About the Procedure
Burn and scar reconstruction encompasses a wide range of techniques tailored to the type, location, age, and severity of the scar. The goal is to maximise functional improvement while improving cosmetic appearance.
Skin Grafting
Split-thickness or full-thickness skin grafts replace scarred or destroyed skin with healthy tissue harvested from another part of the body. This is the foundation of burn reconstruction.
Z-Plasty and W-Plasty
These geometric techniques rearrange scar tissue to interrupt the straight line of a scar, reducing tension and improving both the appearance and flexibility of the scar area.
Tissue Expansion
A balloon-like device is placed under healthy skin near the scar and gradually inflated over weeks. The stretched skin is then used to replace the scarred area, providing tissue that closely matches the surrounding skin in colour and texture.
Laser Resurfacing
For appropriate scars, laser therapy can improve texture, colour, and pliability without surgery, often used as part of a comprehensive scar management programme.
