Reconstructive Procedures after Burns
Following a serious burn, plastic and reconstructive surgery is considered to aid your healing process by providing cosmetic benefits and preventing further deformities and contractures. It is advisable to wait a year after the injury since most scars incurred from burns fade over time.
Depending on your specific needs, many procedural options are available:
Tissue expansion, in which a tissue expander is filled with fluid over time to promote new skin growth, is placed in the area where new skin is needed.
Skin grafts, in which healthy skin is taken to be transplanted to the treatment area.
Skin flaps, in which muscle, skin, or bone is transplanted with the original blood supply to the treatment area.
Preparation
Healing time will vary depending on the type of procedure performed and is best determined by your surgeon. We recommend our patients to rest and take it easy during this time to prevent swelling or complications.
Individualized postoperative instructions will be provided, including the recommendation for compression garments if applicable, to avoid unnecessary movement and infection of the affected areas.
Healing and Recovery
Child patients may be unable to eat or drink normally following the procedure. During this time, intravenous feeding may be recommended by your PAPRAS surgeon. It is very important that parents strictly adhere to the feeding guidelines provided by doctors following the surgery to avoid any possible risks or complications.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Following health and safety guidelines, your surgeon may advise you to provide thorough information on your medical history. In this time of COVID-19, appropriate testing will be required prior to the procedure.