Our Care
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Acute Burn Care
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Breast Reconstruction
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Frostbite
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Hand & Extremity Injuries
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Laser Scar Therapy
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Outpatient Clinic
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Reconstructive Surgery
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Skin & Soft Tissue Disorders
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For appointments, please call: Mon-Fri | 8am-5pm After hours & weekends Aurora |
About Us
BRCC at Swedish Medical Center:
- Inpatient and Outpatient care offered at Swedish Medical Center
- Trained Surgeons who are dedicated to provide care for Burn, Wound and Hand/Extremity Injury Patients
- 15 BEDS Dedicated for Burn Patients, including 8 ICU BEDS
- 2 DEDICATED OPERATING ROOMS for Burn Patients
- 330 Inpatient Admissions and more than 1,800 Outpatient clinic visits
- Admissions include children, with our youngest being 3 months old
- SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER is a LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER with 368 licensed beds, The Rocky Mountain Region's referral center for Neurotrauma and the region's first Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center
- Visiting Hours: 8am - 8pm
Visiting Hours, Burn ICU: 8am - 2:30pm and 4:30pm - 8pm
Parking: Free Valet Parking is available at the main entrance of the hospital, the burn outpatient facility, and the emergency department.
BRCC at The Medical Center of Aurora:
- Trained Surgeons who are dedicated to provide care for Hand/Extremity Injury Patients
- LEVEL II TRAUMA CENTER with 346 BEDS, inpatient and outpatient care
- Specialization in cardiovascular services, neurosciences, oncology, surgery and women's services.
- First community hospital in the Denver Metro area to receive Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence
- For Visitor Information CLICK HERE
- For appointments, please call (303) 695-2693 between the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. After hours and on the weekends, please call (855) 863-9595.
- Visiting Hours:11am - 8:30pm
Visiting Hours, ICU:Visitation hours are 24 hours, with the exception of 7am - 8am and 7pm - 8pm
Parking: Valet Parking ($3) is available at the main entrance of the hospital
TOLL FREE NUMBER FOR QUESTIONS – (855) 863-9595
Doctors
DEGREE
- M.D., University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 2004-2009
- B.A., Public Health Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 1999-2003
RESIDENCY
- Plastic Surgery, Rutgers Biomedical & Health Sciences Medical School,Newark,NJ, 2009-2014
FELLOWSHIP
- Hand & Microsurgery Fellowship, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, 2015-2016
- Craniofacial & Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship, Pediatric Plastic Surgery Institute, Dallas, TX, 2014-2015
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
- American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Subspecialty Certified in Hand Surgery
CLINICAL INTERESTS
- Acute Burn Care
- Brain Reconstruction Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Micro Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
OTHER LANGUAGES
- Farsi
- Spanish
During a rotation in the Burn Intensive Care Unit at the University of Washington, then-medical student Lily Daniali received her first exposure to plastic surgery. The experience left a lasting impression and altered the course of her career.
She fell in love with how reconstructive plastic surgeons use scientific advances, artistry, creativity, and good doctoring to restore injured patients. Dr. Daniali has received advanced fellowship training in hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery since finding her calling.
Patient questions are of utmost importance to Dr. Daniali. She stresses that her patients know they can discuss any issue they have concerns about. She spends a great deal of time talking with and teaching patients and their families about what has happened, and together they make a personalized care plan.
In the end, they all know she is 100 percent committed to helping them recover and get back to a fulfilling life. Witnessing her and a patient accomplish that goal together, as a team, is the best part of her day.
DEGREE
- M.D., UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 2005-2009
- B.S., BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 2001-2005
INTERNSHIP
- PLASTIC SURGERY, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER, DALLAS, TX, 2009-2010
RESIDENCY
- PLASTIC SURGERY, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER, DALLAS, TX, 2010-2015
FELLOWSHIP
- HAND SURGERY FELLOWSHIP, MAYO CLINIC, ROCHESTER, MN 2015-2016
CERTIFICATION
- ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR LIFE SUPPORT
- AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY
CLINICAL INTERESTS
- HAND SURGERY
- RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
- SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS
- WOUND CARE
The integration of every evolving science and ability to impact someone’s life are the reasons for Dr. Lehrman’s desire to join the medical field. He centered in on plastic surgery because it gave him the opportunity to operate on problems all over the body for people of all ages. He has found that it allows for creativity, with a no true one size fits all approach.
Dr. Lehrman’s favorite part about his job, is that no case is ever the same. Through the large variety of cases he treats, he always gets to see something new. The case that stands out to him most was a 17-year-old boy hit by a car, causing large open leg fractures. Dr. Lehrman and his team were able to save the patient through a series of operations. Seeing him walk into the clinic after months of rehabilitation was a sight he will never forget.
