Scarring

California & Nevada Burn & Scar Injury Lawyers

Unfortunately, burn injuries often cause permanent scarring on the victim. This is why these injuries are often associated with severe emotional injuries as well.

Scarring is an essential part of the natural healing process following any injury to our skin. The type and severity of the scar depends on many factors, some of which are unrelated to the injury and involve our genetic predisposition. However, the severity of the injury also plays an important role in the severity of the scar. Our skin is comprised of a thick layer of skin, called the dermis, and a thinner outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. Damage to the outer layer of skin is healed by rebuilding the tissue, and in these instances, scarring is slight. When we damage the thick layer of tissue beneath the skin, healing becomes more complicated. In these cases our bodies lay down collagen fibers (a protein which is naturally produced by the body) and this usually results in a more severe scar. Scarring has serious emotional implications for the victim. Obviously, as with any disfiguring injury, scars impact the way we look at ourselves, and the way other perceive us as well. However, for burn victims any scar leaves a permanent reminder of the event that caused the injury.

A burn injury usually results in one of the following types of scars: Keloid, Hypertrophic and/or Contractures. Keloid scars are an overgrowth of scar tissue. The scar will grow beyond the site of the injury. These scars are generally red or pink and will become a dark tan over time. Unfortunately, Keloid scars do have a tendency to re-occur. Hypertrophic scars are similar in appearance to Keloid scars and, for this reason, the two are often confused with each other. The distinguishing characteristic is that unlike with Keloid scars, Hypertrophic scars are limited to the site of initial injury or incision. A contracture scar is a permanent tightening of skin that may affect the underlying muscles and tendons that limit mobility and possible damage or degeneration of the nerves. Contractures develop when normal elastic/pliable skin becomes inelastic due to a serious burn injury. Although physical therapy may help relieve this condition, surgery may be required. The surgery may involve a skin flap, or a procedure called a Z-Plasty, a common technique is plastic and reconstructive surgery to improve the function and cosmetic appearance of scars.

In a burn injury it can take up to two years for the scarring to finally stabilize.