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Burn Reconstruction Surgeon

Burn reconstruction surgeons guide patients from acute injury through lifelong recovery, combining critical care, advanced surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Their expertise helps restore function, reduce scarring, and rebuild lives affected by burn injuries.


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Explore opportunities at verified burn centers, academic medical institutions, and specialized reconstruction practices. Fellowship-trained surgeons are in demand to lead comprehensive burn programs and advance patient care.


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What Does a Burn Reconstruction Surgeon Do?

Burn reconstruction surgeons lead the continuum of care, from initial resuscitation and excision of burn eschar to definitive wound closure and lifelong reconstructive and scar-management interventions. They perform acute procedures such as escharotomies, skin grafting, and flap or dermal-substitute coverage; manage peri-operative critical-care needs; and later address function and appearance through contracture release, laser or regenerative therapies, and complex revision surgery—always prioritizing restoration of mobility, form, and quality of life. 

Typical Work Environments

  • Hospital burn centers (often verified by the ABA) 

  • Academic medical centers and teaching hospitals 

  • Trauma and critical care units 

  • Outpatient burn and reconstructive surgery clinics 

  • Private practice specializing in burn and reconstructive procedures

Key Roles and Responsibilities

  • Manage acute burn care, including resuscitation and wound closure 

  • Perform reconstruction surgeries: grafting, flap procedures, scar revisions, and tissue expansion 

  • Prevent and treat contractures to restore mobility

  • Use laser therapy to improve scar appearance, texture, and pliability 

  • Collaborate with nurses, therapists, dietitians, and mental health professionals 

  • Educate trainees and contribute to clinical research 

  • Provide psychosocial support to patients and families

Education and Training Path

Becoming a burn reconstructive surgeon requires more than a decade of specialized education and hands-on training:

Undergraduate degree

4 years

Medical degree (MD or DO)

4 years

Residency in general surgery or plastic surgery

General surgery: typically 5 years

Plastic surgery (integrated program): typically 6 years

Fellowship in burn surgery

1-2 years

May be ACGME-accredited or non-accredited, depending on the program 

Board certification

in general or plastic surgery

Ongoing continuing medical education (CME)

and active participation in professional organizations like ABA

Estimated age at entry into independent practice

Late 30s (Typically age 36–39, depending on the training pathway and any additional research or fellowship years)

Why This Work Matters

Burn reconstruction surgery is more than surgical technique, it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and hope. Surgeons in this field combine medical innovation, teamwork, and compassion to change lives after devastating injuries.

Burn surgery turns trauma into healing—closing wounds, restoring movement, and renewing self-confidence. With the ABA’s evidence-based guidance and collaborative community, every operation becomes a deliberate step toward whole-person recovery.

Justin Gillenwater, MD, MS, FABA
Burn Reconstructive Surgeon and ABA Member

Advance Your Burn Surgery Career

The ABA supports burn reconstruction surgeons with specialized education, national leadership pathways, and a professional community committed to excellence in burn care.

Join today to stay connected and make an impact that lasts.


Explore ABA Membership

  • CME opportunities through the ABA Annual Meeting and the Journal of Burn Care & Research

  • Leadership roles on committees and task forces shaping burn care standards 

  • Peer collaboration via Special Interest Groups and mentoring programs 

  • Access to evidence-based practice guidelines and clinical tools 

  • Discounts on courses, certification prep, and specialized resources