Burn Surgery
Our team provides state-of-the-art burn surgery in an environment that helps you feel safe and comfortable.
Medically reviewed by Diana Farmer, M.D. on May 04, 2026.
Specialized Burn Care from Skilled Surgeons
You receive expert, compassionate, specialized burn care at UC Davis Health. When burn care requires surgery, you have access to skilled surgical teams providing the best possible care.
Our Burn Center of Excellence cares for adults at the Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center and for children at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California.
We have the experience and skill to help you heal, no matter the type, size or location of the burn.
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Types of Burn Surgery
Burns can cause severe pain and emotional stress, but our team of experts is here for you. We provide comprehensive care that puts your needs and comfort first. Whether you need emergency care for burns or expert scar repair, we can help. We provide all types of burn surgery, including:
Acute Burn Surgery
A trauma team typically performs acute burn surgery immediately after a burn occurs. The goal of acute burn surgery is to clean and cover burns so they can begin the healing process.
Secondary Burn Reconstruction
After the initial wounds have healed, many patients receive burn reconstruction. Highly trained plastic and reconstructive surgeons perform these procedures, which help improve the function and appearance of affected areas.
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Burn Reconstruction Methods
We use the most advanced methods available to restore function and improve the appearance of scars after a burn injury. Our team takes the time to explain your reconstruction options and create a customized plan that fits your unique needs. Our burn reconstruction techniques include:
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Flap Surgery and Skin Grafts
Our surgeons are highly experienced in using skin flaps and grafts to reconstruct damaged areas. During these procedures, surgeons carefully attach healthy tissue to scarred areas, with the goal of restoring its natural movement and appearance. We use the most advanced methods, including laser surgery.
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Microsurgery
Complex burn injuries may benefit from microsurgery, an advanced technique that involves using a microscope and specialized tools to reconstruct tissue. This technique can loosen tightened scars and improve the appearance of skin when traditional surgical methods are not successful.
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Scar Release and Z-Plasty
As scars form, they may contract (tighten), which can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Our surgeons use innovative scar release methods and Z-plasty, a technique that can lengthen scarred areas and make them appear more natural.
Healing After Burn Surgery
Post-surgery recovery plays an important role in your long-term results. Our team is here at every step to help you through your healing process. Your recovery plan may include:
Pain Control
We focus on helping to minimize pain as you recover from your surgery. Our team will regularly assess any pain and provide a combination of medications and non-medical strategies, such as deep breathing and stress relief methods.
Scar Management
As your skin heals, it requires special care to help keep the skin smooth and soft. We offer various scar management therapies, from pressure garments to laser resurfacing.
Rehabilitation
Restoring function and movement after burn reconstruction often involves rehabilitation, including physical or occupational therapy. We closely follow your progress and prescribe the therapies that are best for you.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, cancer, orthopedics, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and urology.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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MARCH 04, 2026
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