Scar management service
The therapy team is made up of both physiotherapists, occupational therapists, therapy assistants and pressure garment technicians providing rehabilitation and scar therapy across a variety of settings and includes provision of our advanced scar clinic services. Our team is led by Kate Attrill, Clinic Specialist in Burns and Plastics therapy with over 10 years’ experience in the management of burns and scars.
The Chelsea and Westminster Scar Management team provide holistic and specialist scar therapy to both adults and children following a burn injury, as well as to patients who have undergone surgical plastic procedures and operations. We work in both inpatient and outpatient settings and have outreach service providing burns rehabilitation in patients’ own homes or community setting.
Inpatients
Burns Service provides specialist therapy assessment and treatment to all patients that have suffered a burn injury, which may include:
- Mobility and functional assessments and rehabilitation
- Patient specific treatment and goal setting
- Splinting and specialised exercise programmes
- Assessment and holistic planning to facilitate safe hospital discharge
- Ongoing burns specific rehabilitation during hospital stay
- Early scar management, treatment and intervention
Outpatients
Following a burn injury we provide therapy input in both our dressing’s clinics and our designated outpatient scar therapy department. We provide a variety of specialist scar therapy treatments, including:
- Pressure garments custom made garments produced in house by our pressure garment technicians
- Silicone therapy and advice
- Splinting—prevents scar deformation and risk of further surgery
- Cosmetic camouflage
- Face masks—contoured silicone lined masks to improve the appearance of scars
- LPG (vacuum massage)—this involves attending two weekly appointments to receive mechanical massage
- Micro-needling—a non-surgical, aesthetic device helping to improve the texture and pigment of scars
- Gym sessions—to continue rehabilitation in a gym setting to help build strength and prevent contractures
- Advise on general scarring including moisturising/massage/sun exposure
Adult and paediatric facial burns are not uncommon but challenging to treat. They can disfigure facial features, alter appearance, be painful, tight, itchy, causing significant impact on confidence and quality of life. The face is one of the most susceptible areas of burn. Transparent facial masks are used to prevent and improve thick scars and help to reduce facial deformities and contractures. Our therapists are fully trained to prepare and alter face masks and other splinting equipment in house for our patients. The service can provide in-house provision of face masks within 2 weeks.
Referrals
To access our outpatient service you must be referred by your hospital consultant or GP. We do not accept self-referrals for one-to-one outpatient appointments.
Contact information
If you have any queries prior to your appointment, or wish to reschedule an appointment, please contact us on the number below. Please ensure you give at least 48 hours notice if you are rescheduling or cancelling your appointment.
Our opening times are Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm.
T: 020 3315 5680