Keratin and Chemical Hair Treatment Burns: Causes and Medical Care

Hair smoothing and straightening treatments are widely used to achieve sleek, manageable hair. Procedures such as keratin treatments and chemical relaxers can produce cosmetic benefits, but when improperly applied or excessively strong, they may cause significant scalp injury. One of the most serious complications is a chemical burn.

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami, patient safety and medically sound treatment guide every clinical decision. Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than twenty years of experience serving the Miami, Florida community. As Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mercy Hospital and a member of the American Burn Association, Dr. Zaydon has extensive expertise in evaluating and treating skin and soft tissue injuries, including chemical burns.

This article explains how keratin and chemical hair treatment burns occur, their symptoms, and the appropriate medical care required for safe recovery.

Understanding Keratin and Chemical Hair Treatments

Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments are designed to smooth and reduce frizz by coating the hair shaft with a protein solution that is sealed with heat. Some formulations may release chemical vapors during the heating process. If the product comes into direct contact with the scalp, especially under high temperatures, it can cause irritation or chemical injury.

Chemical Relaxers and Straighteners

Chemical relaxers permanently alter the structure of hair by breaking down disulfide bonds within the hair shaft. These products often contain strong alkaline agents. If misused, they can damage the scalp and surrounding tissues.

Risk increases when:

Both keratin treatments and relaxers can result in superficial irritation or deeper partial thickness burns, depending on exposure time and chemical concentration.

How Chemical Scalp Burns Occur

A chemical burn happens when a corrosive substance damages skin cells and underlying tissue. The scalp is particularly vulnerable because:

As a plastic surgeon and expert in soft tissue injury, Dr. Zaydon emphasizes that even brief exposure to strong chemicals can result in tissue damage if the skin barrier is compromised.

Signs and Symptoms of Chemical Hair Treatment Burns

Symptoms may appear immediately or within several hours after exposure. They include:

More severe burns may damage hair follicles, increasing the risk of scarring and permanent hair loss.

Classification of Chemical Scalp Burns

Chemical burns are classified according to depth:

Superficial Burns

These affect the outermost layer of skin. Redness and mild discomfort are common. Healing typically occurs within several days with proper care.

Partial Thickness Burns

These extend deeper into the skin and may cause blistering, significant pain, and swelling. Medical treatment is often required to prevent infection and scarring.

Full-Thickness Burns

These destroy all layers of skin and may damage underlying tissue. Though uncommon with cosmetic procedures, they require urgent surgical evaluation.

Accurate assessment by a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential in determining severity and guiding treatment.

Immediate First Aid Measures

If a chemical burn is suspected:

  1. Rinse the scalp thoroughly with lukewarm running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Avoid applying oils, creams, or home remedies.
  3. Do not attempt to apply neutralizing agents unless instructed by a medical professional.
  4. Seek prompt medical evaluation if pain, blistering, or swelling persists.

Early irrigation can significantly reduce tissue damage.

Medical Treatment for Chemical Scalp Burns

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami, management focuses on preserving healthy tissue, preventing infection, and minimizing long term complications.

Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation

Dr. Zaydon conducts a detailed examination to determine burn depth, surface area involvement, and early signs of infection. His experience in reconstructive and burn related care supports precise diagnosis.

Topical Therapies

Treatment may include:

Pain Management

Appropriate analgesic therapy may be recommended depending on burn severity.

Monitoring for Complications

Burned skin is more susceptible to bacterial infection. Increasing redness, warmth, discharge, fever, or worsening pain requires immediate attention.

Hair Follicle and Scar Assessment

In cases where hair shedding occurs, follow-up evaluation determines whether regrowth is expected. If scarring develops, reconstructive options may be discussed.

Potential Complications

Without proper medical management, chemical scalp burns may result in:

Dr. Zaydon’s background in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures allows for comprehensive management of both functional and aesthetic concerns following injury.

