Burn Reconstruction Services

abaBurns involve an injury to the skin and associated tissue, and burns can be the result of fire, chemicals, heat, electricity, the sun or other factors. They can range in severity and are classified as first, second, third or fourth degree burns, based on their depth and the degree of damage to skin tissue. Burns can often leave patients with severe physical disfigurements, depending on the cause and severity of the burn.

 

Improving the aesthetic appearance of burns can drastically improve a patient’s self-esteem, and play a large role in the prevention of permanent scarring. Burn treatments usually involve skin grafting and cosmetic reconstruction, and may be performed in an emergency facility or later on. These treatments also focus on restoring function to the burned skin to reduce the risk of complications such as loss of mobility or a loss of one of the senses.

Any type of burn on the skin requires immediate medical attention to stabilize the patient, clean the wound and reduce the risk of complications such as infection, scarring, breathing problems and limited bone and joint mobility. Dr. Chaudhari is available for acute burn care services, although patients should always call 911 in the case of an emergency. Initial burn care focuses on assessing and treating the initial burn symptoms, but additional treatment may be required at a later date in order to perform skin reconstruction.

 

Dr. Chaudhari provides comprehensive burn care that includes an evaluation of the burn and any related conditions, thorough wound care, dressing, pain medications and emergency surgery, if required. It is also important for patients to remain hydrated after a burn, so fluids may be administered intravenously to prevent dehydration.

Most burns leave a scar on the skin, and the appearance is affected by the size, location and severity of the burn. While scars usually become less noticeable over time, reconstructive treatment is appropriate in cases where the appearance of scars are physically unattractive or disfiguring. Reconstructive procedures are usually performed after the burn has fully healed, which may be nine months to a year after the original injury.

 

Scar reconstruction is usually performed through an outpatient surgical procedure that may involve skin and tissue grafts, skin flaps or injectable fillers to restore a more natural appearance, while also correcting any functional problems caused by the scar and improving the patient’s self-confidence as well. Dr. Chaudhari will develop a customized treatment plan for each individual patient based on their condition and goals for surgery.

A contracture is a complication of burn scarring that involves a tightening and thickening of the burn scar that in turn restricts movement of the affected area. There are a number of activities that can prevent contractures from occurring, and treating physicians will usually prescribe these for burn patients. Typical precautionary measures are exercising, wearing a splint and continuing to promote everyday activities that require movement.

 

When contracture scars occur, treatment often involves surgery to release the contracture and restore normal movement to the skin. A skin flap or graft may be used to restore the appearance of the skin in the treated area, while also improving movement and flexibility that may have been affected by the contracture. Physical therapy will often be needed after surgery to stretch the joints and restore movement and function.

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