RECONSTRUCTIVE
Specialist care of diabetic foot ulcers — debridement to clear dead and infected tissue, assess the damage and encourage healing, backed by Dr. Karatzias’ wound-care expertise.
THE PROMISE
Some people with diabetes also have lower extremity arterial disease, a condition that reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. This may prevent a foot injury from getting the nutrients it needs, delaying healing. Debridement is a procedure used to clean out dead or infected skin and tissue from a foot ulcer. It allows Dr Karatzias to assess the extent of the soft tissue damage and encourage healing. To perform this procedure, the doctor uses a sharp tool, such as a scalpel, to remove tissue from within and around the wound.
Debridement may be performed more than once over the course of weeks or months to promote healing. Dr Karatzias may also give you an ointment that destroys dead tissue. It is applied once a day at home until the wound has healed.
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
What happens at the first appointment?
Dr. Karatzias examines the wound and the surrounding tissue to gauge how deep the damage goes. Debridement is often carried out at this stage to clean the ulcer, and a plan is agreed for the follow-up visits and any home care you will need. Bring a list of your current medications and any details about your diabetes management.
Does debridement hurt?
Reduced sensation in the foot is common in diabetes, so many people feel little during the procedure; where needed, the area can be numbed with local anaesthesia first. You may feel some tenderness afterwards, which is usually managed with simple pain relief. Tell the team about any pain so they can keep you comfortable.
How long does the wound take to heal?
It varies a great deal with the size of the ulcer, your circulation and how well your diabetes is controlled, so healing is often measured in weeks to months rather than days. Debridement may be repeated more than once over that time to keep the wound clean and moving toward healing. The home ointment, when prescribed, is applied once a day until the wound has healed.
Will I be able to walk and go about my day?
Usually yes, though protecting the foot and keeping pressure off the ulcer is an important part of healing, so you may be advised to limit time on your feet or use special footwear or an offloading device. Dr. Karatzias will give you clear, practical guidance for your situation at the appointment.
Will there be a scar?
Debridement removes dead and infected tissue so that healthy tissue can close the wound, and the healed area can leave a mark or change in skin texture. The priority in diabetic foot care is a clean, healed, infection-free wound rather than a cosmetic result. How a particular wound is likely to heal is discussed honestly at your consultation.
When should I seek help urgently?
Contact the clinic or seek medical care promptly if you notice spreading redness, swelling, increasing pain, a bad smell, new drainage, a fever, or any sudden change in the wound or the colour of the foot, as these can signal infection that needs early attention. With diabetes it is always safer to have a foot wound checked sooner rather than later. You can call +357 22 275522.
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Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss diabetic foot treatment. In-person in Cyprus, or via the mobile unit.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
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