What are potential signs that a surgical wound is healing poorly?

Excessive swelling, drainage, or necrosis around a surgical site are clear indicators that the wound is not healing properly. When a wound is healing as expected, one would typically observe minimal swelling, slight redness, and a reduction in pain over time. In contrast, excessive swelling often points to inflammation or infection, while significant drainage could indicate the presence of pus or other complications. Necrosis, which involves tissue death, suggests a severe issue that could impair healing and may even require additional medical intervention. Recognizing these signs is crucial for prompt assessment and management of potential complications in postoperative care.