Q&A with Dr. Keith Rae
Wound Healing at Salem Hospital
Keith W. Rae, MD, DMD, is a plastic surgeon and director of the Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Center at Salem Hospital . With over three decades of surgical experience, he specializes in treating difficult wounds.
"I have a natural love of fixing things," Dr. Rae says. "It's rewarding to see my patients get better as a result of the treatments I provide."
Dr. Rae answers questions about wound care, including the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other treatment options available at Salem Hospital.
What Conditions Do You Treat at the Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Center?
We specialize in treating chronic wounds, which are wounds that haven't healed after four weeks despite standard treatments. These include:
- Pressure ulcers: Open sores that form when too much pressure on an area in a short time breaks down the skin and surrounding tissues
- Diabetic foot ulcers: Open sores on the feet caused by complications from diabetes
- Venous and arterial ulcers: Open sores that form due to poor circulation
- Surgical or traumatic wounds: Wounds that haven't healed properly
- Untreated burns
- Infections
- Skin cancer
Chronic wounds may be the result of body-wide issues, such as certain medications or heavy smoking, which can lead to widespread wound problems. They can also result from localized conditions. People with arterial disease, venous disease, lymphatic issues, or nerve problems may have wounds that continue to grow because they can't feel or notice them.
Chronic wounds can range from being a minor nuisance to causing severe pain and significant changes to lifestyle and mental health. In the most severe cases, they can result in amputation.
What Should Patients Expect When They Come to the Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Center?
During your first visit, we'll perform a complete exam to identify all the factors contributing to your wound.
We'll clean the wound thoroughly by removing any dead tissue and surface bacteria. Removing surface bacteria is important because bacteria can form a film that prevents healing. Cleaning the wound starts the healing process by allowing blood vessels to repair themselves and stimulate your body's natural healing responses.
Once your wound starts to improve, we will apply a dressing to help manage pain and promote further healing, depending on the type of wound. These dressings may support new skin growth, control swelling, reduce pressure on the wound, or control moisture. We'll make sure the dressing is easy for you to change on your own, so you can continue to care for your wound at home.
If your wound is on one of your joints, we may also apply a firm, immobilizing bandage to minimize movement-related disturbance to the wound.
What If I Need Further Care to Help Close My Wound?
Depending on the nature of your wound, we may schedule an appointment with one of our Mass General Brigham surgeons. Your surgeon may help the wound close faster with procedures such as:
- Skin graft: This involves taking healthy skin from one area of your body to cover the wounded area.
- Skin or muscle flap: This involves taking healthy, living tissue and blood vessels from one part of your body and attaching them to the wound site. This is especially effective for infected wounds, as flaps can help the wound heal faster and more effectively by providing oxygen and blood supply.
Does Salem Hospital Offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Yes, we offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy to boost the body's natural healing process for a variety of conditions, including diabetic foot wounds, radiation damage, and compromised skin grafts and surgical incisions.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, similar to diving to a depth of 50 feet into the ocean. During each session, you'll be inside a large, tube-like chamber for about 90 minutes.
Typically, you'll receive these treatments once a day, five days a week, for a total of 30 to 60 treatments, depending on your medical condition and response to therapy. The chamber walls are clear, so you can watch TV, listen to books or music, or even take a nap during the session.
Why Do Patients Trust Salem Hospital for Their Wound Care?
Our skilled clinicians and personalized treatment plans allow wounds to heal in an average of eight weeks, compared to the national average of 16 weeks. We have collaborative relationships with other Mass General Brigham specialists and are committed to working with your other physicians to make sure your care is well-coordinated throughout your healing journey.
As a patient, you're an essential, active member of your care team. We'll help you understand the cause and status of your wound as well as your treatment options. And we'll support you every step of the way, working with you to help you meet your health goals.
Call 978-354-3584 to schedule an appointment.