Burns can be minor inconveniences, like a burn on your finger from touching a hot grill, or they can be life-threatening emergencies. Once the initial damage has been addressed, more severe burns will likely need plastic surgery to repair damaged areas of the skin.
Our highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery can provide you with burn care and treatment. Dial 616-459-1907 today to reach our Grand Rapids office.
What Are the Signs That a Burn Is a Medical Emergency?
There are times when a person has suffered a burn that is a medical emergency:
- Burns that cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, a major joint, or a large area of the body
- Deep burns, meaning a burn that affects all three layers of the skin
- Burns that cause the skin to look leathery
- Burns that appear charred or have patches of black, brown, or white
- Burns caused by chemicals or electricity
- Burns to the airway that cause difficulty breathing
If you or someone else experiences any of these signs, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.
What if I Have Been Treating My Burn at Home? When Should I See a Doctor for Burn Treatment?
If you’ve had a burn but have been treating it at home, these are instances when you would now need to see a doctor:
- Signs of infection, such as oozing from the wound, increased pain, redness, and swelling
- A burn or blister that’s large or that doesn’t heal in two weeks
- Significant scarring
- New, unexplained symptoms
What Are the Different Types of Burns?
Burns are categorized by type: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. These are classified in ascending order, with first-degree burns being the least severe and third-degree burns being the most severe.
First-degree Burns
These are the least severe, only damaging the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. As with a sunburn, the skin turns red and may feel warm and painful. There are no blisters or open wounds. First-degree burns can heal on their own without medical treatment.
Second-degree Burns
This type of burn affects both the epidermis and the dermis, the skin’s second layer. The burned area turns pink or red, is very moist, and develops blisters. These may heal on their own if the burn is not too deep. However, if they are deeper, the skin is likely to reopen. Skin grafting may be necessary.
Third-degree Burns
This burn reaches down to the fat layer, beneath the dermis. Burned areas may be black, brown, or white. The skin may look leathery. These burns may not be painful, as they can destroy the nerves in the skin. While very small third-degree burns may heal on their own, the process can take many months. Any third-degree burn larger than a fifty-cent piece must be grafted, or it will not heal.
What Are the Treatment Options for Severe Burns?
For severe burns, the patient may require breathing and feeding assistance. If the burn completely encircles a limb, the scab may cut off blood circulation, requiring the scar, called an eschar, to be cut.
To repair the severe burn after the patient has stabilized, plastic surgery will likely be necessary. This will employ skin grafts and other methods.
After skin grafts have been successful, other plastic surgery may be necessary to improve the appearance of the burn scars and to increase the flexibility of joints affected by scarring. A skin graft is a thin layer of skin taken from one area of a person’s body to cover another burned area of their skin. There are three kinds of skin grafts: sheet grafts, mesh grafts, and full-thickness grafts.
Sheet Grafts
These are solid pieces of skin that are attached over the burn with staples or stitches. They are used to cover smaller burned areas, such as on the face and hands. Once the graft is attached, it will turn from white to bright pink in about five days. This pink color is a sign that blood supply is forming in the grafted skin.
Mesh Grafts
Mesh grafts are used to cover larger areas of the body. The donor skin has been cut with a special tool to allow it to be spread over a larger area. The mesh graft has a diamond pattern and is attached over the burn with staples.
Full-thickness Grafts
Full-thickness grafts are used for the reconstruction of small areas that are prone to contractures, such as the hands or chin. These grafts consist of the full thickness of the skin, and they shrink the least compared to other grafts.
What Is Involved With Post-Treatment Burn Care?
Caring for your treated burn will be important to avoid infection and maintain the repair.
- Moisturizing: This is important to decrease the chances of developing blisters or skin tears. It also decreases itching and makes movement easier. We’ll talk about the right lotions for your situation.
- Blisters: Your newly healed skin is fragile. Blisters can form on the scar quite easily. They should be pierced and drained as soon as you notice them. Use a sterile needle to make a small hole and drain the blister onto a piece of gauze. Apply antibiotic ointment.
- Skin Tears: These occur when you bump into something, such as a countertop. Apply pressure for about 5 minutes until the bleeding stops. Wash the area and apply antibiotic ointment and a nonstick dressing.
- Ulcerations: These are breakdowns in the skin that occur across the bands of scar tissue around the shoulder, the front of the elbow, and the back of the knee. Movement can cause them. Try and keep the wound covered with a thin film of antibiotic ointment, especially when exercising.
What Happens if a Burn Is Left Untreated?