Prevention Strategies

While treatment is available, prevention remains essential:

Patients with a history of eczema, psoriasis, or prior scalp injury should consult a physician before undergoing chemical hair treatments.

Why Specialist Care Matters

Chemical burns involve complex tissue responses. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Zaydon brings extensive surgical judgment and clinical experience to burn assessment and management. His role as an expert medical advisor and plastic surgery consultant further reflects his commitment to objective, evidence-based care.

Prompt evaluation by an experienced physician improves healing outcomes and reduces the likelihood of permanent damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How soon should I see a doctor after a chemical scalp burn?

If you experience persistent pain, blistering, swelling, or open wounds, you should seek medical evaluation promptly, ideally within 24 hours.

2. Can hair grow back after a chemical burn?

Hair typically regrows after superficial burns. However, deep burns that scar hair follicles may lead to permanent hair loss.

3. Are at-home keratin kits safer than salon treatments?

Not necessarily. Improper application, lack of professional training, and incorrect timing can increase the risk of injury.

4. Can chemical scalp burns become infected?

Yes. Damaged skin is vulnerable to bacterial infection. Signs include pus, increasing redness, fever, or worsening pain.

5. Can plastic surgery help if scarring occurs?

In selected cases, reconstructive techniques may improve the appearance and function of scarred areas. Evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine appropriate options.

When to Seek Specialist Care for Scalp or Skin Burns After a Salon Appointment

Hair coloring, chemical straightening, keratin smoothing, and heat styling treatments are widely performed in professional salons. While most procedures are completed safely, improper application, prolonged chemical exposure, or excessive heat can result in scalp or skin burns. Recognizing when irritation requires specialist medical care is essential to prevent long term complications.

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami, patients receive expert evaluation and treatment for soft tissue injuries, including chemical and thermal burns. Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than twenty years of experience in Miami, Florida. He is Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mercy Hospital, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Burn Association. His background in reconstructive and burn care allows for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of salon-related injuries.

This article explains how salon burns occur, which symptoms require specialist evaluation, and how timely treatment protects both skin health and cosmetic outcomes.

How Salon-Related Burns Occur

Burn injuries after salon appointments typically fall into two categories:

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns result from exposure to strong substances used in hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, or smoothing treatments. These products can damage skin if:

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns are caused by excessive heat from styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, or hooded dryers. High temperatures applied directly to the scalp, ears, neck, or forehead can injure the skin within seconds.

Both types of burns may range from mild irritation to deeper tissue injury.

Early Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Mild discomfort immediately after a treatment may not always indicate serious injury. However, certain warning signs suggest more serious damage and the need for medical evaluation.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Pain that intensifies rather than improves is a particularly important warning sign.

Understanding Burn Severity

Burns are classified by depth, which determines the need for specialist care.

Superficial Burns

These involve only the outer layer of skin. Symptoms include redness and mild tenderness. They often improve within several days with proper wound care.

Partial Thickness Burns

These extend deeper and may cause blistering, swelling, and significant pain. The risk of infection increases at this stage. Specialist evaluation is recommended to prevent scarring and hair follicle damage.

Full-Thickness Burns

These destroy all layers of the skin and may damage underlying tissue. Although uncommon after salon procedures, they require urgent surgical assessment.

Because scalp skin contains hair follicles and sebaceous glands, deeper burns can lead to permanent hair loss if not treated promptly.

When Specialist Care Is Essential

While minor irritation may resolve with supportive care, specialist evaluation is important under the following circumstances:

1. Blistering or Open Wounds

Blisters indicate at least partial thickness injury. Open areas increase infection risk and require medical management.

2. Severe or Worsening Pain

Persistent or escalating pain suggests deeper tissue involvement.

3. Signs of Infection

These include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever.

4. Hair Loss in the Affected Area

Damage to hair follicles may cause temporary or permanent shedding. Early assessment improves the likelihood of recovery.

5. Large Surface Area Involvement

Burns covering a significant portion of the scalp or extending to the face, neck, or ears should be evaluated promptly.

