Sternal Wound Coverage
Protect your heart and lungs after open heart surgery for proper healing.
Sternal wound coverage refers to plastic surgery procedures that use muscle flaps or other tissue to close open wounds in the chest area that have not healed properly after open heart surgery. The goal is to eliminate the open wound, prevent or treat infection, cover exposed organs, and restore a normal chest contour.
Patients requiring sternal wound coverage typically have an open wound in the chest area that has not healed after cardiac surgery, often due to complications like infections or tissue breakdown. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, smoking, and other health problems. The open wounds can be superficial or deep and may expose underlying bone, cartilage, and organs.
Before and Afters
- Closes the open wound to allow proper healing
- Prevents or treats infections in the chest cavity
- Protects exposed organs like the heart and lungs
- Provides a layer of healthy, vascularized tissue over the breastbone
- Improves chest appearance and contour deformities
- Allows return to normal activities without wound care
- Anesthesia
General anesthesia is administered for patient comfort. - Preparation
The open wound is thoroughly cleansed and any dead tissue is removed. Any infected hardware is also removed. - Reconstruction
Soft tissue reconstruction proceeds with local or regional options, most commonly the pectoralis major and omentum. - Closure
Drains are placed and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
A consultation is usually a 30-60 min appointment in our offices depending on the complexity of your procedure(s). You’ll meet with Dr. Conlon to talk about your goals and what you want to accomplish with your plastic surgery. Together, you’ll talk about the right procedure or set of procedures to achieve your desired look. Dr. Conlon will walk you through the steps you’ll take before, during, and after the procedure.
You’ll also talk about pricing, logistics, and all the important details that ensure you have everything you need to feel confident about your plan.
We’ll work with you during your initial consultation to go over prices based on your specific case and needs, but when we confirm our price, it includes all pre-op, surgical, anesthesia, and post-op care. You can rest assured there will never be any surprises.
Start by booking a consultation. It’s focused on you, completely confidential and private, and entirely pressure-free.