Healing Hard-to-Heal Wounds

Nicolas Mouawad, MD, MPH, MBA, DFSVS, FRCS, FACS, RPVI

The McLaren Bay Region Wound Care Center offers patient-centered care with life and limb-saving results. 

If left untreated, chronic wounds, which according to the National Institute of Health impact an estimated 10.5 million Americans annually, can cause serious infection, slower healing, gangrene, and even result in limb amputation or in a worst-case scenario, loss of life. 

Thankfully, patients with hard-to-heal wounds can turn to the McLaren Bay Region Wound Care Center, which offers progressive, patient-centered care that’s driven by a nationwide network of data and research.

“At the McLaren Bay Region Wound Care Center, we have a dedicated multidisciplinary team of experts who provide a personalized patient approach to treat your wound, whatever the cause. We use advanced diagnostics, imaging, and clinical assessments to identify the underlying issue, and then deliver a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs,” says Nicolas Mouawad, MD, MPH, MBA, DFSVS, FRCS, FACS, RPVI, the medical director of the McLaren Wound Care Center. 

Those plans include some of the most advanced wound-care treatments available, including negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings, growth factor therapies, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

Individuals with diabetes, vascular disease, venous leg ulcers, chronic swelling, obesity, and other health conditions are at high risk for chronic, hard-to-heal wounds. But everyone should seek care if they have wounds exposing bone, tendon, or joint capsule, or if they aren’t showing signs of healing within two to four weeks. Other signs to watch for include increased pain, redness, swelling, or change in flesh color or smell.

Even with advanced treatments, prevention is still key. Anyone at high risk for chronic wounds should work towards adopting a healthier lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing proper footwear, and staying vigilant by shifting positions during the day and checking cuts, scrapes, and bug bites for any signs of change. 

“Some wounds will heal with good hygiene and proper attention. Other more challenging wounds require medical care that begins with a certified wound care center that is committed to your betterment,” says Dr. Mouawad. 

Patients who feel they need specialized wound care are encouraged to talk to their primary care provider, but they can also reach out directly to the McLaren Bay Region Wound Care Center at 989-393-2870. The center is located on the third floor of our Uptown Bay City location at 4 Columbus Ave., Suite 310.