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami, Dr. Zaydon performs a thorough examination to determine burn depth and tissue viability. His experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures allows him to balance medical treatment with preservation of aesthetic outcomes.

What to Expect During a Specialist Evaluation

During your appointment, Dr. Zaydon will:

Treatment may include prescription topical medications, protective wound dressings, pain management, and close follow-up monitoring. In rare cases of deeper injury, surgical intervention may be discussed to minimize scarring.

Risks of Delaying Care

Delaying specialist evaluation can lead to:

Early medical intervention significantly reduces these risks and promotes optimal healing.

Immediate First Aid Steps Before Medical Evaluation

If you suspect a chemical or heat burn:

  1. Rinse the affected area gently with lukewarm water if chemicals are involved.
  2. Avoid applying oils, heavy creams, or home remedies.
  3. Do not puncture blisters.
  4. Seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen.

These steps help limit further tissue damage until professional care is obtained.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Burns affecting the scalp and visible areas of the skin require careful management to preserve both function and appearance. As a certified expert medical advisor in Florida and an experienced plastic surgery consultant, Dr. Zaydon brings decades of clinical judgment to the evaluation of injury-related cases. His leadership roles and hospital affiliations reflect a commitment to excellence in care.

Patients benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies designed to promote healing while minimizing long-term cosmetic concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my scalp irritation is serious?

If redness progresses to blistering, open sores, severe pain, or hair loss, you should seek specialist evaluation promptly.

2. Can salon burns cause permanent hair loss?

Yes. Deep burns that scar hair follicles may lead to permanent hair loss. Early treatment improves the likelihood of regrowth.

3. Should I treat a salon burn at home first?

Mild irritation may improve with gentle care, but worsening pain, blistering, or infection signs of infection require medical assessment

4. How soon should I see a specialist after a burn?

If symptoms persist beyond a few hours or worsen, seek evaluation within 24 hours.

5. Can scarring from scalp burns be treated?

In many cases, reconstructive and cosmetic procedures may improve scar appearance. An in person evaluation is necessary to determine appropriate options.

How To Improve Your Sunscreen

Importance of Sunscreen in Harsh Summer Conditions

With summer now in full effect, and with the harsh conditions of the latest ongoing heat waves plaguing the country these last few days, we should take heed in improving our skin care and protecting our skin from these harsh conditions. 

With so many sunscreen products on the market today, how do we know which one, or ones, to choose from? 

To help our patients to both navigate through all the available options, and also to select the right sunscreen for their skin type and to use them correctly and effectively can be a challenge. 

Making Sunscreen Usage Habitual: Incorporating it into Daily Routines

Many doctors have stated that the key to successful usage of sunscreen is to make it habitual and part of a patient's daily routine. By creating a daily routine, such as placing their sunscreen product next to something they use on a daily basis, such as a hairbrush for example, this would act as a daily reminder and can increase sunscreen usage so much more. 

The right sunscreen, as well as the right information about sunscreens, is very important to give to patients. Misinformation about the different sunscreen products may confuse patients into believing that the wrong information is causing them to be misled, as well as trying a product that is not right for them. 

How To Improve Your Sunscreen

Exploring New and Effective Sunscreen Ingredients

Technology is evolving every day and new products with better ingredients are emerging on the horizon. These are not just safe for us to use, but are also effective in protecting our skin. One such ingredient is the use of Bemotrizinol, which is currently being used in cosmetics, and is also being considered and being tested for over-the-counter sunscreens by the Food & Drug Administration. 

Another way to guide patients in making the right choice regarding the appropriate sunscreen product is by educating them with the proper materials and facts. 

For example, it is recommended that for daily use an individual should use a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protector Factor (SPF) of at least 30 or more. Individuals who will be doing outdoors activities, such as exercise, the use of a sunscreen product with an SPF of at least 50 or greater is highly recommended. For individuals with darker skin types it is recommended that the use of a tinted sunscreen product, which can block out visible light to avoid hyperpigmentation, be utilized. 

