Alleviate restrictive scar contractures and restore aesthetic form with advanced burn reconstructive surgery.
Burn reconstruction is a highly specialised branch of plastic surgery dedicated to restoring both function and appearance following severe burn injuries. Deep burns often heal with thick, restrictive scar tissue known as contractures, which can tightly bind skin, muscles, and tendons, severely limiting mobility and causing ongoing physical discomfort.
Dr. Gus Hoogendyk employs a compassionate, multi-staged approach to burn reconstruction. Utilising advanced techniques such as tissue expansion, complex skin grafting, and local tissue flaps, he systematically releases tight contractures to restore functional range of motion. His meticulous surgical planning simultaneously focuses on improving the aesthetic texture and colour of the scarred areas, helping patients regain their physical freedom and personal confidence.
“Burn reconstruction is a profoundly transformative process—restoring not just the freedom of movement, but the freedom to feel whole again.”
Releases thick, binding scar tissue (contractures) that restrict movement across major joints or the neck.
Alleviates the chronic tightness and physical discomfort associated with severe burn scars.
Replaces deeply damaged, irregular tissue with healthier, smoother skin grafts or flaps.
Carefully staged over multiple surgeries to ensure the body can safely heal and integrate the new tissues.
May utilise tissue expanders to grow healthy adjacent skin, perfectly matching your natural skin tone.
Provides significant psychological relief by improving both physical capability and outward appearance.
Each stage is designed around your comfort, safety, and outcome. Dr. Gus walks every patient through this process in detail during your fully private consultation.
A highly detailed evaluation of the burn contractures, skin elasticity, and available donor sites to build a staged surgical plan.
Surgical markings map out the required release incisions and the planned tissue flaps. General anaesthesia is administered.
The restrictive scar tissue is excised or released. Healthy skin grafts or local flaps are meticulously secured over the defect.
The newly reconstructed area is heavily bandaged and frequently splinted to immobilise the joint and protect the graft.
Rigorous physical therapy begins once the graft takes, stretching the new tissue to maintain the restored range of motion.
Recovery from burn reconstruction is often intensive, heavily reliant on strict immobilisation followed by dedicated physical therapy.
The surgical site must be completely immobilised in a splint or cast. Rest is paramount to ensure the graft establishes a blood supply.
Dressings are carefully changed, and initial graft 'take' is assessed. Gentle, guided movement is slowly introduced.
Aggressive scar management (silicone sheeting, compression garments) and physical therapy commence to prevent re-contracting.
Full maturation of the grafts and flaps can take up to 1-2 years, ultimately revealing vastly improved mobility and texture
Burn reconstruction candidates are individuals dealing with the long-term, healed aftermath of severe thermal or chemical injuries.
You may be a candidate if you:
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
Surgery length varies significantly depending on the severity of the contracture, typically ranging from 2 to 5 hours per stage.
These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited surgical facility or hospital setting.
No, it is impossible to erase a burn scar entirely. The primary goal is restoring functional movement, followed by visual blending and smoothing.
This depends heavily on the graft site, but typically requires 6-8 weeks of restricted movement followed by intensive physical therapy.
Often, severe burn reconstruction requires a multi-staged approach over several months or years to safely release all tension.
A private, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Gus is the first step. Come with questions, leave with clarity. We keep availability limited to ensure every patient receives undivided attention.
