FAQs

These Frequently Asked Questions were created with the patient and patient's family in mind. If you have a question, please contact our Outreach Coordinator.

Q:  How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
Your hospital stay will depend on the size and depth of your burn. Usually, you should plan on one day for each percent burned, unless complications arise. 
 
Q: Will I need to have surgery?
Your need for surgery is determined by the depth of your burn. The deepest burn is called full thickness or third degree. This type of burn will heal very slowly without a skin graft. A second degree burn might heal without grafting, depending on depth. Your doctor will explain all surgical procedures beforehand and answer any questions you have.

Q:  What is wound care?
Wound care involves removing the burn dressings, cleaning the burned tissue and reapplying the dressings.  This is done twice a day to prevent infection and promote healing. Alteration in the wound care schedule would occur after skin grafting.

Q:  Why do I have so much swelling?
Immediately following a burn, the body attempts to compensate for the injury by sending fluid to the site. This causes a great deal of swelling. Swollen arms and legs may be elevated to encourage this fluid back to the rest of the body. There may also be swelling in the face, extremities and scrotal area.