In a new episode of Biobarica Talks, we spoke with Dr. Marco Polo Apaéz Araujo, a plastic surgeon from Guadalajara, Mexico, who shared how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has become an essential component of his pre- and postoperative protocols, transforming patient recovery and overall surgical outcomes.

 

HBOT as Part of the Comprehensive Surgical Process

 

Dr. Marco Polo incorporates hyperbaric therapy both before and after surgery, making it a key tool in preparing patients and enhancing their postoperative recovery.

 

In the preoperative stage, HBOT helps to:

 

• Improve oxygenation in the tissues that will be operated on.
  
  

• Optimize microcirculation, especially in procedures involving flaps or grafts.
  
  

His protocol includes 3 to 5 sessions prior to surgery, creating what he describes as a more favorable “biological terrain” for a safer and more efficient surgical procedure.

 

Postoperative benefits observed include:

 

• Reduced edema and bruising.
  
  

• Faster and more homogeneous healing.
  
  

• Significant reduction in pain.
  
  

• Quicker return to daily activities.
  
  

“Patients definitely recover faster,” notes Dr. Marco Polo, emphasizing that HBOT directly improves the integration of grafts and flaps and enhances overall tissue repair.

The Role of Oxygen in Regeneration: An Ally for Plastic Surgeons

During the conversation, Dr. Marco Polo highlighted the importance of increased oxygen availability in the processes of healing and tissue regeneration.
According to him, HBOT acts on multiple levels:

• It increases tissue oxygenation, supporting collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity.
  
  

• It produces a progressive anti-inflammatory effect, reducing oxidative stress and improving capillary perfusion.
  
  

• It stimulates angiogenesis, resulting in better integration of tissues, grafts, and flaps.
  
  

For the surgeon, these mechanisms make the hyperbaric chamber “not an optional complement, but a tool that truly elevates the postoperative outcome.”

The Patient Experience: A Decisive Factor

Dr. Marco Polo also emphasized an often-overlooked aspect: the patient’s experience inside the chamber. In his practice, he chose Biobarica’s Revitalair® technology not only for its clinical benefits, but also for the comfort, spaciousness, and safety it provides.

Key features he values include:

• Allowing patients to enter with their phone, tablet, or laptop.
  
  

• Large windows that reduce any sense of enclosure.
  
  

• Constant communication during the session.
  
  

• The system’s stability and high safety standards.
  
  

Many of his patients, he noted, find Biobarica’s technology to be a more welcoming, safe, and comfortable environment compared to previous experiences.

A New Standard in Plastic Surgery

When asked about the future of plastic surgery, Dr. Marco Polo was categorical:

“For me, the hyperbaric chamber is already part of the standard protocol. Just as we prescribe antibiotics or analgesics, we should also prescribe HBOT sessions.”

In his clinic, HBOT is incorporated directly into surgical packages, both before and after the procedure.


Based on the outcomes he has seen, he believes all plastic surgeons should adopt hyperbaric therapy as part of their protocols.

A Message to Healthcare Professionals

For clinicians who are still hesitant to introduce hyperbaric therapy, his recommendation is straightforward: study, learn, and review the scientific evidence.

He emphasizes that HBOT benefits not only surgical patients but also healthy individuals, thanks to its impact on cellular regeneration, metabolism, and inflammation.

 

He concludes with a clear message:

 

“Choosing Biobarica and the Revitalair® system is definitely a very good option.”

 

Conclusion

 

The interview with Dr. Marco Polo highlights how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is redefining safety, healing, and recovery standards in plastic surgery.

His experience reflects what many centers worldwide are already confirming: hyperbaric oxygenation is a powerful tool to enhance clinical outcomes and offer patients a faster, safer, and more comfortable recovery process.