A burn is the disruption of the continuity of the skin caused by the action of external factors characterized by high temperature (fire, hot water, hot air, sources of heat emission) or by corrosive action (chemical substances, etc.).
In its acute phase, a burn constitutes a multisystem disease that affects the body as a whole (renal, hepatic, and respiratory function) and, depending on its severity, may even lead to the death of the burn patient.
Plastic surgery deals both with the management of the acute phase of burns and with the reconstruction of the late phase, including all the associated problems that may arise.
The most common problems in the late phase involve the surgical treatment of deforming scars that develop due to severe contractures at the burn sites. These scars may cause limited mobility of the limbs, restricted movement of the head, difficulty in chewing, walking, or performing normal hand functions.
The surgical procedures required may be complex and multiple operations may be necessary in order to achieve the final functional outcome in the affected areas. In addition to classical plastic surgery techniques, the use of tissue expanders (balloon-like devices) is often required in order to facilitate the creation of additional skin.
Both the patient and the physician must be patient, as the resolution of reconstructive skin problems may require a long period of collaboration and treatment.