When it comes to wound care, one principle stands above the rest: every wound must be properly cleaned to heal effectively. At Restore First Health, our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Regina Phillips, explains why sharp debridement is the gold standard for preparing wounds to heal, and why it remains one of the most important tools in advanced wound care.
Watch: Sharp Debridement Explained | Dr. Regina Phillips on Wound Healing
What Is Sharp Debridement?
Sharp debridement is the process of using surgical tools, such as a scalpel or curette, to carefully remove dead or infected tissue from a wound. By cutting away unhealthy skin and clearing out debris, the wound is reset, giving healthy tissue the best chance to regrow.
As Dr. Phillips explains, “You always want to draw a little bit of blood, that tells the brain you’re hurt, and it needs to start healing that wound.”
Why It Matters
Dead tissue slows down recovery, increases the risk of infection, and makes it harder for the wound to close. By removing it, sharp debridement:
- Jumpstarts healing by stimulating the body’s natural repair response
- Prevents infection by clearing away harmful bacteria and biofilm
- Improves effectiveness of advanced dressings and therapies applied afterward
Alternatives When Needed
While sharp debridement is the preferred method, not every wound is ready for it right away. When infection or pain makes cutting difficult, other techniques may be used first, including:
- Ultrasound with saline (Sanuwave) to clear biofilm without cutting tissue
- Enzymatic debridement using specialized dressings that break down only dead tissue
Over time, these methods make it easier, and less painful, to return to sharp debridement when the wound is better prepared.
Patient-Centered Care
At Restore First Health, wound care isn’t just about technique, it’s about time, compassion, and communication. As Dr. Phillips notes, we make sure patients understand the process and feel comfortable every step of the way. That means explaining what we’re doing, answering questions, and tailoring the pace of care to each individual.
Bringing Advanced Care Home
With mobile wound care from Restore First Health, patients don’t need to wait for hospital visits to receive this level of expertise. Our providers bring advanced debridement and wound management directly to the home, reducing complications and supporting faster recovery.
Contact us today:
We’ll coordinate the care, so you don’t have to.
- Refer a patient. https://restorefirsthealth.com/refer-a-patient/
- Schedule a consult. https://restorefirsthealth.com/request-a-consultation/
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