Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy — Used Alongside Regenerative Procedures
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — In a single-occupancy chamber, pressure is raised above normal atmospheric pressure while the patient breathes 100% oxygen. More oxygen dissolves into blood and tissue than at normal pressure. At Cellon it is used primarily in combination with cell-based and regenerative procedures rather than as a standalone treatment.
Why it is combined with regenerative procedures
Procedures that place cells or tissue into a new site depend on those cells surviving and establishing a blood supply. Raising tissue oxygen is intended to support that period. Cellon combines HBOT with stem cell administration, PRP, fat grafting, and laser recovery for this reason.
Reported changes with increased tissue oxygen include relief of hypoxic stress, support for collagen and elastin synthesis, microvascular and growth-factor activity, and modulation of inflammation. Individual response varies and no specific outcome is promised.
How Cellon runs it
- Regen-Combo protocol
- HBOT is scheduled in sequence with stem cell, PRP, or laser treatment in the same facility rather than referred out.
- Single-occupancy chamber
- One patient per session, which keeps the session private and limits cross-exposure.
- 50-minute programme
- Pressurisation, treatment, and decompression complete within one hour.
- Dedicated team
- A board-certified dermatologist and nursing staff trained in hyperbaric therapy manage the session.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total session time | 50 minutes — 10 minutes pressurisation, 30 minutes oxygen, 10 minutes decompression |
| Chamber | Single-occupancy |
| Oxygen | 100% oxygen at above-normal pressure |
| Recovery / downtime | None. Ear fullness during pressure change is common |
| Typical course | 1 to 3 sessions after laser or HIFU; 3 to 5 sessions after fat grafting or stem cell administration. Adjusted per patient |
| Combined with | Stem cell administration, PRP, fat grafting, thread lift recovery, laser recovery |
| Suggested stay | No downtime — Cellon suggests at least 3 days in Seoul |
| Directed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist, with hyperbaric-trained nursing staff |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — ear, sinus, and respiratory history are reviewed, along with the procedure HBOT will accompany.
- Pressurisation over approximately 10 minutes. Ear fullness similar to aircraft take-off is expected; equalisation is guided.
- 30 minutes breathing 100% oxygen while resting in the chamber.
- Decompression over approximately 10 minutes.
- Session count and interval are set according to the accompanying procedure and the patient's response.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults undergoing cell-based or regenerative procedures at Cellon, or recovering from laser or energy-based treatment.
- Limited benefit
- HBOT is used as an adjunct. It is not offered as a standalone treatment for cosmetic concerns, and it does not replace the procedure it accompanies.
- Contraindications
- Untreated pneumothorax, certain lung conditions, recent ear or sinus surgery, inability to equalise middle-ear pressure, uncontrolled seizure disorder, pregnancy. Some chemotherapy agents. Eligibility is confirmed at consultation.
- Side effects
- Ear fullness or discomfort during pressure change is the most common. Less commonly sinus discomfort, temporary visual change, or fatigue. Barotrauma is uncommon but possible. All symptoms should be reported to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
What does hyperbaric oxygen therapy actually do?
It raises the amount of oxygen dissolved in blood and tissue by combining above-normal pressure with 100% oxygen. At Cellon it is used to support the recovery period after cell-based and regenerative procedures.
Is it used on its own?
Usually not. Cellon uses it alongside stem cell administration, PRP, fat grafting, or laser recovery rather than as a standalone cosmetic treatment.
How long does one session take?
50 minutes in total — 10 minutes to reach pressure, 30 minutes breathing oxygen, 10 minutes to return to normal pressure.
Does it hurt?
No, but the ears feel full during pressure change, similar to an aircraft taking off. Staff guide equalisation.
How many sessions will I need?
Commonly 1 to 3 after laser or HIFU, and 3 to 5 after fat grafting or stem cell administration. The plan is adjusted to the procedure and the individual.
Who should not have it?
Patients with untreated pneumothorax, certain lung conditions, recent ear or sinus surgery, or an inability to equalise ear pressure. Pregnancy and some medications also exclude it. Eligibility is confirmed at consultation.
Can it be scheduled on the same day as my procedure?
Often yes. Because the chamber is in the same facility, HBOT can be sequenced immediately before or after the accompanying procedure.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Stem Cell Treatment Program
- Related: Advanced Regenerative Medicine Designation