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Wound Healing and Plastic Surgery
Wound Healing and Plastic Surgery: The Cellular Connection
Plastic surgery does involve wound healing with most every invasive procedure that requires an incision or depth of penetration in skin such as laser skin resurfacing. The extent of the wound depends upon several factors, including: depth of penetration, technique of the plastic surgeon, condition of the skin and presence of medical conditions such as surgical site infections. The capacity for wound healing depends upon a variety of lifestyle factors as well. Yet, the cellular connection in wound healing is also partly responsible for the outcome of scar.
Wound Healing: How It Works
Wound healing is a multi-faceted process that involves a combination of numerous biological processes that occur to heal a wound. First, the wound may be inflammatory. Then, the process of wound healing evolves into a series of triggered events. Foreign bodies and infection are fought off through movements in single and multi-cellular organisms. Collagen degradation occurs. Soon new blood vessels grow, GAGS appear in greater numbers (the greater the number of GAGS, the more baby like skin), linings of the vessels join with the cells, and collagen production is revived. Binding takes place and the final result is in the appearance of a scar.
Before and After Scar Enhancement
Plastic surgeons take precautions to reduce the risks of excessive scarring. Incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations. Prevention for surgical site infections is a top priority for plastic surgeons to reduce the risk poor scarring results. Patients may be advised by plastic surgeons to take arnica and bromelain which help prevent and minimize scarring. Patients also wear compression garments to reduce pressure in the wound area to assist with healing. Patients may also use silicone sheets and the like to reduce the appearance of scars.
Lifestyle and Wound Healing
Yet, the extent of scarring is also related to the biological processes that occur through the cellular connection. So how, we may ask, do our cells get energized? Proper diet feeds our cells with nutrients for wound healing. Hydration provides oxygen to our cells. Refrain from stress, smoking, alcohol or steroid use and sun exposure are all methods to not take away from positive cellular activities. Managing medical conditions such as diabetes can positively the impact the cellular connection. The cellular connection to wound healing cannot be ignored.
Page Last Modified: 2009-11-7 22:00:36 UTC
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