Comprehensive Burn Surgery

Not every burn requires surgery. Minor burns may heal with appropriate wound care and monitoring.

Surgery may be considered for deep burns, wounds that are unlikely to heal adequately on their own, extensive tissue damage, infected or non-healing wounds, or burns that have caused contractures or significant functional problems.

The treatment decision depends on the severity, depth and location of the burn.

A plastic and reconstructive surgeon may be involved in managing deep burns, complex burn wounds, burns affecting important functional areas, non-healing burn wounds and post-burn deformities.

At TTCH, Dr. Surekha Vellala specialises in burns and post-burn reconstruction as part of her plastic and reconstructive surgical practice.

Debridement is a procedure used to remove dead, damaged or contaminated tissue from a burn wound.

Removing unhealthy tissue can help with wound assessment, infection control and preparation for further treatment or reconstruction when necessary.

The need for debridement depends on the patient's burn injury and clinical condition.

A skin graft involves taking healthy skin from another area of the patient's body and placing it over an area where skin has been lost or damaged.

Skin grafting may be considered for selected burns that are too deep or extensive to heal adequately on their own.

The type and timing of grafting depend on the wound and the patient's overall condition.

Yes. Post-burn scars and contractures, where scar tissue restricts normal movement, may be treated using surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Depending on the severity, treatment may include scar management, physiotherapy, contracture release, skin grafting or other reconstructive procedures.

Dr. Surekha Vellala provides post-burn reconstructive care for appropriate patients.

In selected cases, reconstructive surgery combined with physiotherapy can improve movement affected by burn scars or contractures.

Treatment may involve releasing tight scar tissue and reconstructing the affected area using techniques such as skin grafting or flap reconstruction.

The expected improvement depends on the location, severity and duration of the contracture.

Healing time depends on the depth and size of the burn, location, infection, patient's age and health, and treatment provided.

Superficial burns may heal relatively quickly, while deeper burns can require prolonged wound care, surgery and rehabilitation.

Your treating team will assess the wound and provide an individualised treatment and recovery plan.

Yes. Burns affecting the face, hands, feet or areas around major joints can be particularly important because scarring may affect appearance and movement.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery may be used when necessary to improve wound coverage, release contractures and restore function. 

These cases may require coordinated care involving plastic surgery, trauma care and physiotherapy.

Seek urgent medical attention for large or deep burns, burns involving the face or airway, electrical burns, chemical burns, burns around major joints, extensive burns, burns with significant tissue damage, or burns associated with breathing difficulty or other serious injuries.

Do not delay emergency assessment after a serious burn.

TTCH combines trauma care with plastic and reconstructive surgical expertise, providing an integrated environment for patients with complex burn injuries.

Dr. Surekha Vellala, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, has a clinical focus on burns and post-burn reconstruction, including the management of complex soft tissue injuries and reconstructive needs.

Depending on the patient's condition, care can involve plastic surgery, trauma care, anaesthesia, critical care, orthopaedics and physiotherapy, supporting treatment from acute burn management through reconstruction and rehabilitation.

The focus is on wound healing, infection prevention, preservation of function, appropriate reconstruction and long-term recovery.