Hello. I’m a 52 year old woman and I was burned on my face and chest at the age of 7. I have lived a life of being talked about, pointed at, starred at and laughed at. I thought I was ok but I realize I am not. The way I look has caused me so much anxiety and had kept me depressed all these years. I would like to know if it is too late to help correct these scars.
iT IS NOT TO LATE. I have worked extensively with burn reconstruction to effect a cosmetic improvement. This is usually not covered by insurance. I volunteer in India treating some horrific burns with definitive improvements. Tissue expansion can help build additional normal skin that can be used to replace burned deformed skin. Good luck and don't give up...
At 52 years young, it is never too late.
Burn scars have to be evaluated for functional problems or aesthetic (cosmetic) problems, and can further surgery improve function or cosmetics.
Evaluation should be done by a plastic surgeon for function and cosmetic results, can surgery improve the cosmetic results or the functional results.
Best to consult the burn unit physicians with multiple specialties in your state. Then you can evaluate your goals and realistic goals of the surgery if needed and desired. Dr. Weinstein is right and with immense expertise. Surgery may require multiple procedures that need to be discussed with you. Then you make a decision.
There is no time limit to burns scar reconstruction and I would encourage you to seek advice on how to improve the area that you are concerned about. If it is mainly to do with contour, lasers could be a good option. Combination of tissue expansion and transfer of local tissue can help to resurface larger area and correct any deformity. All the best.