✓ Medicare & most insurance accepted·Co-managed with your physician
Monterey, CA·(831) 555-0100

Protecting Skin Grafts and Flaps with Hyperbaric Oxygen

June 20, 2026 · Pacific Hyperbarics clinical team

Protecting Skin Grafts and Flaps with Hyperbaric Oxygen

A skin graft or surgical flap depends on one thing above all: a reliable blood supply. When that supply is marginal — because of prior radiation, poor circulation, infection, or the complexity of the reconstruction — the tissue can begin to fail. In those situations, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be the difference between salvage and loss.

Why some grafts struggle

Newly placed tissue is racing to establish blood flow before its cells run out of oxygen. If the recipient site is compromised, oxygen cannot reach the tissue fast enough, and swelling and reperfusion injury make it worse.

How HBOT improves the odds

Breathing 100% oxygen under pressure dramatically raises the oxygen dissolved in plasma, supplying the threatened tissue directly. HBOT also reduces edema and reperfusion injury and supports new blood-vessel growth. Studies show measurably improved survival of compromised grafts and flaps when HBOT is added promptly.

Speed and coordination are everything

This is one of the more time-sensitive indications we treat. We prioritize rapid scheduling and work directly with your plastic or reconstructive surgeon so treatment complements the surgical plan. We keep your surgeon updated at every phase and return you to their care.

If you have an at-risk graft or flap — or a surgeon has mentioned HBOT — call or text (831) 555-0100. We serve Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Salinas, and the greater Peninsula, and we will verify your coverage at no cost.

← All articles

Keep reading

Talk to a real clinical team.

Call or text — we'll tell you honestly whether HBOT is right for your situation.