Plastic surgery for burns of the head and neck.

Hypertrophic scars and contractures following 3rd degree burns originate in an excessive production of myofibroblasts from the granulation tissue. Early tangential excision and grafting helps in fighting the multiplication of these cells and hence some later complications. Conservative treatment of the scars is achieved by "Jobst" compressive masking and neck splints. Corrective surgery is accomplished by means of skin grafts or flaps. The authors' own methods are described for reconstructing destroyed organs such as scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, lips, chin, ears and nose.