Burn Reconstruction

Overview

Burn injuries can cause severe functional and aesthetic damage, affecting a patient’s mobility, appearance, and quality of life. Burn reconstruction is a specialized surgical approach aimed at restoring both form and function through a combination of advanced plastic surgery techniques. Our expert MCh (Plastic Surgery) team is dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans to optimize recovery and improve long-term outcomes.

Types of Burn Reconstruction Procedures

1. Acute Burn Management

Before reconstruction, initial burn treatment focuses on wound healing and infection prevention:

Debridement: Removal of dead tissue to promote healing.
Skin Grafting: Placement of healthy skin from another part of the body to cover burn wounds.
Temporary Wound Coverage: Use of biological or synthetic dressings to protect the wound.

2. Scar Revision Surgery

Burn scars can restrict movement and cause aesthetic concerns. Revision techniques include:

Z-Plasty & Local Flaps: Repositioning of scars to improve flexibility and appearance.
Laser Therapy: Reduces redness, thickening, and tightness of burn scars.
Dermabrasion: Smoothens irregular scar surfaces for better skin texture.

3. Skin Grafting & Tissue Expansion

For larger burns, advanced skin restoration techniques may be used:

Split-Thickness Skin Grafts (STSG): Thin layers of healthy skin are transplanted to cover burn areas.
Full-Thickness Skin Grafts (FTSG): Used for areas needing better durability and elasticity.
Tissue Expansion: A balloon-like device is placed under healthy skin to stretch it before reconstruction.

4. Flap Surgery for Severe Burns

When grafting isn’t sufficient, flap-based reconstruction is performed:

Local Flaps: Nearby skin and tissue are moved to cover burn wounds.
Free Flaps: Tissue from another body part is transplanted using microsurgical techniques.
Perforator Flaps: Minimally invasive technique to transfer skin and soft tissue while preserving major blood vessels.

5. Functional Reconstruction

Severe burns can impair movement, requiring specialized procedures:

Contracture Release Surgery: Surgical correction of tightened skin restricting movement.
Tendon & Nerve Repair: Reconstruction of damaged tendons and nerves for better mobility.
Joint Reconstruction: Restores function in burn-affected joints, particularly in hands and limbs.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation & Care

A successful burn reconstruction involves long-term rehabilitation to restore mobility and aesthetics:

Physical Therapy: Exercises to regain flexibility and strength.
Compression Garments: Helps reduce scarring and improve skin texture.
Psychological Support: Counseling and therapy for emotional well-being.
Follow-Up Surgeries: Some cases may require staged reconstruction over time.

When to Consider Burn Reconstruction

Patients with severe scarring, restricted mobility, or cosmetic concerns after a burn injury should consult a plastic surgeon. Early intervention can enhance functional outcomes and minimize long-term deformities.

Our MCh (Plastic Surgery) team ensures a patient-centered approach, utilizing the latest techniques in burn reconstruction to restore confidence, comfort, and mobility.