Approaching Delayed-Healing Wounds on the Face and Neck

This article provides a general approach to the assessment and treatment of poorly healing dermal wounds of the face and neck. When poor healing occurs, it can produce significant functional and cosmetic impairment. A systematic framework for treating these wounds is provided, which focuses on identifying the systemic and local factors contributing to poor healing; provides an overview of the basic tenets of wound treatment; and focuses on a general approach to preparation of the wound bed. In addition, approaching the challenge of an irradiated dermal wound and adjunctive measures to help "jump-start" a wound are discussed.