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GENERAL PROCEDURES

Trauma Lacerations

What are trauma lacerations?

Lacerations occur due to traumatic injuries that impact the skin and underlying tissue due to it being torn as a result of a deep penetrating injury or sudden, impactful force. These types of injuries may affect any region of the body due to penetration of a sharp or blunt force object. However, serious lacerations may penetrate through deeper layers of skin into the subcutaneous tissue, underlying muscle, tissue and bone.


The treatment of lacerations is a delicate process that necessitates the expertise of a skilled surgeon. The first step is hemostasis, the cessation of excessive bleeding. The surgeon achieves this by applying gentle, manual pressure to the area and covering the wound with gauze. Once the bleeding is under control, the surgeon can examine the wound to assess the severity of damage to the bones, tendons, nerves, muscles and blood vessels.

Following this, to decontaminate the area and prevent the spread of infection, the surgeon carries out irrigation, which involves flushing out the region with sterile saline fluid. The saline solution is administered to remove foreign debris and dead tissue pieces. This adaptable approach ensures that the treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the laceration, instilling confidence in the personalized care provided. Afterwards, the wound is sealed, but the type of wound closure decided on will depend on the severity and type of laceration.

The primary stage of laceration treatment involves wound closure with tissue tapes, sutures and skin adhesives. Conversely, secondary healing occurs when the wound is left exposed to heal independently through granulation tissue formation, contraction and epithelialization.

A skin graft is a transformative procedure that involves transferring healthy skin from one region of the body to another. This is primarily used to restore the appearance and function of the skin and conceal an expansive wound or burn site. The two most commonly performed skin graft techniques, (1) split-thickness graft and (2) full-thickness graft, are chosen based on the severity of the injury.


FAQ

1What types of wounds require skin grafts?
Skin grafting is required for the following types of wounds:
  • Skin cancer that’s treated with surgery
  • Major skin loss from infection
  • Diabetic, venous and pressure ulcers that cannot heal
  • Large wounds
2Can a skin graft effectively conceal a scar?
Yes, a skin graft is an effective restorative technique that can effectively conceal a scar, offering hope for improved appearance and function.
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Dr Phalafala’s Commitment

Dr Phalafala's success lies in her collaborative, detail-oriented approach to complex surgery. She develops personalised treatment plans focused on each patient’s unique needs, supported by a foundation of empathy, communication, and clinical excellence. Her goal is to provide transformative outcomes through reconstructive and cosmetic surgery that not only enhance form and function but also restore confidence and quality of life.

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