Release of the postburn contractures on the lower abdomen and inguinal regions using modified Abdominoplasty

Abstract

To return the patient to normal function while maximizing aesthetic appearance is the most important issue in burn management. Although many techniques such as pressure garments and silicone dressings are used in the initial scar management to optimize final appearance, avoiding residual scarring is impossible after extensive burns. The changes in appearance and limitations imposed by the burn scar contribute to a negative body image. Burn patients frequently require numerous procedures over many years to achieve optimum function, but aesthetic needs are often overlooked in these patients. By assessing such patients with regard to their body image and aesthetic needs, patients who will benefit from a combined aesthetic procedure with burn contracture release are easily identified. The author presents a female patient who underwent modified abdominoplasty for releasing burn scar contractures, providing the dual benefit of improved body contour and burn scar release. (J Burn Care Res 2012;33:e247-e250)