Post-operative Wounds

Every surgical procedure, even those performed via minimal access surgery and small incisions (e.g. laparoscopic surgery, liposuction etc.), creates a wound in the skin. Surgeons perform what is known as primary closure of these wounds by using sutures (stitches), resulting in rapid wound repair and closure. Sometimes, however, it is possible that a wound healing complication can arise, which depends both on surgical factors, as well as the patient's condition and habbits.

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Major surgical  factors that can lead to wound healing complications following surgery include:

• Local wound infection

• Placement of high skin tension on wound closure (e.g. plastic surgery procedures, dermatological procedures)

• Presence of a foreign body or implant (e.g. plastic surgery procedures, orthopaedic procedures)​

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Patient-related factors that can lead to wound healing complications following surgery include:

• Smoking / Nicotine consumption (reduces local blood supply to the wound)

• Type 1 or 2 Diabetes (disturbance of peripheral microvasculature and reduction of local blood supply to the wound)

• Non-adherence to medical instructions post-operatively (e.g. premature uptake of sports and exercise) 

• Hereditary conditions affecting wound healing diathesis / connective tissue strength / collagen production in the skin (e.g. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome)

• Autoimmune conditions (e.g. Crohn's disease)

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The treatment of post-operative wound healing complications often involves surgical revision and wound repair, wound debridement in case of extensive wound infection / necrosis, implant removal, as well as administration of pharmacological treatment (e.g. antibiotics, corticosteroids, in case of increased inflammation or autoimmune pathology). Large wounds may require the placement of a VAC system (Vacuum-Assisted Closure / Negative Pressure Wound Therapy NPWT) which protects the wound while wound contraction takes place, before definitive surgical wound closure. It is not uncommon for certain wound healing complications to develop into chronic wounds, which typically fail to heal within 6 months. The problem with surgical intervention and VAC treatment is that they limit patient mobility and reduce quality of life, while also incurring significant cost. 

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Currently, there is limited availability of bioactive skin repair wound treatments, while most wound dressing materials available provide protection against infection and lubrication to the wound. HYPPP Therapy is an advanced treatment for hard-to-heal wounds, including chronic post-operative wounds, that actively promotes skin repair through the stimulation of new blood vessel development and cell proliferation into the wound area. Clinical data shows that even full-thickness large post-operative wounds can heal within 2-4 months under treatment with HYPPP Therapy. The treatment is initiated following a surgical debridement of the wound by your physician, and carried out by patients at home, as it is easily applied to the wound daily.

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