Wound Care-Plastic Surgery
Though all surgeons close wounds, there are times when the special skill of a plastic surgeon is needed. Their expertise can improve healing and reduce scaring when a wound is large, jagged or cannot be covered with the skin currently at the site.
Every individual and surgery is unique. Our surgeons are skilled and practiced at determining what type of wound closure option is best given the specific circumstances.
Traditionally, doctors have used stitches or sutures to close wounds. While basic suturing techniques continue to be essential, surgeons today have a wide range of materials available, including:
Skin grafting involves taking a piece of healthy skin from one part of the body and using it to repair another area of the body. Our doctors use skin grafting to cover and close wounds where there is a lack of adjacent skin to use. The transplanted healthy skin heals into the new location. Skin grafts are often used to help our patients with chronic non-healing wounds.
This technique allows plastic surgeons to stretch the skin and underlying tissue. First, a balloon is inserted under the skin. Then, over time, the balloon is filled with water. The process stretches the skin and soon there is enough excess to close the wound. The method is most often used in large area reconstructions, but can be useful in many other parts of the body.
During this intricate procedure, surgeons move skin, muscle and/or bone from one part of the body to another area. The flap may be kept alive with its own blood vessels or blood vessels from this flap are reattached to vessels in the new location using microsurgery. Flaps are frequently used to treat cancer and post trauma patients.
All surgery has risks. Potential complication can be prevented by carefully following all instructions both before and after surgery. Our surgeons carefully review the procedure and potential risks with each person.
The Surgeons at the clinic will walk you through the reconstructive process. The plan for reconstruction surgery is considered after sufficient control of infection and blood flow to the area is restored. Plastic Surgery is a complex undertaking and will require in-patient admisssion in a hospital and may require a couple of days of stay.
You will be required to visit the Clinic for post-operative visits and undertake dressings in the clinic or in the hospital.