Acute Burns and Burn
Acute Burns and Burn Reconstructive Surgery
Severe burns can be among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can suffer. Beyond the immediate emergency, burns can leave lasting scars, contractures, and emotional trauma. At our centre, we focus not only on saving lives in the acute phase of burn injury but also on restoring function, mobility, and confidence through planned burn reconstruction.
Understanding Burns
Burns can occur due to heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. They range from minor first-degree burns affecting only the skin surface to deep, full-thickness burns that destroy skin, fat, muscle, and sometimes bone. The extent and depth of the burn determine how it will heal and what kind of surgical care is needed.
In the acute stage, the goals are to stabilize the patient, prevent infection, and achieve wound closure. In the reconstructive stage, the focus shifts to restoring movement, function, and appearance.
Acute Burn Care
- Fluid resuscitation to prevent shock
- Wound debridement to remove dead tissue
- Early skin grafting to speed up healing and reduce infection
- Pain control and infection prevention
- Nutritional support to promote recovery
Burn Reconstruction
After the wounds have healed, many patients are left with contractures (tight scars that restrict movement), thick scars, and disfigurement. Reconstructive burn surgery aims to improve function and appearance, allowing patients to return to normal life.
Common reconstructive procedures include:
- Contracture release with Z-plasty or skin flaps
- Skin grafts or local/regional flaps for scarred areas
- Microsurgical free flaps for major deformities
- Laser therapy, fat grafting, or dermabrasion for scar improvement
- Pressure garments and silicone therapy for scar modulation
Functional and Psychosocial Recovery
Burn reconstruction is not only about improving looks — it’s about helping people move, work, and live comfortably again. Contractures over joints can severely restrict movement; releasing them restores independence. Facial burns can affect
expression, speech, and eating; reconstructing these areas restores confidence and social interaction.
Equally important is the psychological recovery. Burn survivors often struggle with anxiety, depression, and body-image issues. Our multidisciplinary burn care team includes counsellors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists who guide patients through the long journey of rehabilitation.
Life After Reconstruction
Effective burn care involves multiple specialists:
- Plastic and burn surgeons for wound management and reconstruction
- Intensivists for critical care
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists for mobility restoration
- Psychologists and social workers for emotional recovery
- Nutritionists for optimal healing
This team approach ensures that physical, functional, and emotional needs are all addressed.
Why Consult a Plastic Surgeon for Trauma?
Plastic surgeons are uniquely trained to manage every phase of burn injury — from the acute resuscitation to long-term reconstruction. We focus on:
- Early wound closure to prevent infection and fluid loss
- Reconstructive precision to restore movement and aesthetics
- Scar management and revision to improve appearance and function
- Comprehensive rehabilitation with physiotherapy and counselling
Early involvement of a plastic surgeon often results in shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and better long-term results
FAQs on Burns and Burn Reconstruction
1. When should I see a plastic surgeon after a burn?
As early as possible — ideally, immediately after the injury. Early assessment helps determine which burns need surgery and prevents complications like contractures and infection.
2. What is the difference between a superficial and deep burn?
Superficial burns affect only the top skin layers and usually heal on their own. Deep burns destroy the full thickness of the skin and need surgical closure using grafts or flaps.
3. Will burn scars fade with time?
Minor scars may lighten, but deeper scars can remain thick or tight. Scar management treatments — silicone sheets, pressure garments, massage, laser therapy, or surgical revision — can make a big difference.
4. Can surgery completely remove burn scars?
No surgery can erase scars completely, but reconstruction can greatly improve movement, appearance, and confidence. Scars soften and fade with proper treatment and time.
5. What is a contracture release surgery?
It’s a procedure to release tight scar tissue that limits movement, often around joints like the neck, elbows, or fingers. The area is then covered with healthy skin or flaps to restore function.
6. How long does recovery take after burn reconstruction?
Depending on the extent of surgery, recovery may take a few weeks to a few months. Regular physiotherapy and skin care are key to long-term success.
7. Can burns affect mental health?
Yes. Emotional healing is as important as physical recovery. Counselling, peer support, and gradual social reintegration help burn survivors rebuild confidence and return to normal life.