[Current strategies for the surgical management of pediatric patients with deep facial burns].

BACKGROUND

Facial burns represent not only a somatic injury but also a complex psychosocial condition associated with a high risk of psychological disorders and social maladaptation, particularly in children. In 2024, 1.892 patients were treated at the pediatric burn center of G.N. Speransky Children's City Clinical Hospital No. 9 (Moscow), including 246 (13%) with facial burns and 32 with deep injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach and active surgical strategy in the treatment of deep facial burns in children.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with facial burns treated in a specialized burn center in 2024 was performed. Clinical outcomes of a surgical technique for deep total facial burns (RF patent No. 2632776) were assessed. The method includes wound bed preparation, full-thickness skin grafting, graft fixation, and vacuum therapy of donor sites. A clinical case of a 13-year-old patient is presented. Long-term outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Full-thickness skin grafting resulted in satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes. Four months postoperatively, no significant scar deformities or tissue tension were observed. Vacuum therapy accelerated granulation tissue formation (7-10 days), while subsequent split-thickness grafting ensured complete skin restoration.

CONCLUSION

Management of children with deep facial burns requires treatment in specialized burn centers and a multidisciplinary approach. Full-thickness autodermoplasty using the Bogdanov technique reduces scar formation and improves functional and aesthetic outcomes.