RuthAnn Fanstone

BSc (Hons) MSc PhD MCSP HCPC

Physiotherapist & Clinical Scar Specialist

Dr. RuthAnn Fanstone has a track record of implementing new scar / burn rehabilitation treatments and models of education and service delivery. She has worked in four of the biggest NHS burn and plastics services in the UK, working as the lead physiotherapist in three of those units. She helped set up The London Scar Clinic, with a focus on developing a multi-disciplined team to deliver optimum patient outcomes. She designed and piloted The Katie Piper Foundation (KPF) burn rehabilitation service model and currently works at KPF to pioneer treatments and models of service delivery for people affected by burns and traumatic scarring.

Dr. RuthAnn Fanstone has completed her PhD in the risk factors for burn scar contracture. She has an MSc in Health Service Management from the University of London (UCL) and further qualifications in international health consultancy.

Dr. Fanstone’s passion for burns and scars treatment has taken her to learn, teach and work extensively around the world; she has gained experience from some of the leading burn and scar services in the world. She has worked/trained in 14 countries throughout her career (so far!). She has designed and delivered numerous courses in burns and scars treatment nationally and internationally. Dr. Fanstone, along with her colleagues from OSCARE Belgium, pioneered Scar Academy UK which trains clinicians in scar treatment. Dr. RuthAnn Fanstone is a frequent conference speaker and an avid follower of burn rehabilitation and scar management research. She is the Managing Editor of the medical journal Scars, Burns & Healing.

Dr Fanstone’s main interest is the prevention and treatment of scars (all types), burn rehabilitation and emerging and innovative strategies to improve outcomes for people with scars. Dr. RuthAnn Fanstone is a member of the British Burn Association, and she serves on the rehabilitation committee of the International Society of Burn Injuries. She is also a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registered with the Health and Care Professional Council.

Dr Fanstone advises on scar prevention for healing wounds, injuries and incisions; she treats scars that are very recent and scars that are many years old. Her skills include scar assessment, treatments that improve the look and feel of scars, such as improvement of scar pain, itch, thickness, colour, texture, and tightness. Her treatment techniques include scar massage (manual and LPG or Endermologie), scar and burn rehabilitation treatments, advice on silicone and creams and provision of pressure therapy.