Skin Burn Surgery
Overview
Why it's done
Repair Skin Damage: Burns can cause extensive damage to the skin, including loss of tissue and function. Surgery is done to repair this damage, restoring the skin’s integrity and function.
Prevent Infection: Burned skin is highly susceptible to infection due to compromised barrier function. Surgery helps to remove damaged tissue and cover the wound with healthy skin, reducing the risk of infection.
Promote Healing: Surgical interventions such as skin grafting facilitate the healing process by providing a protective covering for the wound and encouraging the growth of new tissue.
Restore Functionality: Severe burns can impair mobility and sensation. Surgery may involve techniques such as flap reconstruction to restore functionality to affected areas, allowing patients to regain movement and sensation.
Improve Aesthetics: Burn scars can be disfiguring and impact a person’s self-esteem. Surgical procedures like dermabrasion and laser therapy are used to improve the appearance of scars, enhancing the patient’s aesthetic outcome and quality of life.
Risk
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Poor wound healing
- Nerve damage
- Allergic reactions
- Functional limitations
How do I get ready for Skin Burn Surgery?
Consultation: Schedule a consultation with your surgeon to discuss the procedure, your medical history, and any concerns you may have. Be prepared to provide information about current medications, allergies, and previous surgeries.
Medical evaluation: Your surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to assess your overall health and suitability for surgery. This may include blood tests, imaging studies, and other pre-operative assessments to identify any underlying medical conditions that could affect the surgery or recovery.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, it’s important to quit before surgery, as smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications. Your surgeon may recommend cessation programs or support resources to help you quit smoking.
Medication adjustments: Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding any medications you’re taking. You may need to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, herbal supplements, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of bleeding or other complications during surgery.
Pre-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide specific pre-operative instructions to follow in the days leading up to the surgery. This may include fasting before surgery, avoiding alcohol, and showering with antibacterial soap the night before or morning of the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
Arrange transportation and support: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery, as you may be unable to drive immediately following the procedure. Additionally, arrange for assistance with household tasks and childcare, if needed, during your recovery period.
Plan for recovery: Stock up on supplies you’ll need during recovery, such as bandages, dressings, and prescribed medications. Prepare your home environment to ensure comfort and convenience during the healing process, including setting up a recovery area with pillows, blankets, and entertainment options.
Follow-up appointments: Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns during the recovery period.
