Burns – Treatment, Rehabilitation & Care by a Plastic Surgeon
Specialized treatment of burns with an emphasis on health, functionality and aesthetic restoration
Burns are injuries to skin tissues caused by heat, radiation, chemicals, electricity, or intense friction. Depending on the extent and depth of the damage, they can range from mild to extremely severe and may require immediate medical evaluation.
Proper treatment of burns is crucial, not only for skin healing, but also for avoiding inflammation, scars, shrinkage and functional limitations. The plastic surgeon has an important role both in the acute phase and in subsequent rehabilitation, when the goal is the best possible functional and aesthetic image of the area.
What are burns?
Burns are the damage caused to the skin and underlying tissues after exposure to a harmful agent.
Their severity depends on:
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the cause that caused them,
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the depth of the damage,
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the extent of the body surface area affected,
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the point where they are located,
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the age and general health status of the patient.
Even a burn that initially appears limited may need careful evaluation, especially when it involves sensitive areas or when there are signs of deeper damage.
What causes burns?
Burns can be caused by different factors.
Thermal burns
They are caused by contact with fire, hot objects, or hot liquids, such as water or oil. They are one of the most common types of burns.
Radiation burns
They are caused by radiation, either medical or solar. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause mild to severe burns, depending on the duration and intensity of exposure.
Chemical burns
They are caused by contact with chemicals, such as strong detergents, acids or caustic liquids.
Electrical burns
They result from contact with an electric current and can be particularly dangerous, as external damage does not always reflect the internal extent of the injury.
Friction burns
They may appear after intense mechanical friction or in people with chronic bed rest, where injuries are created due to pressure and constant contact.
Burns: Proper rehabilitation makes the difference.
Burns require timely and proper treatment to reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best possible healing.
The plastic surgeon has a crucial role in both the treatment of severe burns and the repair of scars that may result. With specialized evaluation, proper treatment selection, and a personalized approach, it is possible to significantly improve both the functionality and the aesthetic image of the area.
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Burn categories
depending on health severity
Burns are divided into first, second and third degree, depending on the depth of the damage.
First-degree burns
They affect the top layer of the skin. The skin appears red and is sensitive or painful to the touch.
Mild sunburns or burns from superficial friction usually fall into this category.
Second-degree burns
They affect both the upper layer of the skin and the dermis. They are characterized by intense redness, acute pain, and often the appearance of blisters with serous fluid.
They require greater attention, as proper management significantly affects the quality of healing.
Εγκαύματα τρίτου βαθμού
These are full-thickness burns, where the damage extends to all layers of the skin and can reach the subcutaneous fat.
Their color can be white, gray or black. They often do not cause pain in the area itself, because the nerve endings have been damaged. They are serious lesions and require immediate specialized treatment.
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When is a plastic surgeon needed?
The contribution of the plastic surgeon is particularly important when the burns are second or third degree, when they cover a large surface area, or when they are located in areas with increased functional and aesthetic demands.
Particular attention is needed for burns in:
face,
neck,
χέρια,
joints,
genitals,
areas where there is a risk of collapse or movement restrictions.
The plastic surgeon evaluates the damage, estimates the risk of scarring and functional limitations, and selects the appropriate therapeutic or reconstructive approach.
Approximately 1/4 of cases are classified as idiopathic.
When there is a pathological cause, it may be related to:
- Hereditary predisposition
- Absence of testicles
- Renal failure
When gynecomastia is related to increased estrogen, it may be due to:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Swelling in the testicle area
When it results from medication, it may be related to:
- Clomiphene
- Phenytoin
- Spironolactone
- Ketoconazole
- Anabolics
- Antiretrovirals
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
Other diseases that may be related are:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic diseases
Because in some cases there may be a more serious underlying cause, it is important to undergo a complete medical and hormonal check-up beforehand.
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The role of plastic surgery in burn rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after a burn is not just about healing the wound. It is about restoring functionality, reducing scarring, improving mobility, and achieving the best possible aesthetic restoration.
Depending on the damage, the plastic surgeon can contribute:
in covering burn areas,
in the prevention of malformed or hypertrophic scars,
to improve wrinkle scars,
in the restoration of areas with skin loss,
in functional joint rehabilitation,
to improve the appearance of the skin after healing.
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Ways to recover from burns
The choice of method depends on the extent, depth, location of the burn, age and general health of the patient.
Autologous skin grafts
They are used to restore areas where there is significant skin loss. The graft is taken from the patient themselves and placed in the burn area.
Surgical repair of wrinkle scars
When scars cause restricted movement or deformity of the area, surgical correction may be required.
Pressure bandage
Special pressure dressing can be used to prevent or limit hypertrophic scars.
Skin stretchers
In selected cases, skin stretchers help restore deformed scars or areas with skin deficiency.
Hair transplantation
When the burn has caused alopecia, restoration can be done with hair grafts from the patient themselves.
Before the surgery, a hormonal test is required, which includes:
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Testosterone
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Estrogen
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LH
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FSH
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Thyroid hormones
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Prolactin
Additionally required:
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General blood test
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Biochemical blood test
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General urine examination
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Electrocardiogram
How is gynecomastia surgery performed?
The technique depends on whether there is true gynecomastia, pseudogynecomastia, or a combination of the two.
Removal of a massive gland
When there is hypertrophy of the mammary gland, the plastic surgeon makes an incision around the areola and removes the mammary gland and excess fat.
Liposuction
When the problem is mainly due to fat, liposuction is applied. This method is mainly indicated for pseudogynecomastia.
Breast reduction
In cases where there is excess skin, a breast reduction may be necessary to properly restore the contour.
Whichever technique is chosen, the goal is a flat, natural and masculine chest.
frequently asked questions
When is a burn considered serious?
A burn is considered serious when it is second or third degree, when it covers a large surface area, or when it is located on the face, neck, hands, joints, or genitals.
Do third-degree burns hurt?
They often do not cause pain at the site itself, because the nerve supply to the area has been damaged. This does not mean that they are less serious. On the contrary, they require immediate specialized treatment.
Do scars always remain after a burn?
Not always. The likelihood of scarring depends on the depth, extent, location of the burn, and how well it is treated.
Can burn scars be repaired?
Yes. Plastic surgery has many techniques for improving burn scars, depending on their type and severity.
When should I see a doctor?
When the burn is extensive, deep, causes blisters, involves a sensitive area, or is caused by a chemical or electricity, immediate medical evaluation is needed.
Belly
Thighs
Glutes
Waist
Calves
How is a thigh lift performed?
Step 1: Anesthesia
Liposuction can be performed either under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia and sedation.
Step 2: Small incisions
The plastic surgeon makes very small incisions of a few millimeters.
Step 3: Microcannula insertion
A special microcannula is inserted through the small holes.
Step 4: Fat breakdown
Step 4: The cannula passes through the fatty tissue and breaks up the local fat.fat removal
Step 5: Suction
The excess fat is aspirated through a pump connected to the microcannula.
advice before and after treatment
Pre-operative advice
Post-surgery advice
- Follow the plastic surgeon's instructions closely.
- Take proper care of the incisions.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the first few days.
- Maintain a stable weight.
- Return to your activities gradually.
- Notify the doctor if you notice severe swelling, pain, or asymmetry.
