A wound is a general term for any injury in which the skin is torn or punctured. There are both surgical and non-surgical techniques that are used to treat wounds. Non-surgical techniques include frequent dressing changes with medicated solutions which can be done at home. Surgical techniques, which are reserved for more complicated and severe wounds, require one to go to the hospital. Plastic surgeons are adept at cleaning and closing the wound using a skin flap or skin graft.

Burns are a particular type of wound caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, and friction. They can cause swelling, blistering, scarring, or even shock and death in severe cases. In addition to normal medical treatment, plastic surgeons can prescribe the application of topical treatments or skin grafting (discussed in the next section) in order to treat the burn wounds.