Post-Burn Contractures & Scarring — Restoring Function, Form & Confidence
At Pratap Hospital, Vijayawada — Compassionate Expertise in Burn Reconstruction
Burn injuries can leave more than physical scars — they often affect movement, self-esteem, and quality of life. At Pratap Hospital, we understand that post-burn contractures and scarring are not merely cosmetic issues; they are functional, emotional, and social challenges that deserve specialized attention.
Led by Dr. Pratap Duggirala (M.S., M.Ch – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery), a leading burn and reconstructive surgeon in Andhra Pradesh, our hospital specializes in functional restoration, aesthetic recovery, and scar improvement through advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques.
Post-burn contractures occur when burn wounds heal abnormally, causing the skin to tighten and restrict movement of nearby joints or facial structures. Burn scars, meanwhile, can lead to disfigurement, pigment changes, and psychological distress.
At Pratap Hospital, we focus on:
Restoring normal movement and function
Improving cosmetic appearance
Enhancing self-confidence
Preventing recurrence through proper skin care and rehabilitation
Common Areas Affected:
| Region | Typical Effects |
|---|---|
| Neck | Restricted head movement, pulling of lower face |
| Elbows & Shoulders | Limited joint extension |
| Hands & Fingers | Flexion contractures, functional loss |
| Face & Eyelids | Eyelid ectropion, lip distortion |
| Lower Limbs | Walking and gait difficulties |
🏥 Pratap Hospital is known for offering comprehensive care for severe burn deformities, scar revision, and reconstructive surgery in Andhra Pradesh.
After a burn injury, the healing process may cause fibrotic tissue formation, leading to tight, inelastic skin that restricts normal movement — this is called a contracture. In addition, hypertrophic scars and keloids can cause thick, raised, or pigmented skin deformities.
Types of Burn Scars:
| Type | Description | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertrophic Scars | Thick, red, raised scars confined to burn area | Itching, pain, stiffness |
| Keloids | Overgrown scar tissue beyond wound edges | Cosmetic disfigurement |
| Contracture Scars | Tightening of skin causing limited mobility | Functional disability |
| Atrophic Scars | Depressed or thinned-out skin surface | Uneven texture, fragility |
🔬 Understanding the scar type helps us choose the best treatment — whether surgical release, skin graft, flap coverage, or laser therapy.
💖 Why People Choose Pratap Hospital for Burn Reconstruction
Our Center of Excellence in Burn Surgery
At Pratap Hospital, we follow a comprehensive reconstructive protocol — addressing both form and function through modern plastic surgery methods.
Why Patients Trust Us:
Expertise of Dr. Pratap Duggirala:
Over a decade of experience managing acute burns, post-burn deformities, and complex reconstructions.Comprehensive Burn Care:
From emergency management to late-stage contracture release and aesthetic refinement.Advanced Reconstructive Techniques:
Microvascular free flaps, local tissue rearrangement, Z-plasty, skin grafts, and laser scar therapy.Multidisciplinary Support:
Includes physiotherapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists for holistic recovery.Focus on Function & Confidence:
Our goal is not only healing — but restoring normal life, comfort, and self-image.
🌟 We are proud to be among the best hospitals for post-burn reconstruction in Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh.
Post-burn reconstructive surgery is ideal for anyone suffering from burn-related complications affecting appearance or mobility.
You May Need This Service If You Have:
Tight or shrunken skin over joints (neck, elbow, hand, etc.)
Difficulty in opening mouth, eyes, or straightening limbs
Disfiguring scars on face, neck, or body
Psychological distress due to visible scars
Functional impairment in daily activities
| Suitability Criteria | Ideal Candidate |
|---|---|
| Type of Burn Injury | Thermal, chemical, electrical, or scald burns |
| Time Since Injury | 3 months or more (after scar maturation) |
| General Health | Fit for surgery and anesthesia |
| Goals | Functional improvement and cosmetic restoration |
💡 Early intervention leads to better results — especially for children and young adults where growth restriction may occur due to contractures.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Every patient undergoes a thorough assessment before planning surgery.
Preoperative Steps Include:
Detailed Medical History: Nature of burn, date of injury, prior treatments.
Functional Assessment: Range of motion testing, scar thickness, and elasticity.
Imaging (if required): X-rays or Doppler ultrasound for deep tissue evaluation.
Photographic Documentation: Before-and-after comparisons for planning and outcomes.
Customized Surgical Plan: Based on contracture severity, skin availability, and patient expectations.
