KUALA LUMPUR: Now that Faisal Halim has appeared in public, fans are hoping that the national football star can appear on the field soon.
In his first appearance since the horrific acid attack on him last month by a stranger, Faisal, who suffered severe injuries, told the media yesterday that he hopes to play football again.
Prince Court Medical Centre's consultant in Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Kenneth Kok said professional athletes have a faster recovery rate, and there is a possibility of Faisal making a swift return to football.
Doctors have given Faisal, 26, a minimum of three months to recover and return to training, but the national player hopes to put on his boots in a little over a month.
Dr Kenneth said treatment for acid burns involves removing damaged tissues, with concerns over scar tissues stiffening and affecting mobility.
"When I heard about the attack and that sulfuric acid was used, I feared that his career might be over because stage four burns affect skin, muscles, tendons, and even bone," said Dr Kenneth, who has 10 years of practice as a consultant in the United Kingdom.
"The treatment involves removing the damaged tissues. New muscle tissues could grow back, but the scarring will stiffen, and unfortunately, you cannot be 100 per cent back to normal.
"Carbon dioxide lasers can be used to treat the stiffness of the burn scar. It could take about a year to fully recover. Intense physiotherapy can help, but this is an unknown area with no previous cases like this before.
"The recovery process depends on individuals; pro athletes' ability to heal is better. Based on my experience with American and British soldiers from the Afghanistan war during my time in the UK, they healed twice as fast.
"Pro footballers probably can recover faster. The patient must go all out with the recovery. Must monitor the scars, and daily moisturize and massage, notably with the shoulder and elbow."
Dr Kenneth pointed out that the psychological aspect of recovery also needs attention.
"Patients can become self-conscious due to the scarring, especially if it's on the face. The awareness of burn victims is not much here; perhaps after this, Faisal can be an advocate for burn patients and spread awareness," he added.