Typically, a post-surgical wound heals without much trouble. A little tenderness, some swelling, and eventually the stitches come out and life moves on.
But sometimes, things don’t go as planned.
At Rebirth Advanced Healing, we specialize in helping patients who are stuck in that frustrating in-between: past the surgery, but left with a wound that’s not healing the way they hoped.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of post-surgical wounds, how to spot warning signs early, what standard wound care looks like, and when advanced therapies like biologic grafts might be the best next step.
What is a Post-Surgical Wound?
A post-surgical wound is any cut or incision made during a surgical procedure. For most people, it’s part of the healing process. These wounds are usually closed with stitches, staples, or surgical glue, and are expected to fully heal over time.
But even with the best surgical techniques, some wounds take a detour. Poor circulation, underlying health conditions, and even bad luck can turn a simple incision into a lingering, non-healing problem. At that point, it might be a good idea to explore specialized wound care before things get too bad.
Types of Post-Surgical Wounds
1. Incisional Wounds
Created by surgical incisions, these wounds are linear and controlled. Proper closure and care are essential to minimize complications and promote healing.
2. Excisional Wounds
These result from removing tissue, such as tumors or lesions. They tend to be irregular in shape and require meticulous care to prevent infection.
3. Laparoscopic Wounds
Small incisions made during minimally invasive procedures. These wounds often heal faster and with fewer complications than traditional open-surgery wounds.
Why Some Wounds Become Chronic
Most surgical wounds follow a predictable path with gradual improvement over days and weeks. But if a wound hasn’t shown clear signs of healing after about one month of conservative traditional wound care treatment, it’s typically considered chronic.
There are a few common reasons this happens:
- Infection, especially surgical site infections (SSIs), can derail recovery fast.
Poor circulation from conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease limits the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. - Nutritional gaps can slow the body’s ability to rebuild tissue.
Pressure or trauma, like friction from clothing or a bump to the area, can keep reopening or irritating the wound.
Traditional Wound Care for Post-Surgical Wounds
Not all wounds are eligible for advanced treatment. More conservative care, often referred to as traditional wound care, must happen first in an effort to heal and close the wound.
Assessment & Measurement
It’s important to carefully measure the wound’s size and depth, evaluate what stage of healing it’s in (or stuck in), and identify any risk factors like diabetes or circulation issues that could be getting in the way.
Cleaning, Debridement & Dressing
Wound care specialists clean the wound using sterile saline to flush out bacteria and surface debris while protecting healthy tissue. If there’s any dead or infected tissue getting in the way of healing, they remove it through a process called debridement. Then they apply advanced, moisture-friendly dressings that shield the wound and support new tissue growth.
Infection Control & Pain Relief
When signs of infection appear, providers act quickly with targeted antibiotics to prevent complications. Pain management is also a priority, using over-the-counter medications or non-drug options to keep patients as comfortable as possible during healing.
Patient Education & Monitoring
Patients should be trained to monitor their wounds for changes, log daily observations, and communicate concerns promptly.
Advanced Wound Care for Post-Surgical Wounds
Some surgical wounds don’t respond to standard treatment. When healing slows, biologic grafts can offer the extra support the body needs.
Our advanced therapies use placental tissue to create a natural scaffold that helps the body rebuild. Packed with growth factors, biologic grafts encourage new tissue formation and support the development of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the wound.
At Rebirth, we often use biologic grafts for chronic post-surgical wounds in patients dealing with diabetes, poor circulation, or obesity, especially when nothing else seems to be working.
“When traditional methods aren’t enough, placental grafts let us restart healing at a deeper level,” said Dr. Christopher Mason, physician-owner of Rebirth Advanced Healing.
Don’t Wait for a Setback to Become a Serious Problem
If your surgical wound isn’t healing the way it should, it’s not something to wait out. Delayed healing can lead to deeper infections, prolonged recovery, or even hospitalization.
At Rebirth Advanced Healing, we specialize in getting chronic wounds back on track before complications set in.
Reach out to us to get the answers you need to move forward with confidence.
