Wound Care
Kern Surgical Associates provides comprehensive wound care in Bakersfield for acute, chronic, diabetic, inflammatory, and post-surgical wounds, including surgical wound complications. Dr. Cheriyan combines surgical expertise with a personalized approach that addresses the wound and the underlying factors affecting healing.
Wounds We Treat
- Acute woundsRecent injuries and traumatic wounds.
- Chronic woundsPersistent, recurring, or slow-healing wounds.
- Diabetic woundsFoot ulcers and other wounds associated with diabetes.
- Inflammatory woundsWounds associated with inflammatory conditions, with specialist coordination when needed.
- Post-surgical woundsWounds requiring ongoing care after an operation.
- Surgical wound complicationsWound separation, infection, tissue breakdown, and delayed healing.
Modern, Comprehensive Wound Care
Every wound has a story. We evaluate its cause, depth, and progress, then develop a treatment plan tailored to your health and recovery goals. Our approach includes:
- Metabolic optimization: coordinating blood sugar management and care for medical conditions that may affect healing.
- Nutritional support: assessing nutritional needs and addressing deficiencies when identified.
- Circulation and pressure assessment: identifying problems with blood supply, swelling, or pressure on the wound.
- Multidisciplinary care: working with your primary care clinician, wound nurses, and other specialists as needed.
- Ongoing follow-up: monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as your wound changes.
Advanced Therapies & Surgical Care
We use modern wound care therapies selected for your wound type, circulation, and overall health. Treatment may include specialized dressings, debridement to remove nonviable tissue, negative pressure wound therapy (wound VAC), and skin grafting or other wound coverage procedures when appropriate. Inflammatory wounds require particular attention to the underlying diagnosis before procedural treatment.
Office & Hospital-Based Care
Assessment, treatment planning, dressing management, and follow-up are coordinated in the setting best suited to your needs. Hospital-based services can support more complex wounds and additional specialist care.
Operating Room & Inpatient Care
When needed, care includes operative debridement, treatment of surgical wound complications, and wound closure or coverage. Patients requiring admission receive coordinated inpatient surgical and medical management, with a plan for continued care after discharge.
Your Wound Care Journey
Your First Visit
- Review of your wound history and previous treatment.
- Assessment of the wound and your overall health.
- Review of medications, diabetes care, and nutrition.
- A personalized plan and clear next steps.
Ongoing Care
- Follow-up to assess healing and treatment response.
- Instructions for dressings and wound protection.
- Coordination with other members of your care team.
- Guidance to reduce the risk of further wounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all wounds need surgery?
No. Many wounds can be managed with dressings and treatment of underlying health concerns. Surgery is considered when it is appropriate for the wound and your overall condition.
How long will my wound take to heal?
Healing varies with the wound's cause, size, depth, circulation, and your health. We review progress at follow-up visits and adjust the plan as needed.
Can you help with problems after surgery?
Yes. We evaluate and manage post-surgical wounds and complications, including wound separation, infection, and delayed healing, coordinating with your treating surgeon when needed.
When should I seek urgent care?
Seek prompt medical assessment for spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, fever, or a worsening wound. Go to the emergency department for rapidly worsening symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, or feeling seriously unwell.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Cheriyan and the Kern Surgical Associates team are here to help.
(661) 570-2020