Counseling & Consent: Procedure details, recovery expectations, and psychological support provided.
🩺 Our pre-surgical approach ensures optimal healing, reduced recurrence, and realistic outcomes.
🔬 Surgical Techniques Used
The choice of surgical method depends on the scar type, contracture severity, and tissue availability.
| Technique | Description | Indications |
|---|---|---|
| Z-Plasty / W-Plasty | Small skin flaps rearranged to lengthen contracted skin | Mild to moderate contractures |
| Skin Grafting | Healthy skin transplanted from donor site to cover released area | Moderate to large scars |
| Local Flaps | Nearby skin rotated or advanced to replace scarred area | Facial and joint contractures |
| Regional / Free Flaps | Microsurgical transfer of tissue with blood vessels | Severe burns or exposed structures |
| Tissue Expansion | Inflatable balloon placed under skin to generate new tissue | For larger cosmetic reconstructions |
| Laser Scar Therapy | Fractional CO₂ or Er:YAG laser used for surface refinement | Hypertrophic or pigmented scars |
| PRP & Silicone Therapy | Used for scar softening and collagen modulation | Non-surgical scar management |
🧑⚕️ Dr. Pratap Duggirala’s reconstructive precision ensures restored mobility, minimal scarring, and enhanced skin texture.
Step-by-Step Overview
Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia based on site and extent.
Contracture Release: Tight skin is released to restore mobility.
Reconstruction: Grafting or flap coverage performed for functional and aesthetic recovery.
Dressing & Splinting: Protective dressings and splints applied to prevent re-contracture.
Postoperative Rehabilitation: Early physiotherapy and scar management begin within days.
Typical Recovery Timeline
| Timeframe | Recovery Phase | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Weeks | Healing Phase | Stitches removed, swelling reduces |
| 3–4 Weeks | Rehabilitation Begins | Physiotherapy and scar massage |
| 2–3 Months | Functional Recovery | Full movement restored in most cases |
| 6 Months | Final Aesthetic Result | Scar matures and blends with skin tone |
🌿 Consistent follow-up and physiotherapy are key to maintaining long-term results.
🌼 Recovery & Aftercare
Post-Surgery Guidelines:
Keep dressing dry and follow wound-care instructions.
Regular physiotherapy to prevent stiffness.
Use prescribed silicone sheets or gels for scar flattening.
Avoid sun exposure for at least 3 months.
Attend follow-up visits every 2–4 weeks.
Maintain balanced nutrition for healing.
Rehabilitation Includes:
| Therapy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Restores joint mobility |
| Occupational Therapy | Assists with hand and limb functions |
| Psychological Support | Boosts self-esteem and emotional recovery |
| Laser / PRP Sessions | Improves scar appearance and texture |
💬 Our multidisciplinary care ensures not just physical healing — but emotional and social reintegration.
Q1. When should post-burn contracture surgery be done?
Once the wound has fully healed and scars have matured (around 3–6 months), surgical correction can be safely performed.
Q2. Is the treatment painful?
No. Surgery is performed under anesthesia, and postoperative pain is controlled with modern analgesics.
Q3. Can children undergo burn contracture release?
Yes. Early correction is essential to prevent deformity and growth restriction in children.
Q4. Will the scars completely disappear?
Scars can be significantly improved but may not vanish completely. Modern laser therapy and silicone treatments help achieve near-natural results.
Q5. How much does burn contracture treatment cost in Vijayawada?
Costs depend on the type of surgery, area involved, and reconstructive method used. A detailed plan and estimate are given after consultation.
🧑⚕️ Why Choose Dr. Pratap Duggirala & Pratap Hospital
Renowned Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Andhra Pradesh
Specialized expertise in post-burn deformity correction and microsurgery
State-of-the-art operation theaters with safety-first standards
Comprehensive post-op rehabilitation and scar management programs
Hundreds of successful reconstructions with functional and cosmetic excellence
🕊️ At Pratap Hospital, we restore not just skin — but dignity, mobility, and confidence.
Book a Consultation
If you’re considering rhinoplasty for aesthetic enhancement or breathing improvement, schedule a consultation at Pratap Hospital today.
Our team will guide you through every step — from evaluation and planning to surgery and recovery — ensuring safe, effective, and natural results.
📍 Pratap Hospital — Reconstructive, Aesthetic & Microsurgery Centre
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 94929 69899
📧 Email: drpratapshospital@gmail.com
Before And After Results