Personalize Sunscreen for Individual Skin Types

Another key factor to help improve your sunscreen product and its use would be having accessibility and personalizing sunscreen for patients. Most sunscreens on the market today can be very expensive and end up being a financial burden on some patients being able to afford. Even in a neighborhood pharmacy a more reasonably priced sunscreen can be okay, but may not fit what you truly need for proper skin protection. This is why it is important to have a more focused and individualized sunscreen personalized to fit your specific skin type, as foundations in cosmetics are today. 

Some companies are even looking for alternatives to sunscreens by using organic or in-organic sunscreen filters. Of course, like with everything else in this world, organic and in-organic sunscreen filters have their own pros and cons, so researchers continue their daily search in finding new alternatives, such as using fruit and vegetable peels. Studies have shown that the metabolites in plants have not only antioxidant properties in them, but can also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well. 

In addition, they can also absorb UV radiation, so this gives new hope in possibly using these fruit and vegetable peels as UV filters. More research has to be done, but so far these alternatives are very promising for the future. 

Conclusion: Encouraging Informed Sunscreen Use

In Summary, it is important to bridge the line between facts about sunscreen to patients to make educated choices for themselves, and voicing and addressing their concerns about their safety. 

It is important to listen to patients' concerns and to offer new treatments when available, while also reminding them that this should always be part of their daily routine together with their own skincare regimens. 

Talk to Dr. Zaydon – our burn specialist doctor in Miami

Dr. Zaydon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Zaydon offers a comprehensive range of advanced techniques and treatments tailored to your unique needs. Some of the treatment services he offers include the following:

In addition, Dr. Zaydon serves as an expert witness on liability cases around the country. He has reviewed many cases and has served as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant. He is also certified as an Expert Medical Advisor.

Contact us now to learn more about Dr. Zaydon’s consultancy work or reconstructive surgical services.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Barbeque (B-B-Q) Burns and Scars - How to Treat Them

Who says barbecuing is only great during the warm summer season? Grilling is actually much more fun amidst the cool autumn air as the family huddles over a mini bonfire at night. But as you use your trusty gas grill, it’s still important to consider the dangers and injuries of barbecue grilling.

For example, accidents can happen as you keep the gas running while lighting the burners. Explosions and fires can also start due to gas grill manufacturing defects, propane leaks, poorly installed gas lines, or accidentally breaking the grill and its line. 

In fact, the National Fire Protection Association reported about 10,600 cases of home grill accidents that resulted in outdoor fires and the destruction of home structures. Moreover, of this number, about 64% are associated with fire injuries, of which burns and scars were the most prevalent. 

Read below to learn more about bbq burns and scars and how to treat such injuries. 

What are the three types of barbecue burns?

Burns are the most common grilling-related injuries. A survey even suggests that burn incidents (due to gas grilling) treated in the ER rose by 18% over the past ten years. A barbecue burn can be caused by several different reasons, such as the following:

Most bbq burns can result in various injuries, such as mild blisters, corneal burns, or full-on burns, mostly on the upper extremity. There are also three types of burn injuries depending on their severity, and they are as follows:

First degree burn

A first-degree burn refers to the simplest type of burn wherein only the superficial or epidermis layer of the skin gets injured. It is a mild burn injury that can cause milder symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and redness in the affected skin. 

Since only the topmost layer was burned, the pain and redness will peel away, which means it’s already starting to heal. This usually happens after a day or two of the incident. 

However, if a large area of the skin gets first-degree burns, then you might experience much more pain and swelling. Plus, such injuries usually heal a lot slower than smaller first-degree burns. 

Second degree burn

A second-degree burn refers to burn injuries that affect both the epidermis and dermis (deeper layers composed of soft tissues, blood vessels, and nerve endings)  part of the skin. This type of injury causes mild to moderate pain, swelling, and other distinct symptoms, such as:

Additionally, second-degree burns can leave different kinds of scars, such as hypertrophic, contracture, or keloid. The type of scar it will produce will depend on its severity, location, and how it was treated. 

