The use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy for the treatment of a large infected facial wound.

Chronic wounds in difficult locations pose constant challenges to health care providers. Negative-pressure wound therapy is a relatively new treatment to promote wound healing. Laboratory and clinical studies have shown that the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy increases wound blood flow, granulation tissue formation, and decreases accumulation of fluid and bacteria. VAC therapy has been shown to hasten wound closure and formation of granulation tissue in a variety of settings. Accepted indications for VAC therapy include the infected sternum, open abdomen, chronic, nonhealing extremity wounds and decubitus ulcers. We report the first case of VAC therapy successfully used on a large infected wound to the face to promote healing.