Patient Profile:
A 32-year-old woman received dermal filler injections in her nose for enhancement. Within minutes, she noticed her nose turning purple and swelling rapidly, indicating a vascular occlusion—blockage of blood flow to the tissue.
Challenge:
Vascular occlusion is a serious complication that can result in tissue necrosis if not treated promptly. Immediate action was essential to salvage the tissue and prevent permanent damage.
Intervention:
The patient was quickly treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Sessions were initiated within an hour of symptom onset, with treatments every 24 hours. After just 4 sessions, her nasal tissue’s color and blood flow significantly improved, and swelling decreased.
Outcome:
The tissue was preserved without necrosis. The patient continued HBOT as part of her recovery plan, avoiding disfigurement and the need for surgical intervention.
Blog: How HBOT Can Save Tissue in Vascular Occlusion from Aesthetic Procedures
Preventing Tissue Loss: The Role of HBOT in Managing Vascular Occlusion
Dermal filler injections are a popular choice for non-surgical facial rejuvenation, but they carry risks—most notably, vascular occlusion. When a filler inadvertently blocks a blood vessel, it can lead to tissue ischemia, discoloration, pain, and, if untreated, tissue necrosis.
Early signs of vascular occlusion include:
- Sudden blanching (pale or white appearance) of the skin
- Rapid color change to purple or blue (cyanosis)
- Severe pain or discomfort in the affected area
How does HBOT help in this situation?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a powerful adjunct to manage vascular occlusion by:
- Delivering high concentrations of oxygen: HBOT flood tissues with oxygen, even in areas where blood flow is compromised.
- Promoting tissue survival: Increased oxygen levels support cellular metabolism, which is critical when blood supply is reduced.
- Stimulating new blood vessel growth: HBOT encourages angiogenesis, helping to restore proper blood flow in the ischemic tissue.
- Reducing inflammation and edema: It decreases swelling that may worsen blood flow blockage, alleviating pressure on vessels.
- Preventing tissue necrosis: Early intervention with HBOT can significantly reduce the chance of permanent tissue loss, preserving appearance and function.
In our experience, initiating HBOT as soon as symptoms are recognized can make the difference between tissue salvage and irreversible damage. In many cases, even a few sessions of HBOT can restore blood flow, reduce discoloration, and promote healing.
If you or your patients experience signs of vascular occlusion after aesthetic procedures, prompt activation of HBOT protocols can be a vital step in ensuring safe, optimal outcomes—maintaining beauty, confidence, and health.
Interested in learning more? Contact BluZone or your healthcare provider to explore how HBOT can be integrated into your aesthetic practice for safety and improved results.
Resources & References
Vascular Occlusion & HBOT in Aesthetic Procedures
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Vascular complications from fillers — https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/medical-advances/vascular-complications-from-filler-injections
- Dermal Filler Vascular Compromise Management: American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) — https://www.facialsurgery.org/page/vascular_occlusion
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy & 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 & indications — https://www.uhms.org/resources/hbot-overview.html
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018): HBOT in vascular ischemic events—case reports and review — https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12473
Supporting Studies & Clinical Evidence
- Thiery et al., 2018, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Manage Ischemic Skin Flaps and Grafts” — 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 & Research Page:
- Visit BluZone’s Research & Resources Page for case studies, protocols, and published articles supporting HBOT in tissue salvage and managing vascular occlusion.
