The scarring that results from a person being burned can have long lasting life changing effects. Not only in regards to and appearance and confidence, but also with quality of life, as scars may also reduce a person’s mobility (constricting the skin between their joints and muscles).
Burns can heal slowly, and often there is a wait period before secondary burn reconstruction can take place. Once the initial burn has healed to a point that secondary burn reconstruction can occur, Dr. Tahernia, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience in treating patients with burn scarring, utilizes the latest in surgical techniques to reconstruct burn scarring (various sizes and locations). His utilization of these expert techniques and his outstanding patient outcomes have attracted patients from all over the globe. He is dedicated to helping those whose lives have been impacted by burns. Call us today 310-614-9701.
Contractures
Burns that involve damage to the dermis rarely heal without formation of a scar. Scar tissue is usually more fibrous than normal tissue, and has less functional quality. Sometimes the scarred skin extends beyond the three-dimensional boundary of the original tissue resulting in a raised or hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scarring can lead to wound contracture if the scar affects a joint as the skin over the joint is firmer and less extensible, which limits movement of the joint.
Restrictive contractures due to burn injuries can result in long term aesthetic and physical consequences, such as restricting range of motion (ROM) of the effected joint. Skin contractures can also result in pain and significant disruption in both social and professional life.
Surgical techniques
Scar Release Surgery
Scar release surgery can be performed to reduce skin constriction and improve mobility. The procedure involves cutting out scar tissue to release the skin tightness between the joints and muscles. Because removing the scar tissue takes away skin, a skin graft or flap surgery is necessary to replace the skin removed.
If not enough healthy skin is available for a flap or skin graft, a surgeon may be able to place tissue expanders under the skin. As these small balloons slowly inflate, they stretch the skin until enough donor tissue is available.
Z-Plasty
Z-plasty is a procedure that can camouflage scar tissue and improve flexibility. The surgeon performing the procedure makes a Z-shaped incision in the burn scar, creating two triangle-shaped flap, then he rotates the flaps and sews them into place. This releases skin contracture and conceals scar tissue as it now conforms to the natural creases of the skin.
Non-Operative Burn Treatment
Splinting
Splints are a highly effective method of helping manage burn contractures and can be an integral part of secondary burn rehabilitation. As scars not only contract, but also take the shortest route possible, they often cause webbing across natural concavities and joints for example to the neck, knee and axilla; splints appear to help remodel scar tissue and maintain the anatomical contours. Splinting applies controlled gentle forces to soft tissues for sufficient lengths of time to induce tissue remodeling. Splints can be made of various different materials. The ideal material is low temperature thermoplastic as it is lightweight, easily mouldable and remouldable and conforms extremely well to contours.
Skin Resurfacing Procedures
In some cases, burn scars may be reduced with in-office skin resurfacing procedures. Dermabrasion targets burn scars by surgically scraping the top layer of skin. Laser resurfacing is a similar treatment performed with a medical laser.
Pressure Garments
Pressure garments for burn healing improve scar appearance, decrease itching, and protect the skin from injury. Some burn survivors also feel that the pressure garments look better than the scars themselves. Bandages or custom garments will increase pressure on the scar and can improve healing. These inserts can be made from a variety of substances, ranging from soft foam to a rubber consistency.
Burns Categorized
Minor burns are:
Major burns include:
Questions or want to talk to Dr. Tahernia?
Give us a call: (310) 614-9701