Proper care of surgical wounds is essential for preventing infection, speeding up healing, and ensuring a smooth recovery. At Innovation Wound Care, our certified specialists provide expert care, advanced therapies, and hands-on education to help you heal confidently and comfortably at home.
We proudly serve patients in Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; Vancouver, WA; and Nashville, TN.
What Is a Surgical Wound?
A surgical wound is an incision made during a medical procedure, typically closed with stitches, staples, or surgical glue. While created in a sterile environment, surgical wounds become vulnerable to infection once exposed. That’s why proper Innovation Wound Care—both in-clinic and at home—is critical for recovery.
Types of Surgical Wounds
Surgical wounds are classified by their risk of infection:
- Clean: No contamination, minimal risk
- Clean-Contaminated: Controlled exposure to body cavities
- Contaminated: Higher infection risk from existing bacteria
- Infected: Already showing signs of infection during surgery
Post-Surgical Innovation Wound Care: Best Practices
Following these simple but vital steps can promote faster healing and prevent complications:
- Keep the wound clean and dry
- Change dressings as instructed
- Watch for redness, swelling, or discharge
- Take all prescribed medications
- Avoid touching or disturbing stitches or staples
- Wear loose clothing and avoid pressure on the wound
- Eat a healthy, protein-rich diet
- Limit physical activity and follow your surgeon’s guidelines
- Quit smoking to improve healing outcomes
Know the Warning Signs
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice:
- Redness, swelling, or increasing pain
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge
- Wound reopening or separating
- Fever or chills
Preventing Surgical Site Infections
- Wash your hands before and after touching the wound
- Follow all aftercare instructions closely
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Don’t let others touch your wound unless wearing gloves
- Keep the wound covered and dry until advised otherwise
Caring for Surgical Scars
After your incision has healed, minimize scarring by:
- Washing gently with soap and water
- Keeping the area moisturized
- Massaging the scar with clean hands
- Protecting the scar from sun exposure
Our Surgical Innovation Wound Care Services
At Innovation Wound Care, we provide comprehensive care using the latest Innovation Wound Care innovations:
- Thorough wound evaluation and monitoring
- Wound cleaning and debridement
- Custom dressings and bandaging
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
- Vacuum-assisted healing
- Compression therapy
- Education for at-home Optimal Would Pro
Book a Surgical Innovation Wound Care Consultation Today
Don’t let a post-surgical wound slow down your recovery. Our compassionate team at Innovation Wound Care is here to guide you through every step of the healing process with personalized, professional care.