Management of 2nd-degree facial burns using the Versajet® hydrosurgery system and xenograft: A prospective evaluation of 20 cases

There is no consensus about the management of intermediate depth 2nd-degree facial burns. We chose to perform early surgery using the Versajet® system, which allows fine, precise excision, leaving nearly all of the healthy tissue in place. The Versajet® is particularly adapted to facial contours and is clearly more efficacious than the customary dermatomes. The use of a xenograft may augment facial healing while reducing the number of dressings and lessening patient discomfort. Our protocol provides the advantages of early management (limitation of functional sequelae, reduced hospitalization time), while avoiding too extensive or deep an excision through use of the Versajet®.