In his free time, Dr. Lehrman enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, snowboarding and spending time with his family.
DEGREE
- M.D., Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, 2001-2005
- B.A., Biology, Siena College, Loudonville, NY, 1997-2001
RESIDENCY
- Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, 2012-2015
- General Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 2005-2012
FELLOWSHIP
- Orthopedic Hand Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 2015-2016
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
- American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Subspecialty Certified in Hand Surgery
CLINICAL RESEARCH
- Composite Vascularized Allograft: Face & Hand Transplant
CLINICAL INTERESTS
- Acute Burn Care
- Burn Reconstruction Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Micro Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Benson Pulikkottil’s passion for complex reconstruction was sparked by his training at the esteemed Parkland Hospital and nationally-recognized University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. It was there where he made the decision to dedicate his time and efforts to the care of burn patients. He was intrigued by their highly-complex medical challenges and focused on honing the tools needed to provide life-changing care.
He enjoys the opportunity to meet all different kinds of patients with challenging problems who need complex reconstruction, ranging from burn to microvascular surgeries. Dr. Pulikkottil also savors his time working with his partner, who happens to be his wife.
Dr. Pulikkottil’s first burn patient had her hand burned down to the tendons. He had to reconstruct the hand using specialized microsurgical techniques, which enabled a construct for the tendons to glide on and ultimately provide a functional hand. These challenging problems required solutions that involve creativity, imagination, skill, compassion, patience and knowledge. He is inspired and motivated by his patients and tells each one of them that his goal is to return them to society in a meaningful way.
Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, exercising, and spending time with his newborn son.
Burn Facts
- How Are Burns Classified?
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CLASSIFY BURN IN TERMS OF DEGREES:
First Degree (also called Superficial Partial Thickness)
- These burns only include the outer layer for skin (the dermis), and are marked by red, pink or dark pink skin. The burns are usually painful, but there are no blisters and will heal in a week or so.
Second Degree (also called Partial Thickness)
- These burns progress deeper into the dermis and may includes large blisters and may have a wet appearance. These burns will take 14-21 days to heal.
Third Degree (also called Full Thickness)
- These burns may have a charred appearance, be leathery or white in color and feel dry to the touch. Often, the burned areas will lose sensation and include the entire depth of skin. Healing will likely require skin grafts and rarely more intensive methods.
Fourth Degree (also called Full Thickness)
- These burns progress down to muscles, tendons and bones. Often, skin grafts, intensive surgeries and even amputations may be required for healing.
- What Should You Do Right After a Burn?
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- Remove ALL clothing and jewelry.
- Run cool water over the burn for several minutes.
- Do not place any home remedies including butter, ointments or ice on burned areas.
- Do not use cotton balls or wool to clean a burn.
- Do not burst any blisters.
- Cover the burn with a clean bandage or clean cloth.
- Call 911 if the burn is:
- deep (large broken blisters)
- involves the face, genitalia or a large body surface area (such as the entire chest, an arm, a leg or more)
- For pain, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Treating Third and Fourth Degree Burns
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- Both almost always require skin grafting and/or some type of surgery. In many cases, fourth degree burns will also require some level of amputation to ensure the best possible outcome.
- These burns usually take at least four to six weeks to heal, depending on the size of the burn it may be longer.
- They also require expertise in excisions that is only available in a burn center. Both rehabilitation and long-term scar management modalities should be part of the care plan.
Education
- Light fireworks one at a time in a designated area, away from dry grass, homes and children.
- Fireworks should never be fired indoors.
- Designate someone as the safety person, someone as the “shooter” and someone to be in charge of keeping children clear of the “shooting” area.
- Make sure the “shooter” is not wearing loose clothing that could ignite, and follows all directions on the fireworks label. If the device does not have a warning and/or instructions label, do not fire it.
- Never stand over an item that does not fire.
- Never throw fireworks. A malfunctioning fuse could cause the item to go off in your hand.
- Get a flashlight to light the area so the “shooter” can see what he or she is doing.
- Ensure a fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water is nearby just in case there is an accident.
- Keep pets and animals away as they may be frightened by the noise.
- If you are close enough to the storm to hear thunder, you are close enough to get struck by lightning.
- Safe shelters include homes, large buildings, or hard-topped vehicles. Never use tall trees as a shelter or stay in open water if you hear thunder.
- If you are indoors, avoid using water, electronic equipment and corded telephones. Stay away from windows and doors.
- If no shelter is available, do not lie down on the ground. Instead, crouch as low and tight as you can.
- Call 911.
