When a wound fails to heal, there is always some underlying issue. A wound care specialist is essential for diagnosing the problem and building an evidence-based approach to foster eventual healing. Working with a wound specialist allows for:

• Determining the best treatment for the type, location, and severity of the wound
• Avoiding further worsening of the wound and associated complications (e.g., infection, gangrene)
• Receiving full support from an experienced care team
• Fostering a steady improvement in wound healing and reduction in symptoms

Types of Wounds We Treat

Any type of wound can become susceptible to improper healing under certain circumstances. From minor cuts to complex wounds, we deliver personalized wound care that looks at each situation’s unique elements and addresses the underlying cause.

Types of wounds we treat include:

Acute Wounds

Chronic Wounds

Infected or Complicated Wounds

Specialty Wounds

Your Partner in Wound Care

Wound Care in Los Angeles

Wound Care Treatment Elements

Wound care involves a complete assessment of what is preventing the wound from healing. From there, your wound specialist will often utilize multiple treatment elements to facilitate healing. The type of treatment involved will depend on the type and severity of your wound, as well as any underlying medical conditions that may impact wound healing.

With extensive experience and a hand-picked staff, the team at ProVascularMD have helped countless patients recover from wounds using advanced modern techniques.

Core Therapies

• Wound Cleaning: Focuses on gentle irrigation or applying antiseptic solutions to remove debris and bacteria.
• Debridement: Targets dead or infected tissue, removing it from the wound. Debridement techniques include surgical, enzymatic, mechanical, and autolytic methods.
• Infection Management: Eliminates bacterial presence via topical or systemic antibiotics, antimicrobial dressings, and culture-based therapy.
• Moisture Balance: Use of specialized dressings aims to keep a wound optimally moisturized (but not overly wet). Includes use of hydrocolloids, foams, alginates, and hydrogels.
• Dressings & Bandages: Creates a physical barrier between the wound and the external environment.

Advanced Therapies

• Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT): Uses vacuum-assisted devices to remove fluid, reduce swelling, and foster tissue growth.
• Revascularization: Vascular wound care reestablishes adequate blood flow through arteries so that ulcerations can heal.
• Skin Substitutes & Grafts: Uses customized grafts (bioengineered tissue, autografts, or allografts) to supplement local healing.
• Growth Factors & Biologics: Unique solutions that can stimulate new tissue formation and accelerate healing.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): This staple of wound care involves the patient breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, which promotes better healing. If patients could benefit from this method, we can refer patients to trusted specialists who provide it.

Supportive Care

• Pain Management: Provides symptom relief during the wound healing process (e.g., local anesthetics, pain-relievers).
• Edema & Circulation Control: Use of compression garments to help control circulation to target areas.
• Nutritional Support: Key recommendations for nutritional intake (vitamins, proteins, & minerals) involved in tissue repair.
• Patient Education: You are your own best friend in wound care. We provide full educational support so that you can stay involved in your at-home healing.

Your Partner in Wound Care

Wound Care in Los Angeles

Wound Care FAQs

What types of wounds do you treat?

We treat a broad range of wounds, with the most common being surgical wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and cuts.

How do I know if my wound needs professional care?

Look out for key warning signs, including:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling and edema around the wound
• Pus or other discharge
• Foul odor
• Worsening pain
• Delayed healing (> 1 month)

How should I care for my wound at home before my appointment?

Basic steps you can take include:

• Gently cleaning the wound
• Keeping the wound covered
• Avoiding harsh antiseptics
• Monitoring for infection

What happens during a wound care appointment?

Wound care begins with identifying and evaluating your situation. From there, your specialist will build a wound care plan. Depending on your situation, this may involve starting with cleaning or debridement and dressing the wound.

How often should wound dressings be changed?

This will depend on the type of wound and dressing used. Your specialist will provide you with individualized instructions for your situation.

Can chronic wounds really heal with treatment?

Yes! We always look for the underlying cause of poor healing and build a plan around these factors. With the right approach, patients should see notable improvements as their wound care progresses. Many patients see complete healing of their wound.

What are the risks of leaving a wound untreated?

Untreated, a nonhealing wound tends to only worsen over time, leading to increased risks. Untreated wound risks range from persistent pain to the potential for gangrene. Even small wounds that do not heal can lead to severe issues when left untreated.

How long does it take for a wound to heal?

Healing time will depend on factors like wound size, depth, location, and underlying conditions. Simple cases may resolve within a couple of weeks. More complex or severe cases can take several weeks to months to fully resolve. At the outset of your wound care treatment, your specialist will provide an estimated timeline for wound recovery that factors in your individual situation.

Will my insurance cover wound care treatment?

Most insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary wound care. You can check with your provider to see what coverage your plan provides.

What can I do to speed up wound healing?

Effective wound healing is always a gradual process. However, taking certain steps can help facilitate steady improvements. These include:

• Maintaining good nutrition
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes
• Avoiding smoking
• Following wound care instructions at home

When should I go to the ER instead of a wound clinic?

Visit the emergency department of your nearest hospital for wounds that:

• Will not stop bleeding
• Are very deep
• Exhibit signs of severe infection

Your Partner in Wound Care

Wound Care in Los Angeles