Plastic & Burn surgery
What is Plastic & Burn Surgery?
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is broad surgical subspecialty that, unlike other surgical specialties, isn’t confined to a single organ system. As a result, it is a technically demanding and naturally creative field that is constantly changing and re-inventing itself. Plastic surgeons treat pathologies that range from congenital anomalies to cancer, trauma and degenerative or autoimmune conditions. Additionally, plastic surgeons are inherent team players since they must constantly work alongside other specialties like general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopedic surgery otolaryngology and urology to reconstruct any anomalies or defects in the body.
Cosmetic
As defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1989, “Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem.” Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery includes various rejuvenating procedures to treat structures of the face (e.g., facelift for age-related changes, rhinoplasty for a large nose, blepharoplasty for excess eyelid skin), as well as other parts of the body including but not limited to the breast (e.g., breast augmentation) and abdomen (e.g., abdominoplasty following pregnancy). The field also includes the use of various injectables, such as fillers and neurotoxins, to address asymmetries and age-related changes. Trainees are able to pursue further fellowship training in the field if they so desire.
Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is a surgical technique employed by plastic surgeons to transfer hair follicles from one part of the body, the donor site, to a deficient recipient site. This minimally invasive procedure may be used in areas of balding, or to restore eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic or chest hair. It can also be used to fill areas of scarring from prior injuries or surgeries.
Gender-Affirming Surgery
Gender-affirming surgery is a surgical procedure by which a transgender person’s physical appearance and function of their existing sexual characteristics are altered to resemble those socially associated with their identified gender. This includes facial feminization or masculinization, breast augmentation or mastectomy.
Hand/Peripheral Nerve
Plastic surgeons may care for both pediatric and adult patients with hand/upper extremity deformities related to traumatic, oncologic and congenital/syndromic etiologies. Traumatic cases may necessitate not only bony fixation, but possibly replantation of all or part of the hand and upper extremity. In addition, nerve and tendon repairs and transfers are important techniques for the restoration of sensation and function to the upper extremity. Trainees may pursue additional fellowship training in this field.
Migraine Surgery
Migraine pain can be debilitating and is instigated by the irritation of vessels, nerves and other soft tissues. Plastic surgeons can play a critical role in the treatment of migraines. Various novel treatment approaches have been developed, including endoscopic and direct surgical release of nerve triggers.
Nerve Surgery
Plastic surgeons perform nerve surgeries to treat a variety of conditions. Various applications of nerve surgery include brachial plexus surgery, facial reanimation, repair following traumatic injury, targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interface. These various modalities aim to improve quality of life in patients with either congenital, acquired or traumatic nerve pathologies.

Burn Surgery
A burn scar on your skin does not only spoil your appearance, but also hampers your self-confidence. You can undertake a plastic surgery in order to eliminate burn scars and burn marks. A burn repair surgery is an effective way to fix any previous or fresh burn scars. Although a burn scar cannot be totally eliminated, this surgery helps in improving basic functions and makes the scar less prominent or noticeable.
About Burn Repair Surgery: There are two types of burn repair surgeries. An acute burn surgery is carried out immediately after a burn injury has been inflicted. It is undertaken in a hospital by a team of surgeons who specialize in acute burn repair surgeries.
A re-constructive burn surgery is usually carried out after the initial burn scar heals. Re-constructive burn surgery aims at improving both the functional appearance and the cosmetic appearance of a burn scar. This form of burn surgery incorporates the modification of the scar tissue. The treatment procedure for scar tissues requires several months to be successful. New scar contractures may appear for a long time after an injury. Facial burn scars, which cause problems with the eyes, lips, nose and cause hair loss can be rectified. Abnormally thick, white and discolored scars can also be lightened by undergoing a burn repair surgery.
Procedure: The surgical procedure of burn repair surgery primarily involves scar release methods. After a tight scar has been released, the opening or incision made in the skin is repaired. Several techniques are applied for the purpose of closing the wounds. These include skin grafts and skin rearrangement or Z-plasty. Sometimes, more advanced flaps are required. This depends on the location of the scar and the desired results. Minor procedures are performed in the form of an outpatient surgery, but in case of larger grafts and flaps, inpatient facility is required.
After undergoing the surgery, you must follow your surgeon’s care instructions properly for effective healing. This would also enable you to have a long-term effect and improved appearance of burn scars. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon after the surgery are essential.
