Reconstructive Surgery
Burn Contracture Release
Releasing tight burn scars that restrict movement
Overview
As burn wounds heal, the scar tissue that forms can tighten and shorten over time, pulling on the surrounding skin and restricting joint movement — this is a burn contracture. Release surgery divides the tight scar band and reconstructs the resulting gap, most often with a local flap or skin graft, to restore range of motion.
Contractures commonly affect the neck, armpit, hands, and joints — areas that cross a natural fold and are put under repeated tension during everyday movement — and treatment is planned around both releasing the immediate restriction and preventing it from simply reforming as the new tissue heals.
Candidacy
Is Burn Contracture Release Right for You?
- A tight burn scar limiting movement of a joint, such as the neck, armpit, or fingers
- Difficulty fully extending or moving a limb due to scar tightness following a healed burn
- A contracture affecting daily function, such as dressing, reaching, or gripping
- Burn wounds that are fully healed and ready for reconstructive planning
What to Expect
Your Journey
- 01
Assessment
Evaluation of the contracture band, the joint movement it's restricting, and the best reconstructive technique to both release it and prevent recurrence.
- 02
Release & Reconstruction
Performed under general anaesthesia, dividing the tight scar tissue and covering the resulting gap with a local flap, skin graft, or a combination depending on the site and severity.
- 03
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy and, where relevant, splinting begin soon after surgery and are often just as important as the surgery itself in maintaining the movement gained.
Recovery
Recovery & Aftercare
Improvement in range of motion is often noticeable immediately after release, though maintaining it depends heavily on consistent physiotherapy and splinting in the months that follow, since scar tissue can otherwise tighten again during healing. More extensive contractures, particularly those affecting large scarred areas, are sometimes treated as a staged therapy over an extended period alongside other scar-management techniques.
Case Gallery
Documented Cases
Graphic Medical Content
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the contracture come back after release?
There is some risk of recurrence, particularly if post-operative physiotherapy and splinting aren't followed closely — consistent rehabilitation is a key part of maintaining the result.
How is a contracture release different from routine scar revision?
Contracture release specifically addresses scar tissue that is restricting movement across a joint, whereas general scar revision is more focused on improving the appearance of a scar that isn't necessarily limiting function.
Is physiotherapy really necessary after a release?
Yes — physiotherapy is a central part of preserving the movement gained during surgery, since the healing tissue can tighten again if it isn't consistently stretched and moved during recovery.
Have Questions About Burn Contracture Release?
Every case is different. Get in touch to discuss your situation, or keep reading for more on candidacy, recovery, and what to expect.
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