Third degree burns

A third-degree burn or full-thickness burn is an injury that damages the epidermis and the entire layer of the dermis. It is the most severe type of burn that can also injure the tendons, fats, bones, and other body structures underneath. What’s worse is that it can also destroy the vasculature and nerve endings in the area. 

A third-degree burn can make the skin look waxy white, charred black, leathery, or tan. It can also have the features of a second-degree burn, such as blistering and moist skin. 

Most people who experience full-thickness burns do not experience pain and discomfort since the nerve endings are already damaged. However, they do need immediate medical attention as this is a severe type of injury that can lead to severe health complications. 

How to treat burns and scars from BBQ incidents?

Barbecue burns involve different kinds of treatment techniques depending on the type of burn, severity, and location. Mild burns can be treated using home remedies, while moderate to severe injuries warrant a visit to the emergency department or specialist.

First aid treatment

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you can treat a minor first or second-degree burn using these first-aid home remedies. Here’s what you can do during such an injury:

Make sure not to pop blisters or peel the fraying skin. Let the injured area heal on its own. If the blisters pop on their own, you can avoid infection by cleaning the area with soap and water. Then, cover the resulting wound with fresh bandages. 

Medical treatment for bbq burns

A third-degree burn, large first-degree burn, or severe second-degree burn should warrant an immediate visit to the hospital. Treatment can range from medical first aid, medications, therapy, surgery, and skin grafting. 

Moderate to severe burns usually leave permanent scarring in the skin as a result of the dying cells and collagen reparation. But once the initial medical treatment is done, you can seek the best plastic surgeon for bbq burns to help improve the appearance of your burn scar.

Burn scar treatment

Plastic surgery is often an important and necessary part of the treatment plan of patients who suffer from severe burns. Burn injuries that affect the face or a large body area can potentially leave scarring that can reduce joint mobility and cause itching and sometimes pain. 

Besides physical disability, scarring due to barbecue burns can also alter a person's appearance. This results in lowered self-confidence, emotional scarring, and poor quality of life.  

A plastic surgeon, like Dr. Zaydon, can help reduce your symptoms and improve scar appearance using scar revision procedures, such as:

Scar revision procedures can also work on different types of burn injuries, such as scalding. For example, if you went to a drive-thru and the hot soup or coffee you ordered suddenly spilled. This will definitely lead to burn injuries that would result in scarring. 

expert witness plastic surgeon

Consult with the best plastic surgeon for bbq burns and scars

Dr. Thomas Zaydon specializes in the treatment of burns and scars using scar revision and reconstructive surgical techniques. Dr. Zaydon can also help victims of burn accidents that result in permanent scarring, as he is also an expert in the medico-legal side of plastic surgery. Some of his services include the following:

Contact us now to learn more!

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Plastic Surgery For Soup and Coffee Burns

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do things. Because of the new health and safety protocols to curb the spread of infection, the world has been forced to limit its movements and adapt to the “new normal.”

Drive-thru restaurants and fast-food chains have been around long before the pandemic began. They are convenient and let you buy food on the go. And with the world battling a contagious respiratory disease, the drive-thru ordering system has made it possible to get food without risking contamination.

Unfortunately, ordering and eating hot food and beverages in the car has its risks as well. In fact, our clinic has seen a surge of burn patients since the onset of the pandemic. Patients usually come in with painful burns and unattractive scars caused by spilling hot soup and coffee they bought from drive-thru restaurants.

 

First aid treatment for thermal burns:

Burns can be classified according to their source:

plastic surgery for a burn

Soup and coffee burns are considered thermal burns. They may get worse if not treated promptly.

If you have been burned by something hot, like soup or coffee, here are some first aid measures you can do:

 

When should I go to the ER?

A thermal burn is considered an emergency if it covers more than 20% of the body’s surface area. Burns this large can cause you to lose a lot of fluids and go into shock. You should ask someone to call 911 if you are having trouble breathing.

