Plastic Surgery for Non-Healing Wounds

You may be referred to the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine by your primary care physician, vascular surgeon, oncologist, or another specialist. Your primary physician will continue to manage your main health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, and a wound specialist will manage your wound care. If you’re exploring options for insurance coverage, you may need to request a referral from your primary care doctor, depending on your health insurance plan. Check with your carrier to see if medical coverage is an option for you and, if so, whether a referral is required.

Wounds need oxygen to heal properly, which is why circulation is so important. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients and removes bacteria and toxins from the wounded area. Conditions that affect circulation (diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure) or reduce the body’s oxygen levels (anemia or chronic lung conditions) can impair healing. Poor nutrition, stress, and smoking can also slow down the body’s healing process.

You should see a noticeable improvement of a wound and progression in healing over time. If you have a wound that has not started to heal within three to four weeks, you should see your primary care doctor or a wound specialist. It’s important to seek care right away if the wound is deep or you notice possible signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage. For those who have diabetes, it’s important to have your doctor check your feet regularly and receive treatment for any wounds quickly before it becomes a larger problem.

At your initial appointment, your doctor will form a plan of care with you. You’ll most likely return to see a physician on a regular basis until your wound is healed.

The body’s natural repair process involves four stages essential to wound healing.

Phase 1: Blood clotting allows the body to make a clot to stop the wound from bleeding and form a scab over the area.

Phase 2: Inflammation happens when damaged and dead cells are cleared out of the area.

Phase 3: New tissue growth is a critical phase where the wound contracts (decreases in size) and epithelial cells cover the wound with new tissue.

Phase 4: Scar formation happens when collagen takes shape and the wound fully closes.

The length of time for healing depends on the severity of the wound and complicating factors, such as age, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions. With treatment, most people will move through phases of wound healing within three months. However, some chronic wounds can take longer to heal.

Getting medical treatment for your wound is key to recovery, as well as treating any underlying health issues affecting the healing process. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar under control. You should also follow a healthy diet to ensure your body is getting the nutrition it needs to promote proper wound healing.