Burn wounds Treatment
Burn wounds are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. They can vary in severity, ranging from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that affect multiple layers of the skin.
Plastic surgeons play a vital role in the treatment of burn wounds, particularly for severe burns that involve extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues. They have specialized training in reconstructive surgery and are well-equipped to handle complex burn injuries.
Here are some of the treatment approaches a plastic surgeon may use:
Surgical debridement: In severe burns, the plastic surgeon may perform surgical debridement, which involves the removal of dead or damaged tissue to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. This may be done through various techniques, such as excision, tangential excision, or enzymatic debridement.
Skin grafting: Plastic surgeons commonly utilize skin grafts to cover large burn wounds. This procedure involves taking healthy skin from one part of the body (the donor site) and transplanting it onto the burn wound. Skin grafts help to close the wound, provide a protective barrier, and aid in the healing process.
Tissue expansion: In cases where there is limited healthy skin available for grafting, plastic surgeons may use tissue expansion techniques. This involves placing a balloon-like device called a tissue expander beneath the adjacent healthy skin. Over time, the expander is gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin, creating additional tissue that can be used for grafting.
Flap reconstruction: For complex burn wounds that require a more extensive reconstruction, plastic surgeons may use flap techniques. Flaps involve transferring a section of skin, along with its underlying blood vessels, from a donor site to the burn area. Flap reconstruction provides improved coverage and can restore both form and function.
Scar management: Plastic surgeons are skilled in managing burn scars to minimize their appearance and improve function. They may employ techniques such as scar revision surgery, laser therapy, or the application of specialized dressings or silicone sheets to optimize the healing process and reduce scar formation.
It’s important to remember that burn wound treatment by a plastic surgeon is typically tailored to the individual patient’s needs and the specifics of their burn injury. The surgeon will assess the burn’s severity, location, and other factors to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Burn wounds – Frequently Asked Questions
Our aim is to improve and control your symptoms as best we can. It can sometimes take a long time to clear so we will work with you continually to find the best course of treatment. We also see some clients who see amazing results in just a few weeks.
Your doctor will assess your skin during your initial consultation to recommend the right treatment. This could include a series of treatments such as salicylic, pyruvic, or isolaze peel. It could also include antibiotic tablets or hormonal therapies (the combined oral contraceptive pill for women can often be effective to treat severe acne).
This will appear as a large number of papules and pustules on your face and possibly your chest and/or back. The nodules and cysts will be painful and you will be at risk of scarring, therefore it is essential that you seek medical advice.
Some skin-friendly food choices include: Whole grains, Legumes, Unprocessed fruits like apricots, blueberries, tomatoes and red grapes. Unprocessed vegetables like carrots, avocado, sweet potato, beetroot, spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables, Food containing mineral zinc, vitamins A and E and chemicals called antioxidants. Quinoa, Turkey, Fish, Oat milk, Pumpkin seeds.