Debridement
Living with a venous ulcer can be uncomfortable and concerning. You might feel frustrated that it’s not healing as quickly as you’d like, or worried about what the treatment might involve.
Persistent wounds often contain tissue that’s no longer healthy. This tissue can prevent proper healing and increase your risk of developing complications.
Debridement is a medical procedure that gives your ulcer the best chance to heal by removing unhealthy tissue and allowing new, healthy tissue to grow.
As a board-certified vein specialist with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Ronald Lev has helped thousands of patients in NYC overcome venous ulcers and get back to their healthy, active lives.
What Is Debridement?
When you have a venous ulcer, some of the tissue in and around the wound may become unhealthy or die due to poor blood flow. This dead tissue can trap bacteria, slow down healing and even lead to infection if it’s not addressed.
Debridement removes the problematic tissue to create a better environment for healing. It may also remove foreign material that has entered the wound. This has many benefits:
- Reducing your risk of infection by removing bacteria-harboring dead tissue
- Allowing your doctor to better assess the true size and depth of your ulcer
- Stimulating your body’s natural healing response
- Helping other treatments work more effectively
- Creating the right conditions for new, healthy tissue growth
Timely treatment matters. The sooner unhealthy tissue is removed, the faster your ulcer can begin to heal.
When Should I See a Doctor If I Have an Ulcer That Doesn’t Heal?
If you notice a sore or ulcer on your leg that isn’t getting better, especially if it’s near your ankle, don’t wait to seek medical care. Venous ulcers rarely heal on their own and can worsen quickly without appropriate treatment.
It’s time to see a vein specialist if you notice:
- A wound on your leg that hasn’t shown improvement after 1-2 weeks
- Increasing pain, redness or swelling around the ulcer
- Dark or discolored skin around the wound
- Fluid draining from the ulcer
- A foul odor coming from the wound
- The ulcer is getting larger
- You have a fever or feel unwell
At your appointment, Dr. Lev will examine your ulcer and assess your overall vein health. Many patients with venous ulcers also have underlying vein problems that must be addressed to prevent future ulcers from developing. Our goal is to deliver complete care—not just for an immediate issue, but for your long-term vein health as well.
What Are the Different Types of Debridement?
Dr. Lev is recognized as one of the leading experts in leg ulcer treatments today. He offers different debridement methods, and may combine them, to achieve the best results.
Surgical (“Sharp”) Debridement
This is the most precise method for treating venous ulcers. Using specialized medical instruments, Dr. Lev carefully removes unhealthy tissue while preserving the healthy tissue around it. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Sharp debridement offers the fastest results and is often recommended when an ulcer needs immediate attention.
Enzymatic Debridement
This approach uses medications that contain enzymes to break down unhealthy tissue. These medications are applied directly to the ulcer and work gradually over time. Enzymatic debridement is useful for patients who may not be candidates for sharp debridement. It is also used as a complementary treatment between office visits.
Autolytic Debridement
This form of debridement works together with your body’s healing processes. We apply specialized dressings that maintain the perfect moisture balance in your wound. This creates an ideal environment for your body to naturally remove unhealthy tissue and create new tissue. This method takes longer than others, but it is very gentle and can be an excellent choice for smaller ulcers.
What Is the Process of Surgical Debridement?
If Dr. Lev recommends sharp debridement for your venous ulcer, here’s what you can expect:
Preparation
Provide Dr. Lev with a complete list of all medications and supplements you take. He will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and when to do it.
If you’ll be receiving anesthesia that could make you drowsy, arrange for someone to drive you home.
Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes or other products near the treatment area.
During the Procedure
The procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes. First, Dr. Lev carefully cleans and disinfects your ulcer and the skin around it. Using a special medical tool, he examines the ulcer to understand its full depth and ensure there are no foreign materials present. He then removes the unhealthy tissue and cleans the ulcer again with a special medical solution.
