When will the scars disappear?

Unfortionately over 95% of all scars will never disappear. Scars can be altered with plastic surgery. Scars can also be camouflaged with creative use of makeup. This will create a more cosmetically acceptable outcome. You can learn more about cosmetic camouflage and burns by going to BSTTW Cosmetic Camouflage Articles List.

The redness and appearance of the scars will most likely decrease as the wounds mature. Parts of the scars if not all can become less noticeable. Remember that burn scars will never disappear completely.

Can my scars be camouflaged? Yes, many burn survivors use camouflage cosmetics to cover burn scars. Certified aestheticians are skilled in training people how to camouflage scars effectively. BSTTW suggests that you work with an aesthetician experienced with burn injury scars.

To learn more go to BSTTW Cosmetic Camouflage Articles List

What happens to burned lungs?

Since burned lungs are internal people cannot see the scars. After the burned lungs heal, a burn survivor can suffer from issues that involve both the lungs and throat. The issues that can occur are an altered voice that may be whispering or raspy.

If the burn to the lungs were very severe, a tracheostomy, which is a breathing hole at the front of the throat, may be necessary.

Why is the donar site scaring?

When skin is taken from a non burned area of the body it causes damage to the normal layers of the skin. Skin pigment change is the most common and noticeable scar in donor sites.

What will the burns look like when they have healed?

Healed burns and skin grafts may leave scars which appear red and bumpy. This is called hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars may be hard and tight and may affect movement, including the ability to run or use hands.

What does a mature burn wound look like?

A mature burn wound is one in which the bright pink color has faded to a more normal color. The skin feels soft and supple again. This process of maturing often takes more than twelve months.

Why don't the scars shed and disappear?

The Epidermis, which is the cells in the superficial or upper layers of skin, are constantly replacing themselves. The deeper layers of skin, called the dermis, do not go through this cellular turnover. Therefore the dermis does not replace themselves. Scars, and foreign bodies (i.e. tattoo dyes), implanted in the dermis will remain.

You might want to learn more about Corrective Pigment Camouflage surgery. BSTTW works with Susan Church, a specialist and teacher in this field. To learn more go to BSTTW Cosmetic Camouflage Articles List.