The difficult part of burns is that they leave scars for the long term. The burn-after effects not only affect you physically but also mentally. The emotional turmoil, the long sleepless nights, the stress, and the uneasiness you feel can go through a long. But just like every problem has a solution, you can also try to stay calm, especially when the world of technology is advancing and giving permanent solutions in healthcare to those seeking it. 

If you have ever had a bad experience, and now the marks are imprinted there, you don't have to lose all your hopes. The world hasn't ended yet! You can always take a step to start a new chapter in your life and consult a plastic surgeon for burn scar management. The decision might not be easy, but it is worth all the trouble you have gone through. In this article, we will discover in detail how plastic surgery can be helpful for burn scar management. We have also taken insights from Dr. Sandhaya Balasubramanyan, the best plastic surgeon in Bangalore. So, let's jump into understanding plastic surgery for burns! 

Plastic Surgery For Burns 

If your burns are extreme and they are limiting your mobility anyhow and causing you a loss of sensation, your doctor will recommend plastic surgery to reconstruct the damaged areas. There are different types of plastic surgery options, such as: 

• Dermabrasion: It is a popular technique in which the damaged skin's upper layers are removed, and the remaining skin is softer to match the look and feel of the nearby skin. 
• Z-Plasty: Z-Plasty is a procedure used to treat deep scars (burn scars or scars that cover a wide area of the skin). This surgery requires making a series of incisions on both sides of the scar, forming V-shaped skin flaps, and reorienting these scars for improved functionality and a more pleasing appearance. 
• Skin-Grafting and Skin-Flap Surgery: Skin grafting and skin flap surgery work by removing healthy skin from the damaged area and replacing it with new skin. 
• Tissue Expansion: Tissue expansion implies placing a silicone balloon filled with saline water beneath the skin and stretching it over time to expand the skin adjacent to the scar, which gets later rotated to the scarred site. 
• Fat Grafts For Acne And Depressed Scars: This procedure indicates harvesting fat from one or more areas of the body to place it elsewhere. Structural fat grafting can help reduce the scar appearance on the body and face, including deep impressions and dimpling so that you can get thicker, softer, and healthier skin.
• Epidermal Micrograft Transplant: Epidermal micrograft transplant or melanocyte transfer refers to a medical procedure where the small portions of the outer skin layer (epidermis). It contains pigmented cells (melanocytes) that are transplanted to address those scars that have lost pigmentation, particularly those resulting from self-inflicted cuts on the forearm. This treatment's main motive is to improve the appearance of the scars by restoring natural skin color. 

Plastic Surgery For Burns Is Suitable For Whom?

Plastic surgery for burns is suitable for those individuals who have sustained burns and wish to improve the function and appearance of the affected area. The decision to undergo plastic surgery for burns can depend on various factors, including the severity of the burn, the location of the burn, and the individual's overall health.

Plastic surgery for burns can be considered for: 

• Scar reduction 
• Functional improvement 
• A feeling of sensation in the affected area 
• Emotional and physical well-being 
• Burns require cosmetic reconstruction 
• Burn has limited the patients's mobility 

Why Plastic Surgery For Burns Is Performed?

The primary aim of plastic surgery for burns is to restore the skin and ensure organs like the mouth, ears, or eyes function properly that might get damaged by severe burns. However, plastic surgery may require preparation for several months to improve the scarred tissues. This surgery is specifically required for patients who suffer from long-term negative effects of severe burns, both functionally and aesthetically.

Benefits of Plastic Surgery For Burns 

• Plastic surgery can help to improve the confidence and self-esteem of burn patients. Severe burns can damage the mouth, face, ears, or even the eyes. It can also cause disfigurement and frustration. As a result, plastic surgery can help to restore the damaged parts while increasing self-esteem and boosting confidence. 
• Plastic surgery can aid in providing better sleep to patients whose nose or nasal cavity has been damaged by burns. Plastic surgery will help to restore the nose, aiding in better breathing and sleep cycle. 
• In some conditions, severe burns can also lead to vision loss in patients due to drooping eyelids or the collection of excess skin and muscle around the eyes. Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that assists to restore the vision by correcting the eyes. 

Are There Any Risks Associated With Plastic Surgery For Burns?

Just like any other medical treatment, plastic surgery for burns can include the following: 

• Undesirable scarring 
• Pain at the site of surgery 
• Rejection of skin grafting by the body
• Infection at the site of plastic surgery might show signs of redness, swelling, high temperature, or tenderness at the surgical site. 

These risks can be minimized if you do your thorough research and plan to undergo surgery only after consulting with a top-notch plastic surgeon. If you are wondering whom to consult, keep reading to know more. 

Consult To The Best Plastic Surgeon Today! 

Plastic surgeons are known to improve their surgical techniques. With the help of upgraded technology burn victims can seek a solution way better than past treatments. So, suppose you are searching for a plastic surgeon for your treatment to get rid of those burns and get back your self-confidence. In that case, you can consult Dr. Sandhaya Balasubramanyan, the best plastic surgeon in Hyderabad. She holds 18+ years of experience and completed thousands of successful treatments. Her vast experience and compassionate approach have helped her clients feel more confident and take pride in their appearance. To start your treatment, book your appointment with her today!