Seek immediate medical attention if:

 

What are the types of burns according to severity?

The severity of a burn injury can be classified based on the depth or the skin layers involved.

Partial-thickness burn

Third-degree burns

 

Do all types of burns leave a scar?

No. First-degree burns heal in 5 to 10 days without scarring, while superficial partial-thickness burns heal in 3 weeks with minimal scarring.

On the other hand, deep partial-thickness burns heal within 2 months and can leave significant scarring. Full-thickness burns are the most severe. They usually take more than 2 months to heal, and the wound often requires skin grafting.

 

Plastic surgery treatment for burn scars

The treatment for major burns depends on its location and classification. Severe burns generally leave distinct and disfiguring scars and can even limit the function of a body part. The best way to correct these complications is through plastic surgery.

Depending on the type of scar and the degree of scarring, our plastic surgeon may consider the following options:

 

Why should you consider getting plastic surgery for a burn scar?

Plastic surgery for burns is a good option for you if you want to experience the following benefits:

 

Plastic surgery not only improves the appearance of scars; it can also enhance the function of a body part. Patients who suffered from second and third-degree burns that involve the joints and the face may develop scar contractures in which the burned skin becomes tight and restricts movement.

The procedure can also improve your self-image. A 2020 study published in the Textbook on Scar Management journal has highlighted the harmful consequences of burn injuries to patients' psychological well-being. According to this study, women find it harder to cope with the after-effects of the injury as their appearance contributes to their self-esteem and self-worth. 

Each burn injury case requires a unique and individualized plastic surgery approach. Get in touch with our plastic surgeon consultant to find out what treatment options fit your needs and can help you reach your goals.

 

Scar revision for burn scars

Soup and coffee burns, or scalds, may affect a large area of the skin. A thick and sticky consistency can lead to more severe scalds and, consequently, worse scarring.

Scar revision surgery aims to treat and minimize the appearance of scars so that they are less obvious. Our plastic surgeon and burns specialist performs different techniques to even out depressed, raised, discolored, and textured scars so that the injured skin blends in with the patient’s healthy skin.

Patients undergoing a scar revision are given local or general anesthesia. The procedure may involve the following advanced techniques:

 

Who are good candidates for scar revision surgery?

Scar revision not only improves the appearance of the scar; it can also improve the function of the affected body part. You answer to the following questions can help determine if you are a good candidate for this reconstructive procedure:

If you answer “yes” to these questions, scar revision surgery may be a good option for you.

 

Where can I get plastic surgery for scars in Miami?

If you are looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon who can improve the appearance of your burn scars, you may want to consider the expertise of Dr. Thomas Zaydon. He specializes in reconstructive surgery and has decades of professional experience treating burns of varying severity for functional and aesthetic reasons.

Dr. Zaydon offers various types of plastic surgery procedures, including:

And more!

Dr. Zaydon also serves as a workers compensation plastic surgeon and a plastic surgery expert witness for liability cases. He has reviewed many legal documents and has served as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant. 

If you like to book an appointment or want more information, please Contact Us.

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Can a Third Degree Burn Heal on Its Own?

A third-degree burn is also called a "full-thickness burn." It involves at least two full layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. Some fat, nerve, muscle, and bone damage are also observed in many patients. The burned tissue may look white or yellow, sometimes brown or black. 

According to experts, third-degree burns have diminished pain or do not hurt at all. This is because the burn has destroyed the nerve endings on the skin. Because the damage is bad, plastic surgery for 3rd degree burns is a necessity to repair the burned skin to some extent.

 

Third Degree Burn Healing

Despite the absence of pain, a third-degree burn is the most severe type. As such, there's a minimal chance that the burn will heal on its own. In most cases, to heal a third-degree burn requires surgery and another procedure called a skin graft, one of the many effective methods for scar removal in Miami.

 

Skin Graft Basics

Skin grafts entail removing some healthy skin from an area of the body to be transplanted to the burned area. A skin graft may need to be done part by part, depending on the extent of the burn.

