reducing the likelihood of necrosis.
In our case, early intervention with HBOT turned what could have been tissue loss into a triumph of healing. After just five sessions, the patient’s nipples regained their color and warmth, avoiding the need for further surgical interventions.
The takeaway?
If you or someone you know is facing tissue ischemia after mastectomy, early use of HBOT can be a game-changer—preserving tissue, minimizing scars, and supporting emotional recovery.
Interested in learning more about HBOT for post-surgical tissue salvage? Contact BluZone or speak to your healthcare provider about this advanced healing modality.
Resources & References
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Tissue Salvage
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Indications for HBOT — https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy
- Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS): HBOT Overview and Evidence-Based Indications — https://www.uhms.org/resources/hbot-overview.html
- Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery: HBOT as adjunct in reconstructive surgery — https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/playContent/1-s2.0-S1479667118301882
Supporting Studies & Reviews
- Thiery et al., 2018, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Manage Flap and Graft Ischemia” — https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12662
- Galli et al., 2014, “Use of HBOT in Skin and Soft Tissue Salvage” — https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12206
BluZone’s Reference Page:
- Visit BluZone’s Reference & Research Page for a collection of clinical studies, case reports, and protocols supporting HBOT applications, including tissue salvage after surgical procedures.
