Serial debridement and allografting of facial burns: a method of controlling spontaneous healing.
Management of severe partial-thickness facial burns is difficult and not ideal. Over the past 4 years, 18 patients have undergone serial debridements and allografting at regular intervals until re-epithelialization occurred. Twelve patients required one procedure and two patients required two procedures. Four patients also required autografts on portions of the facial burns. Fourteen patients have been followed for greater than 6 months. Only four patients required scar revision procedures. Three desired cosmetic improvement, and one required functional improvement. The use of serial debridements and allografting controls facial burn healing, as well as producing good cosmetic and functional results.
D002056:Burns / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D014945:Wound Healing