Gentle, expert care for life after a burn.
A burn injury can change more than the skin. Scars can feel tight, limit movement, cause itching or pain, and affect how you feel when you look in the mirror. Healing takes time, and so does reconstruction. At Prism Aesthetics Clinic, our board-certified surgeons offer Burn Reconstructive Surgery in Dubai & Abu Dhabi to soften scars, release tight skin and improve both appearance and function where possible. We listen first, explain every option honestly, including what cannot be changed, and build a plan at a pace that suits you. Read on to learn how treatment works, what recovery involves and what to expect.
If you or someone else has a fresh burn, please go to the nearest hospital or emergency department right away. This page is about reconstruction after the wound has healed.
Quick Facts:
- Type of Care: Reconstructive and cosmetic treatment of burn scars and skin damage
- Treatment Time: 30 minutes to several hours per session, depending on the method
- Approach: Individual plan, often in stages
- Anesthesia: Local, sedation or general, depending on the procedure
- When To Start: Usually once the wound has healed and the scar has matured (your surgeon will advise)
- Downtime: None to several weeks, depending on the treatment
- Best For: Tight, thick, raised, sunken or discolored burn scars
- Initial Consultation: Free
What Is Burn Reconstructive Surgery?
Burn reconstructive surgery is a group of treatments that improve scars and skin changes left behind after a burn. Deep burns often heal with thick, tight or uneven scar tissue. When this tissue pulls on the skin around a joint, the neck, the face or the hand, it is called a contracture, and it can restrict movement. Reconstruction may release that tightness, replace damaged skin with healthy skin, soften raised scars, improve color and texture, and restore a more natural shape. Treatment is rarely a single step, and no method can make a burn scar disappear completely.
Aim of Burn Reconstructive Surgery:
- Release tight scars that limit movement
- Improve the look and feel of scarred skin
- Reduce thick, raised or painful scars
- Improve color, texture and contour
- Restore comfort, function and confidence
Who Should Consider Burn Reconstructive Surgery?
You may wish to book a consultation if:
- Your burn has healed but the scar is thick, tight, itchy or painful
- A scar restricts the movement of a joint, your neck, your hand or your face
- You are unhappy with the color, texture or shape of burn-scarred skin
- You had grafts or earlier surgery and want to improve the result
- Your child has a burn scar that may affect growth or movement
- You want an honest second opinion on what can be improved
Your doctor will examine the scar, assess how mature it is and explain when treatment is best and what is realistic. Some scars continue to settle for 12 to 18 months, so patience is sometimes part of the plan.
Types Of Burn Reconstructive Treatment at Prism Aesthetics Clinic:
| Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Scar Release (Z-plasty and similar) | Tight scar bands are released and reshaped to lengthen the skin | Contractures that limit movement |
| Skin Grafting | Healthy skin is moved from another area to replace scarred skin | Large areas of scarred or missing skin |
| Skin Flaps | Nearby healthy skin and tissue with its blood supply is repositioned | Deeper or important areas such as the face and hands |
| Tissue Expansion | A balloon-like expander gradually stretches nearby skin for use in reconstruction | Replacing larger scars with matching skin |
| Scar Excision & Re-closure | The scar is removed and the skin closed more neatly | Narrow or poorly placed scars |
| Laser Treatment | Controlled laser energy softens and smooths scars and improves color | Raised, red or uneven scars |
| Fat Transfer | Your own fat is placed under scars to improve softness and contour | Tight, thin or sunken scars |
| Steroid Injections | Injections help flatten thick, raised scars | Raised or itchy scars |
Many patients benefit from a combination, for example surgery followed by laser. For related options, see our Laser Treatments, Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery pages.
How to Prepare for Burn Reconstructive Surgery?
- Bring all medical records, photographs and reports about the burn and earlier treatment
- Write down your questions and goals, including any movement problems
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, allergies and health conditions
- Stop smoking well before surgery, as it slows healing
- Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin and ibuprofen unless your doctor says otherwise
- Follow fasting instructions if sedation or general anesthesia is planned
- Arrange time off and help at home for recovery
- Avoid sun exposure on the scar before treatment
Procedure of Burn Reconstructive Surgery:
- Initial Consultation: Your doctor listens to your story, examines the scar, checks movement and sensation, and discusses what you hope to achieve. They explain the options, stages and costs clearly, with no pressure to decide on the day.
- Planning: The treatment is planned in stages, usually starting with whatever limits function most.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure.
- Treatment: Your surgeon releases, removes, replaces or reshapes the scarred tissue, or treats it with laser or injections.
- Closure & Dressing: The area is closed with fine stitches or covered with a graft, then dressed and protected.
- Aftercare Plan: We explain wound care, scar care, any splints or garments, and when to return for review.
What To Expect After Treatment?
- Swelling, bruising and tenderness in the treated area
- Dressings, splints or pressure garments for a period, depending on the procedure
- New scars that start red and fade gradually over many months
- Skin grafts and flaps that take time to settle in color and texture
- A need for follow-up visits, scar care and sometimes further stages
- Gradual improvement as healing continues over several months
Recovery Timeline (general guide):
| Timeframe | What To Expect |
|---|---|
| First Days | Rest, pain relief as advised, careful wound care |
| Week 1-2 | Dressings and stitches checked; grafts monitored |
| Week 2-6 | Gradual return to daily activity; movement exercises as advised |
| Month 3-6 | Swelling settles; scars start to soften |
| Month 6-18 | Scars mature and fade; final result becomes clear |
Recovery depends on the area, the method and the individual, and your doctor will give you a plan for your case.
How To Care For The Treated Area After Surgery?
- Follow the wound care and dressing instructions exactly
- Keep the area clean and protected from knocks
- Wear any pressure garments or splints as advised
- Do the movement or stretching exercises your team recommends
- Moisturize and protect the skin from the sun, as scarred skin burns easily
- Avoid smoking and alcohol while healing
- Attend all follow-up visits, especially for children who are still growing
- Call us straight away if you notice spreading redness, discharge, severe pain, blistering or fever
Benefits of our Burn Reconstructive Care:
- Compassionate, patient-centered care at your own pace
- Treatment aimed at both function and appearance
- Several options under one roof, from lasers to reconstructive surgery
- A plan built around your scar, your body and your goals
- Board-certified surgeons, clear costs and honest advice
- Long-term follow-up and support
Cost of Burn Reconstructive Surgery in Dubai:
The cost depends on the size, depth and location of the scar, the methods used, the number of stages, the anesthesia and the surgeon’s experience. Because the plan is individual, we explain the full plan and costs after your free consultation, before you agree to anything. Insurance coverage varies, so check with your provider.
| Type of Treatment | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Laser Scar Treatment (per session) | [Add price] |
| Scar Release / Excision | [Add price] |
| Skin Graft or Flap Reconstruction | Assessed individually |
| Fat Transfer to Scars | [Add price] |
What Affects the Cost?
- Size, depth and location of the burn scar
- Type and number of procedures or stages
- Type of anesthesia and facility fees
- Surgeon’s qualifications and experience
- Garments, aftercare and follow-up visits
Book Us Now
Looking for caring, honest guidance after a burn? Book your free consultation for Burn Reconstructive Surgery in Dubai & Abu Dhab at Prism Aesthetics Clinic. Our board-certified surgeons will listen to your story, examine your scars, explain your options, timing and costs, and tell you honestly what to expect, with no pressure to decide on the day.
