Why You Shouldn't Delay Wound Care After an Accident

Have you ever wondered why a small scrape or cut that seemed harmless at first can later develop into a complicated or more challenging wound? The truth is, timely care and specialized wound attention can make all the difference in your recovery and scarring.

Not getting the right wound care soon after an accident can cause long-term complications and delay your healing. At Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, we understand the importance of immediate wound treatment and specialized care of difficult-to-heal wounds.

Why prompt wound care matters

Accidents happen when you least expect them, catching you off guard and leaving you with unexpected wounds. But the speed at which you seek medical attention significantly affects the outcome of your healing journey. 

While some injuries may initially seem insignificant, they can become serious if not addressed properly. Whether it's a laceration, a burn, or a complex hand injury, it's vital to consult a medical provider who can provide the appropriate diagnosis and recommend tailored treatment options. 

Uncovering hidden problems

Even if your injury seems minor and likely to heal on its own, have it examined by a specialist who has the knowledge and expertise to detect hidden problems, such as an underlying health condition that hinders healing. For example, a venous stasis ulcer is a wound that heals slowly due to blood flow issues.

Avoiding long-term complications

The problems associated with delaying wound care after an accident can reach beyond your immediate discomfort. Inadequate or deferred treatment can lead to complications, such as:

• Infections
• Impaired healing
• Chronic pain
• Loss of function
• Unsightly scars

By consulting a medical provider as soon as possible, you can lower your risk of long-term consequences — including your need for chronic wound care — and increase your chances of a successful recovery.

How a surgical team helps complex wounds

When it comes to wounds that won’t heal or that require advanced care, the skilled team at Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery can play a vital role in providing specialized treatment. 

We understand that every wound requires individualized care. Our expertise in wound management and reconstruction allows us to address complex wounds that may not respond to conventional treatments. 

We consider different factors, such as the type of wound, the location on your body, and your overall health to create a personalized wound treatment plan that may include advanced therapies, such as:

Debridement and advanced wound dressings 

Debridement is the removal of dead or unhealthy tissue from a wound. It can help promote healing and prevent infection, which can slow or delay skin repair.

We also may use advanced wound dressings to treat non-healing wounds. These dressings can create an optimal healing environment by regulating moisture, controlling infection, and stimulating tissue growth. They may include hydrogels, foam dressings, or specialized dressings infused with growth factors.

Negative pressure wound therapy

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a technique often used by providers with training in plastic surgery to promote wound healing. NPWT involves applying controlled suction to the wound site using a specialized dressing and vacuum system. It fosters wound closure, reduces swelling, and stimulates the formation of healthy tissue.

Skin grafts and flap reconstruction

In cases where wounds are large, deep, or difficult to heal, our plastic surgeon can perform skin grafts or flap reconstruction. Skin grafts involve transferring healthy skin from another area of your body to the wound site; flap reconstruction uses nearby tissue with its own blood supply.

These surgical procedures help close the wound, promote healing, and improve functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Tissue expansion

In some cases, patients with difficult-to-heal wounds may have a lack of sufficient healthy tissue. When this happens, your provider may recommend tissue expansion. 

This involves placing a device called a tissue expander beneath your skin near the wound, gradually stretching the surrounding tissue to provide enough skin coverage for the wound to heal.

Laser therapy

We also may recommend laser therapy to enhance wound healing. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and other laser treatments help stimulate cell activity, increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration. Laser therapy can be particularly beneficial for chronic wounds that haven’t responded to traditional treatments.

Don’t delay treatment for an injury after an accident. For expert wound care, schedule a consultation with Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery today.