Wound Care in Tampa, FL

Expert surgical wound care with an emphasis on optimal healing

Protect Your Appearance with Advanced Wound Support

Whether you've experienced a traumatic injury, a surgical wound, or a lingering complication from a previous procedure, wound healing requires the right medical attention — especially when scarring or function is at stake. At Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we offer expert wound care for patients in Tampa, with a focus on rapid healing, aesthetic outcomes, and complication prevention.

woman's seated with both her hands on her calf

When to Seek Professional Wound Care

While many minor cuts and scrapes heal at home with basic care, certain wounds require medical intervention. Prompt treatment ensures the wound is properly cleaned, minimizes scarring, and reduces the risk of infection or long-term issues.

Contact us if your wound:

Won’t stop bleeding after 15–20 minutes of pressure
Is deep, long, or has gaping edges
Has debris embedded that you can’t flush out
Occurs on the face or another highly visible area
Was caused by a bite, puncture, or contaminated object
Shows signs of infection (swelling, heat, pus, fever)
Affects movement or is associated with functional impairment
Involves potential foreign bodies or penetrating trauma

Schedule a Consultation

Advanced Wound Care with Dr. Kreithen

Dr. Joshua Kreithen specializes in both acute and chronic wounds, using medically advanced techniques to optimize healing, preserve function, and deliver aesthetic results.

Whether you're healing from trauma, surgery, road rash, or other tissue damage, Dr. Kreithen’s wound care expertise can ensure you recover with confidence.

His wound care approach combines:

Meticulous cleaning and debridement
Surgical or nonsurgical closure (when appropriate)
Scar minimization and post-treatment follow-up
Ongoing monitoring for infection or healing challenges

Tips for At-Home Wound Care (When Appropriate)

If your injury is minor and doesn't meet the criteria above, follow these wound care basics:

1. Stop the bleeding

Apply firm pressure using sterile gauze, a clean cloth, or even your hand if necessary. Elevate the area and apply ice if needed.

2. Clean and disinfect

Use soap and running water to flush the wound. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol inside the wound, as they can damage tissue. Instead, use them only around the wound edges.

3. Apply an antibiotic ointment

This helps prevent infection and keeps the wound moist, which promotes faster healing.

4. Dress the wound properly

Use nonstick gauze or adhesive bandages. Avoid airtight seals and change dressings twice daily to allow the wound to “breathe” while staying protected.

5. Watch for signs of infection

Red streaks
Swelling or heat
Thick discharge or pus
Fever
Increasing pain

Wound Types That May Require Professional Care

Facial wounds: Even small cuts on the face can leave permanent scars if not treated properly.
Abrasions and “road rash”: Must be cleaned thoroughly to avoid embedded particles and scarring.
Puncture wounds: Higher risk of infection, especially on the feet or from dirty objects.
Contracture-prone wounds: May affect joints or mobility and require special attention.
Chronic or non-healing wounds: These may result from underlying health issues and require a comprehensive approach.

The Importance of Timing

Time matters when treating wounds. Delaying care increases the risk of infection and reduces your options for optimal closure. If more than 8 hours have passed, stitches may not be advisable, and the wound will likely need to be left open and monitored for signs of infection.

close up on sea shell on the shore of the beach

Schedule Your Wound Consultation in Tampa

Whether you're dealing with an injury, surgical complication, or complex wound that’s not healing as expected, we’re here to help. At Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we provide expert wound care with a focus on minimizing scarring and preserving appearance.

Contact our Tampa office today to schedule a consultation and get the advanced care your wound needs.