A wound is a break in the skin. It can occur from an injury, disease or surgery. When the skin is broken, the body initiates a healing process that occurs in three phases: The first is the inflammatory phase. After the skin has been broken, blood vessels at the site constrict (narrow) to control bleeding. Platelets travel to the site and clump together to plug the wound, eventually forming a clot. Gradually, the blood vessels open back up, allowing immune cells to eat and carry away debris and kill bacteria. New blood vessels start to grow to bring important cells and nutrients to the area of healing.

The second phase of wound healing is the proliferative phase. New collagen is laid in the site and new blood vessels continue to form. Cells begin to fill in the gap and the edges of the wound start to pull together. Depending upon the depth and size of the wound, it can take a few days to three weeks until the defect is "covered."

The third phase of wound healing is called the remodeling phase. Scar tissue forms. New collagen provides strength to the wound covering. Cells continue to be replaced and gradually, the size of the scar shrinks. The last phase of healing can take up to two years.

Aiding the Healing Process

After surgery, patients often complain of pain, swelling and unsightly black and blue marks. But these problems occur as a result of the body's own efforts to stimulate healing. Now, there's a technology that may reduce some of the unpleasant side effects of wound healing. It's called Ivivi™.

Ivivi uses electromagnetic energy to enhance the normal healing process. Daniel Man, M.D., is using the technology in his plastic surgery practice. Immediately after surgery, a disposable applicator coil is placed over the surgical site. The coils range in size from 6 to 10 inches to accommodate the size of the wound. The site is then covered with the appropriate dressings and bandages. If necessary, a cast can even be placed over the coils.

After the surgery, the patient uses a power supply to deliver pulsed electromagnetic energy through the coil and directly to the wound site. The process generates micro-current energy that disrupts some of the body's natural response to the injury. Each treatment lasts about 30 minutes and is repeated two to three times a day.

Man says many of the side effects of wound healing, like pain, soreness, and black and blue marks are caused by inflammation and accumulation of fluids at the wound site. By using Ivivi, inflammation and swelling are reduced and patients experience less pain. Research also suggests the treatment stimulates the release of growth factors and the formation of new blood vessels.

Man uses Ivivi for many different types of plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures. He has patients wear the device 24-hours a day for two weeks or more. Man even uses it to reduce pain and swelling after injections of BOTOX or fillers. Ivivi is approved by the FDA and has received approval for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for patients with certain types of skin ulcers. The treatment may also be useful for treating different kinds of pain (like back pain, arthritis or headaches). Researchers theorize it may have potential to stimulate growth of new blood vessels in patients with coronary artery disease.

For information on IVIVI™, log onto the company's website at http://www.ivivitechnologies.com.