Facial Burn Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Information About Facial Burn Plastic Surgery with Dr. Andrew Jacono in New York, NY

What Is Facial Burn Plastic Surgery?

Unfortunately, burn injuries account for more than 100,000 hospital admissions per year. The most commonly affected age groups are toddlers (ages 2 through 4) and adolescents (ages 17 through 25). Injuries to the head and neck make up approximately 50% of all severe burn injuries.

Burns of any kind can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. They can make victims feel insecure or unhappy in their own bodies. This is why many burn victims opt for some form of cosmetic surgical treatment.

In recent years, many new, specialized burn centers have opened their doors. These centers offer excellent immediate help to victims of acute burn injuries. They have also dramatically decreased the rate of burn-related deaths.

Even with prompt attention in the aftermath, however, burn survivors are often left with functional impairment. This includes drooling, neck contracture, corneal exposure, nasal airway blockage, and lip incompetence. Worse, burn injuries to the face may cause aesthetic distortion, which can worsen emotional distress. Although disfiguring burn scars cannot be entirely erased, they can be significantly improved in both cosmetic and functional ways.

In some cases, repaired burn injuries may be nearly undetectable. Although there are no absolute guarantees, Dr. Jacono almost always makes visible, lasting changes that satisfy his patients.

How Long Does Facial Reconstructive Surgery for Burns Take?

The length of reconstructive surgery depends on a number of factors. These include the extent and severity of burns, the surgeon’s skill, and burn locations.

Milder burns, or burns that cover a smaller area, may only require a few hours of surgery. More severe burns, on the other hand, require more significant surgical intervention and more time to treat. Similarly, a surgeon without expertise in burn surgery will take more time to perform surgery. They may also offer unsatisfactory results.

Dr. Jacono is a world-renowned specialist in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He not only improves the facial aesthetics of burn victims but restores lost or damaged functions. These include speaking, chewing, eyelid movement, and head and neck movement. Dr. Jacono has pioneered and mastered techniques that other surgeons do not have the training to perform.

Frequently Asked Facial Burn Reconstruction Questions

Can a Burnt Face Be Reconstructed?

Burned faces can almost always be reconstructed to improve aesthetics and functionality. Dr. Jacono improves faces in both respects. His results are not only relieving but life-changing, restoring confidence and facial expression.

What Are Skin Grafts, and Do They Ever Look Normal?

To repair and replace burn-damaged skin, conventional plastic surgeons use what are known as skin grafts. Skin grafts are sections of skin surgically removed from one area of the body and placed in another. Skin grafts are put on deeply burned areas, and can cover sore, open wounds.

There are many types of grafts, all of which are taken from undamaged parts of the patient’s body. For burn victims, skin grafts are generally permanent. They look much smoother and more aesthetically pleasing than damaged tissue. A well-placed skin graft can mean the difference between a normal-looking face and a deeply distorted one.

Unfortunately, skin grafts come with a few drawbacks. In Dr. Jacono’s experience, grafted skin leaves behind a “patchwork,” expressionless face. Sometimes, the skin texture can be ropey, thickened, and irregular, lacking facial animation. Therefore, Dr. Jacono prefers to incorporate more advanced methods of burn reconstruction in the form of facial flaps. Facial flaps are sections of healthy tissue transferred from other parts of the face, head, and neck.

Depending on the patient’s individual needs, Dr. Jacono uses skin expanders, laser technology, and custom corrective makeup. These advancements allow him to offer comprehensive postoperative outcomes.

How Painful Is a Skin Graft?

During surgery, skin grafts are painless. This is because patients are sedated and entirely unconscious. After treatment, the areas where the skin has been grafted may be sore for 1 to 2 weeks. This discomfort will eventually subside.

What Is Healing Like After Reconstructive Burn Surgery?

Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for skin grafts and flaps to heal after surgery. Similarly, the treated areas may be sore or painful for 1 to 2 weeks.

Most swelling should resolve 3 weeks after surgery.

About Dr. Andrew Jacono, M.D., FACS

Dr. Jacono is a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over twenty years of experience in the field. A scientist, pioneer, and master technician, Dr. Jacono prides himself on delivering the best results possible. He is skilled at repairing facial burns and uses state-of-the-art surgical treatments for aesthetic and functional success.

If you are interested in reconstructive burn surgery with Dr. Jacono, you can contact his offices in either Manhattan or Long Island. His patient care coordinators will be happy to assist you.

Facial Burn Surgery Before and After Photos