Burns are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues that can be caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Depending on their depth and extent, they can cause temporary or permanent skin alterations, functional limitations, and aesthetic changes.
The management of burns involves two primary phases: the immediate treatment of the acute burn and the secondary reconstruction of scars that may form after healing.
Large or extensive burns, as well as burns in areas of high importance such as the face, hands, feet, or joints, require specialized management in dedicated burn centers. Smaller burns can often be treated by the plastic surgeon using conservative or surgical techniques.
Reconstructive surgery aims to improve the appearance of scars, restore functionality to the area, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Consultation Visit
During the initial consultation, a detailed evaluation of the burned area will take place, and a complete medical history will be obtained.
Factors to be evaluated include:
- The extent and depth of the burn
- The time elapsed since the injury
- The quality of the scars
- Potential functional difficulties
- The patient’s aesthetic concerns
Based on the above, a personalized treatment plan will be created, tailored to the specific needs of each case.
Where will the surgery take place
Procedures are performed in private clinics in Heraklion, within a fully organized and safe surgical environment.
If more specialized management for large burns is required, a referral to a dedicated burn center may be recommended.
How the surgery is performed
The reconstruction of burn scars is customized depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Available treatment options may include:
- Surgical scar excision
- Local skin flaps or tissue transfer
- Skin grafts
- Tissue expanders
- Release of contracture scars that restrict movement
- Fat grafting (lipofilling)
- Laser treatments
- A combination of surgical and non-invasive techniques
The goal is to improve both the aesthetic appearance and the function of the area.
In particular, scars in areas such as the neck, shoulders, hands, or joints can restrict mobility and require surgical reconstruction. Similarly, scars on the face, eyelids, nose, or lips can affect appearance as well as essential functions.
Anesthesia & Length of Hospital Stay
Depending on the extent of the treatment, the procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
The duration of the process varies based on the complexity of the reconstruction, and in some cases, a brief hospital stay may be required.
Associated risks in burn reconstruction
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, although they occur relatively rarely. Potential complications include infection, hematoma, delayed healing, scar recurrence, minor asymmetries, or changes in local sensation. In some cases, additional treatments or a minor corrective procedure may also be required to further improve the functional or aesthetic outcome.
Your treating physician will inform you in detail about potential complications and their management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Following the treatment, it is normal to observe mild swelling, redness, or a feeling of discomfort in the area.
Depending on the specific treatment performed, the use of specialized dressings, compression garments, or complementary therapies may be required to optimize scar maturation.
The process of scar maturation is gradual and can take several months.
The goal of the treatment is not the complete eradication of scars, as this is typically not feasible, but rather the significant improvement of the appearance, texture, and functionality of the area.
With the appropriate therapeutic approach, scars can become softer, flatter, and much less prominent over time.
Returning to daily activities depends on the type and extent of the treatment.
Most patients can return to mild activities within a few days, whereas full recovery may require several weeks or even months.
Adherence to post-operative instructions is essential for optimal healing and the final outcome.
Burn scars change gradually over time. Their maturation process can take up to 12–18 months.
In some cases, complementary treatments or minor corrective interventions may be required to further improve the outcome.