This procedure is especially needed if the burn victim is experiencing: 

It's not possible to use the skin of another person because there's a possibility of rejection, unless for temporary use only. It is best if the skin to be used came from the burn victim's own body. 

Types of Skin Grafts

A split-thickness skin graft might be needed to heal a burn with a large surface area. This is the most common procedure since its rejection rate is lower. The donor skin is usually harvested from the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and the back. According to a study in the journal Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, split-thickness skin graft has an 85 to 93 percent success rate at the hands of an expert plastic surgeon.

A full-thickness skin graft is ideal for smaller burns, small wounds, and very visible burns, such as facial burns. Donor sites for this procedure are the forearm, the abdomen, the groin, and the skin above the collarbone. 

Skin graft procedures are usually scheduled, so patients will have time to plan their surgery. The duration of hospital stay will depend on the progress of the healing of the burn site and the donor site.

 

The Outcome of Skin Grafts 

Healing and recovery after the skin graft procedure is on a case to case basis. Typically, however, experts estimate the healing time at about two weeks, if there’s no infection or other complications. 

After the procedure, the burn patient will have to work with a team of doctors and experts to help with the recovery process. To achieve the desired results, the patient may undergo plastic surgery for 3rd degree burns to ensure that the tissue will completely heal and keep the scarring minimal.

 

Learn more about Dr. Zaydon and scar removal in Miami

Dr. Zaydon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Zaydon serves as an expert witness on liability cases around the country. He has reviewed many cases and has served as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant.

 

Dr. Zaydon offers several ways to remove a scar so your options are not limited. For inquiries, Contact Us.

 

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

How Plastic Surgery can Help Hand Burn Patients

A small burn on the skin can often leave scars that take longer to heal and restore. But imagine someone whose hands have been severely deformed and disfigured after a tragic burn accident or injury and you'll understand why plastic surgery of burned skin is a necessary procedure for these burn patients. 

According to the American Burn Association, 96.8 percent of burn patients actually survive their harrowing ordeal. However, many of these patients will have to live with life-long scarring, chronic pain and discomfort because of their acquired and unwanted deformity. 

Living With Hand Burn Deformities

According to Dr. Zaydon, a burn specialist doctor Miami, the hands are most susceptible to contracture deformity after a burn incident. This refers to a chronic loss of mobility, function, and structure since a contracture may affect the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

In some cases, the contracture of the hand may turn into a major disability that will require several reconstructive surgeries. Thus, many burn patients need to adjust to the way their hands appear and function after the injury. 

Needless to say, this adjustment process can be most challenging physically and mentally. Studies show that patients with hand burn deformities develop a negative body image. As well as having to come to terms with the disfigurement and disability, they may also experience rejection and isolation from other people.

Reconstructive Surgery Hand Burn Deformities

While reconstruction and plastic surgery of the burned skin may not completely restore the injured hand to the way it was before the burn happened, it can still help improve the patient's quality of life. For one thing, since the hands are always exposed, the plastic surgeon may perform reconstruction procedures to improve the appearance of the injury, with which the patient can be comfortable.

Plastic surgery may also bring back the hand's ability to grab, grasp, and grip objects or perform a range of motion by making the joints more flexible. For some burn patients, further plastic surgery may be necessary to correct tissue components or scar tissues that make it impossible to use the hands. It might be necessary for the plastic surgeon to perform skin replacement as well. 

Following the surgical procedures, burn patients must continue with physiotherapy to fully benefit from the restoration. Since the scars may contract, physiotherapy performed several times a day can prevent this from happening. 

Learn more about Dr. Zaydon - a burn specialist doctor in Miami

Dr. Zaydon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Zaydon serves as an expert witness on liability cases around the country. He has reviewed many cases and has served as an expert witness for both plaintiff and defendant.

Dr. Zaydon offers several ways to remove a scar so your options are not limited. For inquiries, Contact Us.

 

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.