POST-BURN SCAR RELEASE
Burns are common injuries. They can occur at the workplace, home or anywhere in between. Some burns are severe. These can result in deformity and cause difficulty in functioning of the affected part. This can mean the loss of livelihood for many affected individuals. Contractures are a type of scar which reduces the movement of joints and other mobile structures. These scars evolve and tend to become prominent with time.
What are the areas which can get affected due to burn scars?
It can affect anywhere from the scalp to the toes.
What are the problems as a result of post-burn scars?
They include:
What is the type of post-burn scars which can be improved with plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery can improve appearance and function in a vast number of cases. However, the treatment options can be ascertained only after a consultation.
Who is a right candidate for release of post-burn scar?
These include those candidates who are:
How is post-burn contracture release performed?
The surgery is carried out under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Once the tissues are freed from the tethering by the scars the resulting wound is covered (resurfaced) with various techniques such as split or full thickness skin grafts, local or distant flaps. This is customized depending upon the findings in the affected individual. Usually, post-burn scar release is a short stay procedure. However, in those cases where extensive or complicated reconstruction has been carried out, need to stay hospitalized for a longer duration.
What is serial excision?
This is a plastic surgery technique used for removal of the scar in a staged manner. A broad scar is excised partially and the wounds are approximated. The rest of the scar is removed once the surrounding normal tissues expand to accommodate for the increased tension. Serial excision helps us to give good aesthetic outcomes.
What is tissue expansion?
Tissue expansion is a technique in which a balloon-like device is placed under the skin during surgery. During follow-up visits, the device is filled up with saline. This results in progressive expansion of the overlying skin and soft tissue. Once a predetermined volume is reached, the device is removed and the redundant skin is used to cover the scarred area. Tissue expansion is especially useful in the treatment of scalp hair loss due to burns.
Is there a right time to undergo plastic surgery for release of post-burn scars?
In general, these scars are operated once they have matured. This may take approximately eighteen months or longer. However, in cases with severe functional problems they are surgically treated much earlier. For example, post-burn scarring of the eyelids can result in the absence of closure of the eyelids. This predisposes to ulceration of the cornea. Such a situation would merit urgent measures to restore eyelid closure.
What are the adjunctive treatment measures used in the management of post-burn scars?
These play an important role along with plastic surgery. They include:
What are the benefits of undergoing reconstructive surgery in the management of post-burn deformities?
They enable:
What are the areas which can get affected due to burn scars?
It can affect anywhere from the scalp to the toes.
What are the problems as a result of post-burn scars?
They include:
- Contractures
- Alopecia (loss of hair)
- Deformity and unaesthetic appearance
- Recurrent scar breakdown and ulceration
- Malignancy
- Loss of livelihood
- Loss of self-esteem and confidence
What is the type of post-burn scars which can be improved with plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery can improve appearance and function in a vast number of cases. However, the treatment options can be ascertained only after a consultation.
Who is a right candidate for release of post-burn scar?
These include those candidates who are:
- Good general health
- Have reasonable expectations about the procedure
- Willing to comply with the post-procedure instructions and follow-ups
- Non-smokers
How is post-burn contracture release performed?
The surgery is carried out under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Once the tissues are freed from the tethering by the scars the resulting wound is covered (resurfaced) with various techniques such as split or full thickness skin grafts, local or distant flaps. This is customized depending upon the findings in the affected individual. Usually, post-burn scar release is a short stay procedure. However, in those cases where extensive or complicated reconstruction has been carried out, need to stay hospitalized for a longer duration.
What is serial excision?
This is a plastic surgery technique used for removal of the scar in a staged manner. A broad scar is excised partially and the wounds are approximated. The rest of the scar is removed once the surrounding normal tissues expand to accommodate for the increased tension. Serial excision helps us to give good aesthetic outcomes.
What is tissue expansion?
Tissue expansion is a technique in which a balloon-like device is placed under the skin during surgery. During follow-up visits, the device is filled up with saline. This results in progressive expansion of the overlying skin and soft tissue. Once a predetermined volume is reached, the device is removed and the redundant skin is used to cover the scarred area. Tissue expansion is especially useful in the treatment of scalp hair loss due to burns.
Is there a right time to undergo plastic surgery for release of post-burn scars?
In general, these scars are operated once they have matured. This may take approximately eighteen months or longer. However, in cases with severe functional problems they are surgically treated much earlier. For example, post-burn scarring of the eyelids can result in the absence of closure of the eyelids. This predisposes to ulceration of the cornea. Such a situation would merit urgent measures to restore eyelid closure.
What are the adjunctive treatment measures used in the management of post-burn scars?
These play an important role along with plastic surgery. They include:
- Physiotherapy
- Pressure garments
- Splints
What are the benefits of undergoing reconstructive surgery in the management of post-burn deformities?
They enable:
- Improvement in appearance and function
- Ability to earn a livelihood
- Restoration of self-esteem
Post-burn contracture of eyelids
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Contracture release of upper eyelid and coverage with full thickness skin graft
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Post-burn contracture of axilla
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Axillary contracture released with multiple Z-plasty
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