Optimal burn management and reconstruction can improve functional and aesthetic outcomes, improving quality of life. This is generally attributed to many factors, including improvements in treatment, safer work environments, and better-engineered consumer products. They require a healthcare team approach to management, which could last months to years.īurn mortality in developed countries has been continually declining over the past few decades. Facial burns have many long-term physical, psychological and social sequelae.

By impacting our identity and ability to function normally in society, we significantly diminish our quality of life. Facial burns cause scarring and deformity that extend far deeper than superficial tissue damage.

Beyond basic functionality, the human aspect of the face is significant it is central to communication and how we interact with one another. It is also remarkably complex in its anatomy, providing us with sight, hearing, and smell. At its most basic, the face is needed for breathing and oral intake. Patients with facial burns present the clinician with the challenge of treating both functional and aesthetic needs. Beyond mortality, burn injuries are associated with significant morbidity, especially facial burns. Despite the relatively low mortality, burn injuries remain one of the leading causes of accidental death or injury in the U.S. Approximately 7% of these were admitted to the hospital for further management, with a 96.7% survival rate. According to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, nearly half a million burn injuries were treated in U.S.

3rd degree burn face