Dr Atul Ingle

Burn Reconstructive Surgery

Skin burns are injuries caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burns can range from minor to life-threatening and can cause significant physical and psychological trauma.

In Australia, where outdoor activities are prevalent and industrial work is common, burn injuries are a critical concern.

Reconstructive surgery plays a vital role in the recovery process, aiming to restore both function and appearance to affected areas.

Overview of Burn Types

Burns are classified into four degrees based on their severity:
  • Description: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). They cause redness, pain, and minor swelling.
  • Common Causes: Sunburn, brief contact with hot objects.
  • Treatment: Usually heal with home care, including cool water, aloe vera, and pain relief.
  • Description: Affect both the epidermis and the underlying layer (dermis). They cause redness, swelling, blisters, and severe pain.
  • Common Causes: Scalds, flames, prolonged contact with hot objects.
  • Treatment: May require medical attention. Treatments include dressing changes, pain relief, and sometimes skin grafts for larger areas.
  • Description: Extend through the dermis into deeper tissues. They cause white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb.
  • Common Causes: Fire, electricity, chemical burns.
  • Treatment: Require immediate medical attention. Treatment often involves surgery, including skin grafts, and intensive rehabilitation.
  • Description: Extend through the skin into muscle and bone. They cause severe damage and can be life-threatening.
  • Common Causes: Prolonged exposure to intense heat, electrical burns.
  • Treatment: Require emergency medical treatment. Extensive surgery, including reconstruction and possibly amputation, may be necessary.

Burns can be caused by various factors:

  • Thermal Burns: Caused by contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects.
  • Chemical Burns: Result from contact with acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances.
  • Electrical Burns: Occur when electrical current passes through the body.
  • Radiation Burns: Caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays (sunburn) or other sources of radiation.
  • Friction Burns: Result from skin rubbing against a rough surface.
Burn reconstruction involves multiple procedures and stages, depending on the severity and location of the burns. The main goals are to restore function, reduce scarring, and improve appearance. Treatment options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

  1. Wound Care and Dressings:
    • Procedure: Involves cleaning the wound, applying topical antibiotics, and using specialised dressings to promote healing.
    • Advantages: Essential for initial wound management and infection prevention.
  2. Physical Therapy:
    • Procedure: Includes exercises and activities to improve mobility and function in affected areas.
    • Advantages: Helps prevent contractures and maintain range of motion.
  3. Compression Garments:
    • Procedure: Custom-fitted garments that apply pressure to burn scars.
    • Advantages: Reduces scar formation and improves the appearance of scars.

Surgical Treatments

  • Procedure: Involves taking healthy skin from an unaffected area of the body (donor site) and transplanting it to the burned area (recipient site).
  • Types: Split-thickness grafts (epidermis and part of the dermis) and full-thickness grafts (epidermis and entire dermis).
  • Advantages: Essential for covering large burn areas, promoting healing, and reducing infection risk.
  • Procedure: Involves moving a piece of tissue, including skin, muscle, and blood vessels, from one part of the body to another.
  • Types: Local flaps (near the burn site) and free flaps (transplanted from a distant site).
  • Advantages: Provides bulk and blood supply to areas that need more complex reconstruction than skin grafts alone.
  • Procedure: Involves placing a balloon-like device (tissue expander) under the skin near the burn site and gradually filling it with saline to stretch the skin.
  • Advantages: Generates extra skin for reconstruction, matching the colour and texture of the surrounding tissue.
  • Procedure: Involves various techniques to improve the appearance of burn scars, including surgical excision, laser therapy, and dermabrasion.
  • Advantages: Reduces the visibility of scars, improves skin texture, and can restore function.
  • Procedure: Involves cutting the scar tissue that limits movement and may include skin grafts or flaps to cover the area.
  • Advantages: Restores mobility and function in joints affected by severe scarring.

The Burn Reconstruction Process in Australia

In Australia, burn reconstruction surgery is a highly specialised field performed by experienced plastic surgeons. The process typically begins with a comprehensive consultation to assess the patient’s condition, discuss their goals, and determine the most suitable treatment plan. Australian hospitals are equipped with advanced, specialised technology to provide top-tier care for burn victims.

Patients are usually advised to:

  • Avoid certain medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase bleeding.
  • Stop smoking, as it can interfere with healing.
  • Arrange for someone to assist them during the recovery period.

Burn reconstruction surgeries are typically performed under general anaesthesia. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the extent and complexity of the burns. Multiple surgeries may be required over time to achieve the best possible outcomes.

  • Wound Care: Patients receive detailed instructions on how to care for their surgical wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Pain Management: Patients may experience discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

Recovery times vary depending on the extent of the burns and the type of reconstruction performed. Most patients can expect to see gradual improvements over several months.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are crucial components of recovery, helping to restore function and mobility.

The results of burn reconstruction surgery can significantly enhance both the appearance and functionality of the affected areas. While complete restoration may not always be possible, the improvements can lead to a better quality of life and increased self-confidence.

Burn injuries can have profound psychological impacts. Reconstructive surgery not only addresses the physical damage but also helps in emotional healing. Many patients experience improved self-esteem and confidence, leading to better social interactions and overall mental well-being.

Conclusion

Skin burn reconstructive surgery is a complex and multifaceted field that aims to restore both function and appearance to those affected by severe burns. In Australia, experienced plastic surgeons employ advanced techniques to provide comprehensive care for burn victims.

Whether addressing the immediate aftermath of a burn injury or managing long-term scarring, reconstructive surgery can offer transformative results, enhancing patients’ lives and helping them regain confidence.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our clinic. Dr Atul Ingle has significant experience performing burn reconstructive surgery and is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals and enhancing your overall quality of life.

Dr Atul Ingle is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Townsville.

He has 20+ years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery and holds two Master of Surgery Degrees. He is the Head of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at Townsville University Hospital.

If you have a question about a condition or treatment, or would like to book an appointment, please contact us and one of our friendly staff members will happily assist you.

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Dr Atul Ingle

(07) 4413 7118

47 Fulham Road
Pimlico, QLD, 4812

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