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Skin Trauma & Chronic Wounds

What are Chronic and Traumatic Wounds?

Chronic wounds are injuries that fail to heal properly over time, often due to underlying health conditions or repeated trauma. These wounds can lead to severe complications if left untreated, such as infections, tissue damage, or even loss of function in the affected area. At Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics, we specialize in advanced surgical techniques to repair these non-healing wounds, ensuring that patients regain their quality of life and prevent further complications.

Common Conditions Treated with Surgical Intervention for Chronic Wounds

Diabetic Ulcers: Non-healing ulcers that develop on the feet or lower legs due to poor circulation and nerve damage in patients with diabetes.

Pressure Sores (Bedsores): Open wounds that form due to prolonged pressure on the skin, often in individuals who are bedridden or immobile.

Venous Ulcers: Open sores that form on the legs due to poor circulation caused by damaged veins.

Trauma-Related Wounds: Injuries from accidents, burns, or surgery that do not heal properly and require surgical intervention to promote recovery.

Causes and Risk Factors Chronic Wounds

Chronic wounds develop due to a variety of factors, often related to underlying health conditions or lifestyle choices. Some of the common causes and risk factors include:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to poor circulation and the development of chronic wounds, particularly in the feet.

Poor Circulation: Conditions like peripheral artery disease or venous insufficiency reduce blood flow to the extremities, hindering the body’s ability to heal wounds.

Infection: Wounds that become infected are more difficult to heal and may require surgical cleaning or debridement to prevent further complications.

Prolonged Pressure: Immobility, such as being bedridden, can lead to the development of pressure sores (bedsores), particularly in the elderly or those with limited mobility.

Smoking: Smoking impairs circulation and slows the healing process, increasing the risk of chronic wounds.

When is Surgery Needed?

Surgical intervention for chronic wounds may be required when:

Non-Healing Wounds: Wounds that have not healed after several weeks of non-surgical treatment may require surgical intervention to close and repair the damaged tissue.

Infection: Chronic wounds that develop infections or complications such as abscesses may need to be surgically cleaned, drained, or repaired to prevent further health issues.

Severe Trauma: Trauma-related wounds, such as burns or deep lacerations, may require advanced surgical techniques like skin grafts or flaps to restore function and promote healing.

Scar Tissue: In cases where scar tissue is preventing proper healing, surgery may be needed to remove the scar tissue and allow the wound to heal correctly.

Treatment for Chronic and Traumatic Wounds

At Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics, we offer specialized surgical procedures designed to treat and heal chronic wounds and trauma-related injuries:

Skin Grafts: In cases where significant tissue loss has occurred, skin grafts can be used to cover the wound with healthy skin taken from another part of the body. This promotes healing and restores the appearance of the skin.

Flap Surgery: Flap surgery involves moving a section of healthy tissue, along with its blood supply, to cover a wound or injury that cannot heal on its own. This technique is often used for larger wounds or those in critical areas such as the face or hands.

Debridement: Surgical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue is often necessary to help the wound heal properly. Debridement reduces the risk of infection and allows new, healthy tissue to grow.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques to reduce scarring, pain, and recovery time, ensuring that patients heal more quickly and with fewer complications.

Recovery After Surgery for Chronic or Traumatic Wounds

The recovery process for chronic wound repair varies depending on the type of procedure and the severity of the wound:

Post-Surgical Care: Proper wound care, including dressing changes, hygiene, and infection prevention, is crucial for successful healing. Patients will be given detailed instructions on how to care for their wounds at home.

Physical Therapy: In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore movement and strength to the affected area, particularly after severe trauma or extensive surgery.

Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any potential complications early.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are dealing with a chronic wound or a traumatic injury that hasn’t healed properly, contact Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics today to schedule a consultation. Our team of expert surgeons is here to provide advanced treatment options that promote healing and restore function.

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