The second edition of the Innovations and Advances in Wound Healing presents state-of-the-art knowledge on new techniques and materials that can
improve functional and aesthetic results in wound healing while reducing
invasiveness, based on my extensive personal experience. The aim is to equip
the practitioner with all the information required in order to select a strategy
that will accelerate wound healing and minimize both the risk of complications and scar formation after the wound has fully healed.
The opening chapters (Chaps. 1 and 2) set the stage by providing an overview of wound healing, including brief descriptions of the anatomy of the skin,
the wound healing process, and advanced wound dressings. A full description
follows of the various novel methodologies employed in repairing acute wounds
with the goal of achieving optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes while
utilizing the safest and least invasive method (Chaps. 3, 4, and 5). Treatment
protocols that have proven successful in closing nonhealing and/or delayed
healing chronic wounds are then presented (Chaps. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11).
The closing chapter (Chap. 12) addresses aesthetic procedures using advanced
technology in wound healing.
I would like to emphasize that the common subjects which have already been
well dealt with elsewhere are only briefly described in this book. Only those
subjects regarding the novel technology for wound healing have been highlighted. Thus, it may be necessary for trainees in the fields of wound healing to
discuss these neglected subjects more fully and to collect together those subjects
which are of interest. I would also like to point out that the text is supported by
1170 full color photos to assist in a better understanding of the written words.
The contributors to this book are all affiliated with Korea University Medical
Center. I am grateful to my patients and colleagues in the Department of Plastic
Surgery for their direct and indirect contributions. I would like to particularly
express my gratitude toward Professors Woo-Kyung Kim, Eun- Sang Dhong,
and Seong-Ho Jeong, Research Scientist Hyup-Woo Lee, Certified Wound Care
Nurse Ye-Na Lee, and all Plastic Surgery Fellows and Residents. I wish to
extend my appreciation to my wife, Hee-Yeon, and my parents. Without their
support and encouragement, I could not have completed this book.
It is my hope that this book will provide information on better treatment
options in wound healing.