The comedian recovered at the Grossman Burn Center after a petrol fire left him with “severe” burn to his face, chest, and arms.
According to his doctor, Jay Leno is recovering from surgery for second and third-degree burns following last weekend’s petrol fire.
Dr. Peter Grossman, medical director of the Grossman Burn Center, treated the former Tonight Show host, 72. And announced at a news conference on Wednesday that Leno’s injuries were severe but that he was in good condition.
The comedian was work on a steam engine in his garage under a car on Saturday when a fire broke out. Leno was pulled from under the car but suffered “serious” burns to his face, chest, and arms.
When Leno underwent a surgical excision and transplant procedure on the burned area at the Grossman Burn Center. His doctor explained and found a lot of damaged skin. During surgery, unhealthy tissue is removed, and a biological skin substitute is placed over the wound to speed healing. Grossman also said they were “very aggressive” with Leno’s hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The facility’s website states that the treatment “can speed healing of burns by increasing oxygen flow to the injured area and reducing swelling. Which helps maintain healthy blood flow.”
“Some of the facial burns are a little deeper and more concerning,” Grossman said during a news conference.
He added that the comedian was “in high spirits today” after surgery and will need another procedure later this week.
“There is currently no evidence of nerve damage. I assumed he would make a full recovery. It’s too early to say if it’s residual from that trauma,” Grossman said. “I would say his injuries are serious, he’s in good condition. According to a Burbank Fire Department press release available for news. The incident occurred around noon 30 Saturday “treated an elderly male patient” before he rushed him to a “local emergency room”.
Amy Bennett, a spokeswoman for the Grossman Burn Center, also released a statement to the news, confirming that Leno was being treated there in his garage after the accident.