- Check their vital signs immediately.
- Start CPR, if needed.
- Remember: Space heaters need space. Keep them 36 inches away from items that can catch fire.
- Have a working fire extinguisher close by.
- Check your extension and power cords and replace any that are damaged.
- Don’t connect more than two extension cords.
- Never run an extension cord under a rug.
- Make sure electrical outlets are not overloaded.
- Test the Temp: Your hot water heater thermostat should be set no higher than 120oF.
- People should be aware of the dangers of flammable liquids, including gasoline and kerosene. Not only is the liquid dangerous, but the fumes can cause burns and explosions.
- Always store flammable liquids in a clean, well-ventilated area.
Temporary or permanent tissue damage caused by prolonged exposure to temperatures less than 23° F
Contributing Factors:
- Extreme Cold
- Inadequate Clothing
- Wet Clothing
- Wind Chill
- Tight Clothing
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Diabetes
Classification of Frostbite Injury (Similar to Burn Injury):
- First degree: Superficial without blister formation
- Second degree: Light colored blisters with subsequent peeling
- Third degree: Dark blisters that evolve into thick, black scabs
- Fourth degree: Involves bone, tendon and/or muscle
Ways to Avoid Frostbite:
- Plan and communicate. Check the weather. Let people know where you are going to be and the route you plan to take.
- Do not stay outdoors too long in extremely cold weather, especially if it is windy.
- Dress in loose layers of warm clothes, preferably windproof and waterproof. If you do get wet, change out of the wet clothes as soon as you can.
- Make sure any clothing, gloves, socks or other items are designed to wick moisture away from the body.
- Make sure any hat or headband covers your ears.
- Consider the use of foot and hand warmers.
- If you become cold, try to drink warm, sweet beverages.
- Do not drink alcohol before or while outdoors in extremely cold air.
- If you get lost, don’t stop moving. The exercise helps keep you warm and the blood flowing throughout your body.
- Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house, bushes or other flammable materials.
- Never, ever use a match to check for leaks.
- Find leaks by spraying soapy water on gas line connections. If you see water bubbles, there is a leak.
- Never use gasoline as a starter fluid for charcoal grills.
- Dispose of hot coals properly: Soak with water and then stir to make sure the fire is out.
- Always shut off propane tank valve when not in use.
- Never try to light a gas grill with the lid closed.
- Always wear short sleeves and/or tight-fitting clothing while grilling.
- Make your kitchen a “kid free zone” to keep kids away from the stove, oven and other appliances. Scalds are the most common types of burns for children.
- Never leave the kitchen when you are cooking something.
- Keep pot handles turned over the stovetop.
- Turn off appliances as soon as cooking is done.
- Before you eat it, give food cooked in a microwave extra time to cool.
- Do not heat a baby bottle in the microwave.
- Make sure a child cannot turn the knobs on the cooking appliances.
- Never cook or eat hot foods or drink hot liquids while holding a child.
- Store candy, cookies and other tasty treats away from the stove so children can’t get burned while trying to get them.
- Never leave the oven door open. A child can trip and fall onto the hot surface.
- Do not use the oven as a heat source.
- Symptoms: Skin is red, tender, warm, possibly swollen and/or blistering
- “Sun poisoning” may also occur. Symptoms may include: fever, chills, nausea, or a rash
Sunburn Treatment:
- Apply cool compresses
- Moisturize with alcohol-free lotion
- Drink plenty of fluids
- DO NOT apply oil or butter
- DO NOT use harsh soap scrubs
Staying Safe in the Sun
- Sunburns are caused by UV rays, not the heat of the sun. That means severe burns can occur even on cloudy days.
- Apply at least 30 SPF sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or more often if you are sweating a lot or spending time in the water.
- When applying sunscreen plus another substance like bug repellent, apply sunscreen first, wait 30 minutes, then apply the other substance.
- Wear wide brim hats.
- Avoid tanning for long periods, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Keep babies less than one year old out of direct sunlight.
- Do not apply sunscreen to babies less than 6 months old.
Not just the UV Rays
- Be mindful of hot surfaces in cars (windows, hood, seats, dashboard)
- Hot sand or asphalt can severely burn the skin at the bottom of the feet while walking
Frequently Asked Questions
- Accepted Insurances
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We accept the following insurances at Burn and Reconstructive Centers of Colorado, PC. If you do not see your insurance company listed below, or unsure if your insurance provider will be accepted, please call 855-863-9595 and ask for Insurance Enrollment.
- Aetna / Coventry
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Bright Health
- Cigna
- Cofinity
- Department of Labor
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- PHCS
- Rocky Mountain Health Plan
- TRICARE
- United Healthcare
- Veterans Choice
- How Do I Make An Appointment?
