1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649 | 3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-05 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499 | Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565 | Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com

Burns, Scars And Complex Wound Management

Burns, scars and wounds are common problems in the realm of medicine and surgery. Whilst most of these are simple to treat and heal without too many issues, more severe burns, scars, and wounds can be extremely taxing on both the physician and patient, and require multi-modal management. Plastic surgeons are specialists trained to manage these conditions and can utilize the gamut of resources to help optimize healing for complex surgical issues.

BURNS

Burns

Burns are a common everyday problem. Most of us have experienced burns to a small degree that they do not cause major issue. However, when burns cover a larger area of the body or are more than just skin-deep, they can lead to dehydration, infection, prolonged healing, and bad scarring, leading to functional problems in the future. This is particularly pertinent in burns covering > 15% of the body surface area or involving sensitive areas such as the groin and hands. Also, where burns have been caused by more than fire and scalding, such as in electrical or chemical burns, specialist treatment must be sought to treat or rule out any untoward sequelae such as heart or electrolyte issues.
 
Can surgery treat burns?
Surgery for burns encompasses both the acute and chronic problems caused by burns. If the burn is deep and extensive, early surgery to clean the burns and apply specialized dressings (e.g., BiobraneTM) or skin grafts can help to hasten healing and reduce scarring. If burns get infected, surgery, along with antibiotic therapy, may be needed to clean the wounds to allow for unimpeded healing. Finally, once the burns have healed, they may cause cosmetic or functional issues, such as facial scarring or scar contractures in the joints. Plastic surgery can improve both appearance and function for all sorts of burns injuries.

What other treatments do burn injuries require?
While most small and shallow burns can be managed with dressings, deeper and larger burns may require surgery, as well as other treatments including antibiotic treatment, intensive care management, multi-disciplinary therapist management, and post-healing scar therapy.

What should I do if I sustain a burn?
If you sustain a burn which is larger than the size of your palm, and where there is blistering and skin loss, do seek medical advice. In instances where you may have inhaled fire-related smoke, sustained electrical or chemical burns, when you think you have been burned more deeply over a large surface area, or when your wounds are infected, seek treatment as soon as possible. GP clinics, polyclinics and emergency departments will be able to refer you to recommended plastic surgical services.

SCARS

Burns-Scars-1

Most wounds heal without too much issue. However, problems related to scars can arise in poorly opposed wounds, previously infected wounds, or deep wounds which are left to heal on their own. The formation of the scar is usually the result of ongoing inflammation, tension, and genetics. Bad scarring outcomes include hypertrophic scarring, keloid scarring, or pigmentary issues. These can cause itchiness, pain, and psychological distress. A common example of bad scarring are keloids that form at the ear lobe after ear piercing.

How can plastic surgeons help with bad scars?
From conservative to surgical options, plastic surgeons are well equipped to deal with bad scars.

Conservative management for scars includes the use of steroid injections, pressure therapy and topical scar treatment. Beyond these, advanced laser therapies can help reduce the appearance of blood vessels or pigment while resurfacing the scar.

In more severe cases or with scars that do not respond to conservative or laser treatment, surgery and/or radiotherapy can be considered. Utilizing plastic surgical techniques and meticulous suturing, the plastic surgeon can remove the scar and shift tissue from neighbouring areas to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Can bad scarring recur?
Even with the appropriate treatments, scars can be stubborn and recurrence rates may range from 10 to 50%. However, a qualified plastic surgeon can assess your scar and recommend a treatment plan to help reduce this risk greatly.

COMPLEX WOUND MANAGEMENT

Wounds

Complex wounds refer to wounds that cannot simply be closed, those involving multiple tissue layers, or chronic non-healing wounds. Quite often, patients with complex wounds have multiple medical problems such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, which can further complicate the wound healing process. Complex wounds require multi-modality treatment, which the plastic surgeon is adept at coordinating and managing.

The treatment plan for complex wounds can include modern dressing materials including negative pressure wound therapy, revascularization with the aid of an interventional vascular specialist, and long-term antibiotic therapy for chronic wound infections. Ultimately, surgery for these wounds would often require advanced reconstructive techniques, ranging from grafts to flaps and even reconstructive microsurgery. The ultimate goal is to return the best quality of life possible to the patient in the shortest space of time.

For more information on specific areas of reconstruction, do refer to the different reconstructive surgery subheadings. A consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons can help with assessment of your wound and formulating an appropriate treatment plan.

Why choose Polaris Plastic Surgery?

Our surgeons have ample experience with burns and complex surgeries. Dr Adrian spent much of his career training at the Singapore General Hospital, where the SEA regional burns unit is situated, and has a firm grasp on management of complex surgical issues utilizing the entire reconstructive ladder. Both of our doctors work closely with other medical and surgical specialists as well as therapists to achieve satisfactory outcomes for your condition.

References
1. Ooi, A., Chang, D. (2017). 5-step harvest of supraclavicular lymph nodes as vascularized free tissue transfer for treatment of lymphedema. Journal of surgical oncology 115(1), 63 - 67.

2. Chang, D. W., Suami, H. & Skoracki, R. A Prospective Analysis of 100 Consecutive Lymphovenous Bypass Cases for Treatment of Extremity Lymphedema. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 132, 1305–1314 (2013).

3. Garza, R., Ooi, A., Falk, J., Chang, D. (2019). The Relationship Between Clinical and Indocyanine Green Staging in Lymphedema Lymphatic Research and Biology 17(3), 329-333.

4. Nguyen, A., Chang, E., Chang, D. (2013). Simultaneous Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer with Microvascular Breast Reconstruction Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 132(), 22.

PATIENT STORIES

Post Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring

A 40-year-old lady consulted with Dr Pek with the desire to correct large amounts of excess skin and soft tissue. She had undergone Bariatric Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) 2 years prior to her presentation and had successfully lost almost 30kg of weight. With ... Read more

Treating Gynecomastia – Correct Male Breasts through minimally invasive techniques

A 38-year-old male engineer presented to Dr Pek with symptomatic growth of his chest/breast area. Since puberty, he complained of unusually prominent chest tissue around his nipple and areolar region. This had worsened gradually over the years, with the left ... Read more

Upper eyelid lift and eyebags rejuvenation

63 years old Chinese female with hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented to Dr Pek with significant droopiness of her upper eyelids on both sides, affecting the upper portion of her visual field. She would constantly feel that her upper eyelids were heavy, ... Read more

Bilateral breast reconstruction using abdominal free flaps

A 45-year-old mother of 2 children was diagnosed with left breast cancer, for which a skin-sparing mastectomy (total removal of breast tissue leaving behind the skin envelope) was recommended. Read more

ARTICLES

October 04, 2024

Plastic surgery has become increasingly common in ...

September 17, 2024

Plastic surgery's popularity in Singapore has grown ...

September 06, 2024

Chronic leg swelling can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, ...

July 31, 2024

Imagine waking up every day with a persistent, heavy ...

July 30, 2024

Breast enhancement procedures are among the most popular ...

July 01, 2024

Whether driven by the desire for cosmetic improvements or ...

Contact Form

© COPYRIGHT 2021. POLARIS PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRIVACY POLICY

Learn more about Dr Adrian Ooi, Dr Pek Chong Han and the team