Management of head and neck burns

Successful treatment of acute head/neck burns requires assessment and protection of the airway, prevention of further injury to damaged surface structures, and timely and diligent debridement and wound closure. Rehabilitation methods and modalities help to preserve function and control scarring. Reconstructive surgery should be designed to improve function and appearance, primarily by correction of the skin/tissue defect which healed by scar contracture. Thoughtful timing and application of logical surgical principles offer the opportunity of recovery to a level better than merely acceptable.