Surgical procedures in the burn patient can be divided into three phases: resuscitative, wound coverage, and reconstructive. The procedures performed during the emergent phase are usually of a life- or limb-saving nature. After the patient is resuscitated, the process of removing the full-thickness necrotic burn is undertaken with subsequent wound coverage. Several different methods of coverage of the wound are available. Repair of deformities and contractures is usually performed in the reconstructive phase.