What to Do When a Surgical Incision Won’t Heal

What to Do When a Surgical Incision Won’t Heal

Understanding a Non-Healing Surgical Wound and What Steps to Take

Surgical incisions are meant to close and heal within a predictable timeline. But for some patients, that healing process stalls, or even reverses, leaving them vulnerable to infection, discomfort, and stress. If you or a loved one is struggling with a non-healing surgical wound, it's important to recognize the warning signs early and know what options are available.

At Advanced Wound Care, we specialize in treating post-operative wounds that aren’t healing as expected. Our mobile wound care team serves patients across Wisconsin, providing advanced treatment right in the comfort of home.

Signs Your Surgical Incision May Not Be Healing Properly

While some redness and tenderness are normal after surgery, there are certain red flags that suggest something more serious is going on. These may include:

  • Wound edges that are pulling apart (dehiscence)
  • Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the site
  • Persistent or increasing drainage (especially yellow, green, or foul-smelling)
  • Pain that worsens rather than improves
  • Fever or chills
  • Tissue that appears gray, black, or necrotic

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. A surgical wound that won’t heal can lead to serious complications, like deep tissue infection, abscess formation, or even sepsis, if not treated promptly.

Common Causes of Post-Operative Wound Dehiscence

Wound dehiscence occurs when the surgical incision reopens or fails to close properly. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of this happening, including:

  • Infection at the incision site
  • Poor blood flow or circulation issues
  • Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
  • Obesity or malnutrition
  • Smoking
  • Excess tension or movement at the incision area

Even with the best surgical technique, these underlying factors can impact healing. That’s why post-op wound care must be tailored to the patient’s full medical picture, not just the incision itself.

How Mobile Wound Care Can Help

If you’re managing a non-healing surgical wound, you may not need to return to the hospital or clinic for care. Our mobile wound care team brings advanced treatment options right to your home, including:

We regularly work with patients recovering from orthopedic, abdominal, cardiac, and plastic surgery procedures and understand how stressful it can be when recovery doesn’t go as planned. Our goal is to help you heal faster, with less disruption to your life. Contact our care team today to see if mobile wound care might be right for you.

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