Surgical Wound Healing

Surgical wound healing - it's not just a process; it's a symphony of biological marvels that take place within your body. Imagine your body as an orchestra, and each instrument plays a unique role in the melodious healing journey that follows surgery. From the moment you leave the operating table, your skin and tissues embark on a transformative journey towards recovery. In this essay, we'll explore the three captivating stages of surgical wound healing: Response, Repair, and Refine.

The Response Stage: Orchestra of Healing Begins

The response stage, the first act in our surgical healing symphony, is like the opening notes of a grand overture. The body swiftly springs into action to restore equilibrium after the surgical performance. Platelets emerge as the conductors of this orchestra, forming a blood clot to halt any bleeding and fortify the surgical site. Think of them as the stagehands, protecting the delicate wound from uninvited germs and infections.

But that's not all; your skin, like a curtain, is pulled back together to close the wound's chapter. While this happens, healing is already underway beneath the surface and on the exterior. In the initial days post-surgery, you might notice redness and warmth surrounding the wound. This is the body's way of accommodating an influx of red blood cells and fluids. They bring vital oxygen, warmth, and protective cells to aid in the body's magnificent self-healing.

In the background, white blood cells emerge as the cleaners of this operation. They eliminate excess fluids, dead tissues, and unwelcome bacteria that linger unnecessarily. Sometimes, a thin plastic tube, aptly named "the drain," is deployed to remove excess fluid and maintain wound cleanliness.

While all of this is happening, the area around the incision may swell and cause discomfort. This flurry of activity and increased blood flow contributes to the heat, redness, pain, and swelling, collectively known as inflammation. It's perfectly normal and usually subsides within a few days after surgery.

The Repair Stage: Building a Stronger Foundation

As the curtains fall on the response stage, the repair stage steps into the spotlight. This is when the body focuses on healing the outer wound. Within 24 hours of your surgery, a protective dressing or bandage is placed over the wound to shelter the fresh cells underneath. These cells need time to grow and form new skin and tissue.

But the magic doesn't stop there; healing continues underneath the surface for roughly three to seven days. This phase is like an intermission between the chaos of surgery and the grand finale of a fully healed wound.

The Refine Stage: Strength and Resilience Take Center Stage

The refine stage is the final act in our surgical symphony, and it unfolds over the course of a year following your surgery. During this time, the wound's structure and strength steadily improve, like a piece of art that becomes more refined with time.

From day one until around day 14, the skin and scar tissue regain 30 to 50 percent of their original strength. When fully healed, the wound reaches around 80% of its original strength, and it's a remarkable testament to the body's regenerative powers. Surgical wounds often heal quickly when given the right care and protection from infection.

Materials used to close the wound, such as sutures, staples, glue, or tapes, are selected based on what will best aid in your skin's recovery. Dissolvable sutures are like magic threads; they don't require removal and naturally dissolve over time. Non-dissolvable sutures are typically removed by a healthcare professional around 10 to 14 days post-surgery.

For those with surgical clips resembling staples, these are also a temporary fixture and are removed by a healthcare professional approximately two weeks after surgery. If your surgeon opts for glue or adhesive to close the wound, the film will naturally fall away from your skin after five to ten days. Resist the temptation to pick or rub it off, and avoid soaking your wound in water.

Steri-strips, those white or brown tapes that bring the skin around the wound together, should be handled with care. Keep them dry to maintain their adhesive properties. If they start to peel away after five to seven days, gently wet them and remove them.

As you embark on your journey of healing, remember that it's perfectly normal to have questions or concerns about the various products and steps involved. Your doctors and nurses are your guides, and they will offer support and advice during your hospital stay and any follow-up care that may be necessary.

Surgical wound healing is not just a process; it's a testament to the human body's resilience and capacity for renewal. Your body, like an orchestra, orchestrates a magnificent symphony of healing, and in the end, you emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. Embrace the marvel of your body's healing journey, for it is a testament to the incredible power of human biology.