Concerns About Wound Healing and Limited Communication from Healthcare Professionals
At 55 years old, I underwent a temporal brow lift five weeks back, and I've faced complications at the incision sites right from the start. Both areas developed tough, dark scabs along with noticeable tissue loss. The surgical team decided against debridement, and as of today, these wounds have become chronic, showing signs of mixed healing: there's granulation tissue appearing where the scabs have finally come off, but some scab remnants still cling to the edges. Each wound measures approximately 1 inch by 2 inches. One wound, which is notably deeper than the other, developed a small black dot in the center about a week ago. As of today, this speck has grown to roughly 2 mm. Unsurprisingly, this change has captured my attention. During my appointment today, I brought this up to the nurse. After observing the wound, she expressed no concern, both when viewing the photos I had sent her earlier and during her in-person assessment. "It’s simply part of your healing process," she remarked, describing it as a scab. She subsequently forwarded the images to the surgeon, who echoed her sentiment. Despite my attempts to probe further with follow-up questions, she persistently reiterated the same points. While I want to trust their evaluation, I was hoping for a brief dialogue regarding my observations to broaden my understanding. I don't anticipate a definitive answer, but I’m curious about why a scab might form in the deepest portion of a wound bed that seems to be healing. How, if at all, does this alter the typical healing timeline? The black mark has gradually increased in size—should that become a cause for worry if it persists? I have two queries for you: 1) What are your insights regarding the black spot? 2) Although I have confidence in this team's expertise, it's discouraging and lonely to be in a position where I cannot engage in a meaningful discussion that could enlighten me about my condition. Is it customary, particularly in non-urgent scenarios, for healthcare providers to deliver the simplest explanation and move on? Perhaps this is intended to prevent patient anxiety? If that's the case, I might need to reconcile with that approach.
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 10:22:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points:
- The black spot in your wound may require closer observation due to its growth.
- It's common to feel frustrated with limited communication from healthcare providers, which can sometimes be an effort to ease anxiety.
Explanation: After surgery, wounds can heal in various ways, and it's typical for scabs to form as part of the healing process. The presence of a black dot in the center of the wound, especially if it's growing, can be concerning. This could indicate necrotic tissue, which is the result of dead or dying cells, or even an infection. The combination of the tough scabs and tissue loss you've described suggests that your wounds are not healing as expected.
Regarding communication with your healthcare team, it's understandable to feel discouraged if you are not receiving the detailed explanations you seek. Some providers may opt for simpler explanations to avoid overwhelming patients, but this can leave many feeling uninformed or anxious about their conditions.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Black Spot: Keep an eye on the growing black dot. Take note of any changes in size, color, or symptoms like increased pain or drainage from the wound.
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Document Your Observations: Maintain a detailed record of your wound's appearance and any changes you notice. This documentation can be helpful for future discussions with your healthcare team.
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Seek Clarity: If you continue to feel unsatisfied with the information provided, consider sending a follow-up message or scheduling a dedicated appointment to discuss your concerns further. You could outline specific questions you have about your wound healing process.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If you remain concerned about your healing process or the communication you've received, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion from another healthcare professional or a wound care specialist.
Being proactive about your health and understanding your options is important. It's natural to want more information, and advocating for your needs is a critical part of self-care in your healing journey.
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