Reconstructive Burn Surgery

To plan for burn surgery first make a consultation to come and see me. During the consultation, I will assess your burn scarring and we will discuss your expectations so that you have a good understanding of what can be achieved and what the realistic expectations should be.

I will need a full medical history, including all previous procedures and medical conditions.

We will also discuss risks and complications of burn surgery.

The procedure for burn surgery is first to assess the goals.  The goals of reconstructive burn surgery should be to improve both the function and the cosmetic appearance of burn scars. This involves altering scar tissue, with both non-operative and operative treatment.

Non-operative therapies might involve scar massage, the use of pressure garments, and or topical therapies.

Surgical options consist mainly of releasing tight scar tissue and closing open wound areas.

There are a variety of ways to close these wounds depending on a patient’s needs. Skin grafts or skin flaps could be used, depending on the location of the scar and a patient’s personal goals. Tissue expansion can also be used to cover large burn scar areas. Good results are commonly attained when performing tissue expansion to regions of the face, trunk, and neck.

To prepare for burn surgery, you may be asked to stop smoking for 2 – 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Nicotine retards the healing process, and quitting for as long as possible before surgery helps improve blood flow.

You might also have to have a blood test before surgery is performed.

During the consultation be sure to disclose what medication, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. I may need to adjust this leading up to surgery. You should avoid certain medications like aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs. You may also need to stop taking some vitamins and supplements. Avoid any recreational drugs.

Be sure to arrange for transport to and from the clinic. You will not be able to drive yourself after the procedure.

After burn surgery you can expect to be given post-surgery instructions to follow. This is very important in order to obtain the best possible outcome both in terms of functional healing and physical appearance.

You will have follow-up appointments after burn surgery to assess your long-term results and address any questions or concerns.

Recovery time will depend on the procedure. In general, skin grafts require 7 to 10 days without any movement of the skin graft. A specialised dressing is used to help the skin graft adhere to the wound and begin healing.

Smaller operations (scar revisions) may only require a soft dressing afterwards.

After scar releases on the hand, you may have a plaster splint for support.

Follow-up visits are normally within two weeks of surgery and stitches may be removed at this time. Additional physical therapy may be required in the weeks and months following surgery to ensure complete recovery of function. We will work together to develop the plan that is best for you.

Be patient with your healing. As you heal your skin colour and appearance will change. You may notice numbness and tingling this is normal. Improvement will continue over the next few months.

The biggest risk of burn surgery is an infection at the surgical site. Look out for changes and let me know if you have any of the following symptoms:

• White pimples or blisters around the incision lines.
• An increase in redness, tenderness, or swelling.
• Occasionally, a small amount of bloody or clear yellow-tinged fluid may drain. Notify me if it persists or if the consistency changes.
• A sudden increase in pain not relieved by pain medication.