This firmness will cover the entire incision line and begin to soften and flatten about weeks following surgery. The last phase is often referred to as the remodeling phase. This phase lasts from 21 days up to 2 years.
In this final and longest phase, collagen synthesis is ongoing in order to strengthen the tissue. Remodeling occurs as the wound continues to contract and fibers are being reorganized, with a reduction in capillaries and scar formation.
The scar will change in color as it matures from red to a lighter color. An incision is a cut made into the tissues of the body to expose the underlying tissue, bone, or organ so that a surgical procedure can be performed. It varies from surgery to surgery based on the area and the severity of the problem. It allows the surgeon enough room to work and visualize the area as well as insert the necessary surgical instruments to perform the surgery.
Laparoscopic incisions are much smaller than the traditional open incision and are just large enough to allow surgical instruments to be inserted into the body. Instead of having one incision that is three inches long, you may have three or four that are less than an inch long. It may seem odd that multiple incisions are better than one, but it is harder for the body to heal one large incision than multiple small incisions.
It is also important to note that incisions are not just a cut into the skin, but are actually much deeper than they appear on the surface. These categories depend on how contaminated or clean the wound is, the risk of infection, and where the wound is located on the body. Class I: These are considered clean wounds.
They show no signs of infection or inflammation. They often involve the eye, skin, or vascular system. Class II: These wounds are considered clean-contaminated. Although the wound may not show signs of infection, it is at an increased risk of becoming infected because of its location.
For example, surgical wounds in the gastrointestinal tract may be at a high risk of becoming infected. Class III: A surgical wound in which an outside object has come into contact with the skin has a high risk of infection and is considered a contaminated wound.
For example, a gunshot wound may contaminate the skin around where the surgical repair occurs. Class IV: This class of wound is considered dirty-contaminated.
These include wounds that have been exposed to fecal material. Surgical wounds are created when a surgeon makes an incision or cut with a surgical instrument called a scalpel. A wide variety of medical circumstances require surgery. The size of a wound depends on the type of procedure and location on the body. Any surgical procedure will create a surgical wound. The likelihood of a wound infection after surgery is between 1 and 3 percent.
Risk factors for developing a surgical wound infection include having other medical issues, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system. Smokers, older adults, and people who are overweight also have an increased risk of infection. Emergency surgeries, abdominal surgeries, and surgeries that last longer than two hours bring a higher risk of infection , too.
Surgical wounds are frequently monitored to make sure they are healing properly. Infections may affect only the skin, tissue under the skin, or implants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs of a surgical wound infection include:. In some cases, an infected surgical wound can appear dried out or deeper. Fever may also be a common symptom. A physician can diagnose a surgical wound infection by examining the wound, assessing symptoms, or taking a culture of fluid drained from the wound.
Surgical dressings are normally placed over the wound and may need to be changed regularly. The skin around the surgical wound will likely need to be cleaned, often with salt water and soap.
Signs of infection Call your doctor if you notice signs of an infection, such as: A yellow or green discharge that is increasing. A change in the odor of the discharge. A change in the size of the incision.
Redness or hardening of the surrounding area. The incision is hot to the touch. Increasing or unusual pain. Excessive bleeding that has soaked through the dressing. Changing a dressing Before you start, make sure you have gauze pads, a box of medical gloves, surgical tape, a plastic bag, and scissors.
Then: Prepare supplies by opening the gauze packages and cutting new tape strips. Wash and dry your hands. Put on medical gloves. Loosen the tape around the old dressing. Remove the old dressing.
Clean the incision if your doctor told you to do so. See instructions below. Inspect the incision for signs of infection. Hold a clean, sterile gauze pad by the corner and place over the incision. Tape all four sides of the gauze pad. Put all trash in a plastic bag. Remove your gloves last. Seal plastic bag and throw it away. Wash your hands. Cleaning an incision To clean the incision: Gently wash it with soap and water to remove the crust.
Do not scrub or soak the wound. Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, which can harm the tissue and slow wound healing. Air-dry the incision or pat it dry with a clean, fresh towel before reapplying the dressing.
Caring for stitches, staples, tissue glue, or adhesive strips Stitches or staples normally cause some redness and swelling where the stitch enters the skin, along with mild irritation and itching.
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