While you may feel some pressure, the anesthetic ensures you won’t feel pain. Many patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the process is.
Immediately Post-Procedure
A dressing will be applied to protect your ulcer and you’ll receive instructions about caring for the wound.
You can walk immediately after the procedure. In fact, walking is encouraged as it helps promote good circulation.
You will continue your recovery at home.
What Should I Expect While My Ulcer Heals?
The first 24 hours set the stage for proper healing. You’ll need to keep your dressing clean and dry, and follow Dr. Lev’s instructions about pain medication. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities, but you should avoid showering for at least 24 hours.
Do not take a bath, swim or use a hot tub until your wound has healed. When you shower, keep the dressing and wound dry.
Continue wearing your compression stockings as directed and walk periodically to maintain good circulation. Resume normal activities gradually, following Dr. Lev’s guidance. When you’re resting, try to keep your legs elevated.
How Do I Care for My Ulcer After Debridement?
Your healing process will require some attention at home. Our team will show you how to:
- Change your dressings properly
- Keep the wound area clean
- Apply any prescribed medications
- Maintain the right moisture balance for healing
What Are the Possible Complications After Debridement?
Call us right away if you notice:
- Increased pain or swelling
- Redness spreading beyond the wound area
- Fever or chills
- Unusual drainage or odor
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Any other concerns about your healing
When Will I See Results From My Debridement?
Most patients see improvement within a few weeks of their debridement procedure, though complete healing time varies for each person. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Lev ensure your ulcer is healing properly and help prevent future problems. The procedure can be repeated to keep the wound clean.
Will Insurance Cover My Debridement Procedure?
Many insurance plans cover debridement when it’s medically necessary for treating venous ulcers. Keep track of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as this information helps demonstrate the medical necessity of your treatment.
Dr. Lev will thoroughly document your symptoms and condition, including any previous treatments you’ve tried, to indicate why debridement is now necessary for proper healing.
You can learn more about insurance and your payment options here.
Debridement FAQ
Are you put to sleep for debridement?
Ulcer debridement is usually done under local or regional anesthesia that completely blocks pain from the wound area. You are awake during the procedure.
If you need extensive debridement, you may be given general anesthesia that keeps you asleep during the procedure.
How painful is debridement surgery?
You won’t feel pain during the procedure thanks to the local or regional anesthetic, though you might feel some pressure as Dr. Lev works. During recovery, you can manage your discomfort with pain medication.
What happens if you don’t get a non-healing ulcer treated?
Untreated ulcers may:
- Grow larger and deeper
- Become infected, which can spread to surrounding tissue
- Cause increasing pain and discomfort
- Lead to more severe health problems
- Result in permanent skin changes or scarring
Debridement removes the dead tissue that gives bacteria a place to flourish (which can cause infection) and inhibits the growth of healthy tissue.
Why Choose Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan for Debridement?
Dr. Ronald Lev brings over 20 years of specialized vein care experience to every patient. As a board-certified physician and one of the few doctors to earn diplomate status through the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, he has the advanced training and skills needed to care for complex vein conditions.
At our Manhattan offices, you’ll find:
- State-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology
- A caring team that puts your comfort first
- Convenient locations in both Midtown and the Financial District
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy lifestyle
Most importantly, you can trust that you’re receiving care from one of New York City’s best vein specialists. Dr. Lev has successfully performed over 11,000 vein procedures and maintains the highest standards of patient safety and care.
Talk to a Manhattan Vein Specialist About Your Ulcer
Don’t let a venous ulcer impact your life any longer. Debridement clears away barriers to healing so your body can repair the ulcer naturally.
We understand you may feel anxious about seeking treatment. Rest assured that from your first call to our office through your complete recovery, you’ll receive compassionate, professional care from one of Manhattan’s most trusted vein experts.
To schedule your consultation, call us at 1-888-356-VEIN (8346) or use our online contact form. Our friendly staff will help you find an appointment time that works for you.