Minor burns can be treated at home and will usually heal within a couple of weeks. While they will likely heal if left untreated, they will probably heal quicker if treated. Treatments for first-degree burns would include soaking the burn in cool water, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen, applying aloe vera gel, and using the antibiotic ointment.
Second- and third-degree burns carry risks of infection if not appropriately treated. Second-degree burns need to be managed to speed healing, deal with blisters, and avoid scarring. Third-degree burns always need treatment. This will involve skin grafts and possible additional plastic surgery. Without it, beyond the intense risk of infection, these burns will heal with severe scarring and contracture.
Tetanus is a possible complication with untreated burns of all levels. This is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system.
Why Choose Elite Plastic Surgery?
At Elite Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, MI, your care is in the hands of a highly qualified team of board-certified surgeons with specialized training and decades of combined experience:
- Shannon Armstrong, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.: Board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, fellowship-trained at the internationally renowned Buncke Clinic, and a Clinical Assistant Professor with Michigan State University. His leadership roles as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Hand and Plastic Surgery reflect his dedication to advancing surgical care.
- Matthew Martin, M.D.: Board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast and body surgery, reconstructive procedures, and hand surgery. A Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, he was recognized as “Teaching Faculty of the Year” for his contributions to surgical education.
- Matthew P. Fahrenkopf, M.D.: Board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, fellowship-trained at the Mayo Clinic. He brings expertise in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, body contouring, and hand/wrist surgery, and is active in research and teaching through Michigan State University.
- William T. Cullen, M.D., F.A.C.S.: Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and contributes decades of experience to the team’s comprehensive approach to reconstructive procedures.
With over 40 years of combined experience, our surgeons provide thoughtful care for reconstructive and cosmetic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will It Take My Grafts to Heal After a Severe Burn?
When you have a skin graft, you’ll actually have two sites that need to heal: the burn site and the donor site. Skin grafts typically heal in two weeks to a month, as do donor sites.
How Do I Prepare for Reconstructive Surgery After a Burn?
Preparations for these surgeries are the same as with any surgery: stop taking blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and most supplements. You should also try to stop smoking for a month before and after your surgery.
Will My Burn Treatment Leave a Scar?
That depends on the severity and size of your scar. First- and second-degree burns rarely scar. They can result in a change of pigment on the skin that was burned. Third-degree burns will involve some scarring, but that’s where post-treatment plastic surgery with the expert team at Elite Plastic Surgery can make all the difference.
Can Burns Affect Muscles or Bones Beneath the Skin?
Yes. While most burns damage the skin, very deep burns can reach the underlying muscles, tendons, or even bone. These injuries are rare but serious, often requiring advanced reconstructive surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
How Do Doctors Decide Between a Skin Graft and Other Reconstructive Techniques?
The choice depends on the depth, size, and location of the burn. Smaller or more superficial wounds may heal with basic wound care, while deeper burns often require a skin graft. In complex cases, surgeons may recommend flap surgery or microsurgery.
What Role Does Physical Therapy Play in Burn Recovery?
Physical therapy is an important part of healing after severe burns. It helps prevent stiffness, restores movement in joints affected by scarring, and strengthens surrounding muscles. Therapy also supports long-term function and mobility.
Are There Treatments Available to Reduce Itching After a Burn Has Healed?
Yes. Itching is a common issue as new skin forms over a burn. Moisturizers, antihistamines, and silicone gel sheets can help. In some cases, your doctor may recommend pressure garments or laser therapy if itching is linked to scar tissue.
Can Laser Treatments Help Improve the Appearance of Burn Scars?
Laser therapy can smooth thickened scar tissue, reduce redness, and improve flexibility in stiff areas. It is not always the first step, but it can be an effective option once the burn has fully healed and stabilized.
How Long After a Burn Injury Should Reconstructive Surgery Be Considered?
Timing varies depending on the severity of the injury. Some reconstructive procedures are performed soon after the burn to stabilize the skin and prevent complications. Others, such as scar revisions or cosmetic improvements, may be delayed for months until the skin has fully healed.
What Our Patients Have to Say
“Very friendly and empathetic staff, professional and courteous, prompt & efficient yet not rushed. Various treatment options presented, not pushy to treat issue as to what doctor wants, more interested in treatment that patient feels best for the patient needs & wishes!” -D. J.
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Schedule Your Burn Care & Treatment Consultation in Grand Rapids, MI!
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our Burn Care and Treatment options, contact us today at 616-459-1907 or our toll-free number: 866-331-0612. Our practice serves Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.
