Post-Operative Surgical Wounds

Post-Operative Surgical Wounds

Post-operative surgical wounds are incisions or surgical sites that need treatment to heal properly after a procedure. Surgical wounds often heal without complication, but sometimes they can heal slowly, reopen, become infected, or experience other problems that require wound care management. Early assessment and treatment of these wounds can promote healing, decrease discomfort, and minimize the risk of further complications.

What Are Post-Operative Surgical Wounds?

Post-op surgical wounds are created when tissue is opened during surgery. Incisions are typically closed during the procedure. After surgery, your body will immediately begin working to heal the wound. Factors such as poor circulation, chronic medical conditions, infection, or excessive stress on the incision can interfere with the healing process.

Most surgical wounds heal within the expected timeframe. Some patients may experience slower healing and require medical intervention, including advanced wound care.

Why Do Some Surgical Wounds Heal Slowly?

There are many factors that can cause surgical wounds to heal slower than expected. Conditions that limit blood flow, tension on the wound, and infection can greatly impact the body’s ability to heal.

Some of the most common causes of slow healing surgical wounds include:

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Infection
• Poor nutrition
• Age
• Underlying immune diseases
• Certain medications
• Stress on the surgical wound

Determining the cause of slow wound healing is important in order to develop a treatment plan.

What Are the Signs of a Problematic Surgical Wound?

It is important to monitor your wounds throughout the recovery process. Some swelling, redness, and pain is normal, but if you experience any of the following, you should seek further medical treatment.

Some signs that your surgical wound is not healing properly include:

• Redness around incision
• Swelling
• Drainage
• Odor
• Separation of the wound
• Pain that becomes worse
• Fever
• Slow healing
• Color change in skin around wound

It is best to seek help at the first sign of a wound healing improperly to avoid major complications.

What Complications Can Develop After Surgery?

If your surgical wound does not heal properly, you can experience serious complications. Without treatment, your risk of developing chronic wounds increases. Additionally, infection can spread below the surface of the skin.

Some complications that can occur from improper wound healing after surgery include:

• Infection
• Dehiscence (splitting open of a wound)
• Tissue death
• Scarring
• Non-healing wounds
• Slow recovery

While some of these complications can require serious medical attention, our wound care specialists can help treat and manage these issues while your body recovers.

How Are Post-Operative Surgical Wounds Treated?

Our professionals will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce your risk of complications and promote healing. Here at SMC Physicians, we offer many different treatment options including:

• Advanced wound dressings
• Debridement if necessary
• Management of infection
• Negative pressure wound therapy when indicated
• State-of-the-art wound healing technology
• Dietary recommendations
• Wound monitoring and follow-up care

Your specific treatment will depend on what type of surgery you had, the condition of your wound, and your overall health.

How Can Patients Support Surgical Wound Healing?

After surgery, it is critical to follow your doctor’s instructions to help promote healing. Keep your incisions clean and dressed, attend all of your follow-up appointments, eat a balanced diet, and do not lift more than recommended. If you notice any changes in your wound’s appearance or experience any sudden symptoms, you should contact our office.

Trust SMC Physicians for Post-Operative Surgical Wound Care

Post-operative surgical wounds can often heal on their own with minimal risk for complications. However, when they don’t heal as they should, you need the help of trained professionals. The wound care specialists at SMC Physicians in Northfield, can assess your surgical wound and develop a personalized treatment plan that promotes your body’s natural healing process.

Request an appointment online or give us a call today at (609) 377-5150 to learn more about post-operative surgical wounds with our wound care specialists.

1601 Tilton Rd, Suite 3, Northfield, NJ 08225

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-5pm
Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
Friday: 8:30am-5pm