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Swedish Medical Center
For appointments, please call 303-788-6466 between the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. After hours and on the weekends, please call 855-863-9595.
Medical Center of Aurora
For appointments, please call 303-695-2693 between the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. After hours and on the weekends, please call 855-863-9595.
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- Where Can I Stay Near the Burn Center?
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There are numerous hotels nearby, including some that provide shuttle service to and from the hospital.
- Are there any burn survivors I or my family can talk to?
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One of the best resources is the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, which is a national organization focused on helping burn survivors and their family members “get back to living.”
- Where can I get a list of burn resources to help me or my family member in burn recovery?
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For Swedish Medical Center, contact (303) 788-6415 or [email protected].
For Medical Center of Aurora, contact (303) 873-5988.
- Can I Donate My Skin to Help Burn Patients?
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At this time, there are no skin banks or medical facilities in America who accept skin from live donors.
- How Long Is a Patient Usually in the Burn Center?
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It varies. The length of stay depends on the percentage of body burned, depth of burn (2nd or 3rd degree) and other medical complications involved (such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.). Typically, patients who experience a burn to a larger portion of their body can expect to stay in the hospital 1-day per percentage of Total Body Surface Area covered by the burn. You may hear Total Burn Surface Area referred to as TBSA.
- Will There Be Scarring?
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Most second-degree burns heal with minimal scarring and pigmentation does return. All third degree burns must be grafted with the individual’s own skin, therefore a scar is likely.
- What can a family do to prepare for the patient’s return home?
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Discharge planning begins at admission with early identification of discharge needs. A case manager and social worker prepare the family for discharge.
- My loved one does not have medical insurance, what can I do to help them?
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Trained professional, financial counselors are available at the hospital to assist with possible funding programs.
- Do I have to wait for my loved one to make a Social Security disability application?
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No, you can call (800) 772-1213 to initiate the application process.
- How can I donate blood for my loved one?
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Contact the American Red Cross at redcrossblood.org or 800-GIVE-LIFE to find out how and where you can give blood.
- Where can I find information about Valet and Self Parking?
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For Swedish Medical Center, click here for information on parking.
For the Medical Center of Aurora, Download the Aurora Visitors Guide (see page 3)
- Where can I find visitor information?
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Click Here for Swedish Medical Center Visitor Information.
Click here for the Medical Center of Aurora Visitor Information.
- Make sure that you do not have anything to eat or drink at least 6 hours before coming to the clinic to be seen for your burn or wound. This includes water, hard candy, mints, ice chips, or chewing gum.
- Do go over your medications with the staff at the clinic.
- Please make sure that you have a responsible adult with you that can stay with you and drive you home. The drugs and or anesthesia you receive will make it unsafe for you to drive a car. If you are using a cab or public transportation you must have a responsible adult with you.
- After your surgery, you will be given an instruction sheet at the time of discharge. This sheet will provide information regarding your burn or wound care, and signs and symptoms to watch for after you are discharged.
- When you are discharged, there will be a dressing that contains a slow release antibiotic. This dressing needs to stay dry and intact until you return to the clinic. Do not remove the dressing.
- You may experience some drainage from your burn or wound site. The color may be a darker brown, reddish brown or yellowish brown. This is normal.
- If needed, you can reinforce the dressing with clean dry gauze and tape. Remember: You can’t take any of the dressings away, but you can add to them.
- If the burn or wound is on your arm or leg, keep it elevated or propped up to reduce the swelling.
- Make sure you make your follow-up appointment.
- If the burn or wound starts to bleed.
- Signs of Infection:
- You develop increased pain, redness, swelling, pus, greenish discharge, or a bad odor in the burned area.
- Temperature over 101 °F (38 °C).
- You see no signs of improvement in 6 days.
Events
Established in 2007, the Joseph M. Still Burn Symposium is an annual gathering of medical professionals dedicated to the constant improvement of burn care in America. With sessions presented by leading experts and the availability of educational credits, the Symposium provides your company with a specific, targeted audience.
Resources
Foundation
The BRCA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving patient care, supporting patients and families after they have been discharged from one of our centers, and facilitating education about burn, wound and hand care throughout various medical communities.
Mission Statement
The healing and helping of patients goes far beyond the walls of our burn centers. The BRCA Foundation is committed to helping patients and their families, while continuously working to improve care throughout the world.
Our foundation was founded on three guiding principles:
- Patient Support
- Education & Scholarship
- Community Outreach
To learn more about us or find out how you can help support our mission, please email: [email protected]
All donations to Burn Foundation of America Foundation are tax deductible.
