Jay Leno Undergoes Surgery After Suffering Burns To The Face – ‘His Injuries Are Serious’

Earlier this week, we reported that the former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno had suffered second and third-degree burns in a gasoline fire at his home. Now, it’s been revealed that Leno has undergone surgery to deal with the burns. 

Leno Undergoes Surgery 

People Magazine reported that Leno, 72, has been at the Grossman Burn Center since the fire occurred last Saturday. Dr. Peter Grossman, who is the medical director of the facility, gave a press conference on Wednesday in which he revealed that Leno had undergone a surgical excision and grafting procedure to the burned areas of his body. 

This treatment can “accelerate burn wound healing by increasing oxygen supply to injured areas and reducing swelling, which is helpful in maintaining healthy blood flow,” according to the Grossman Burn Center’s website.

Grossman explained that doctors have been “very aggressive” in treating Leno.

“Some of the burns to the face are a little deeper and a little more concerning,” he told reporters, adding that Leno has been “in good spirits today” in the wake of his surgery.

“Currently, there’s no evidence of nerve damage. I do anticipate him making a full recovery. Whether they’ll be remnants of this injury, it’s still too early to tell,” the burn doctor said. “I’d say that his injuries are serious, his condition is good.”

Backstory: Jay Leno Cancels Appearance After Suffering ‘Serious Burns’ From A ‘Gasoline Fire’

Footage Of Leno Released

Daily Mail reported that Grossman also released footage of Leno wearing heavy arm bandages as he lay in a hyperbolic chamber.

“It helps decrease swelling, it helps increase blood flow with good oxygenation and it helps decrease bacteria,” Grossman said of the chamber. “He’s had grafts that are not his own, meaning the skin we have from a skin bank or a donor, that’s what we do as a first stage.” 

Grossman described Leno as a “kind and engaging patient,” even in the face of his painful injuries, adding that the comedian handed out cookies to children being treated at the Southern California hospital before his surgery on Wednesday morning. 

Check out the footage of Leno in the hyperbolic chamber for yourself in the video below.

Leno Speaks Out

Leno had been working on a steam engine underneath a vintage car in his garage on Saturday when the fire broke out due to a fuel leak. The comedian was pulled from under the vehicle with “significant” burns to his face, chest and left hand.

“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire,” Leno said on Monday. “I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”

Related: Disturbing Details Emerge About Jay Leno’s Serious Burns From Gasoline Fire

Aimee Bennett, a spokesperson at the Grossman Burn Center, confirmed at the time that Leno was being treated at the facility.

“Jay wants everyone to know that he is in stable condition and receiving treatment … for burns that he received to his face and hands from a gasoline accident in his garage over the weekend,” Bennett said.

“He is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes,” she continued. “[He] wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in ‘the best burn center in the United States.'”

Leno To Undergo Another Surgery 

Leno is set to have a second surgery in the coming days, though the timing of that surgery isn’t immediately clear. While his situation is serious, Dr. Grossman has faith that the comedian will be alright in the end. 

“As I’m getting to know Jay, I don’t think it’s going to be months,” he said. “I think he’s the kind of guy who’s gonna move forward.”

Please keep Leno in your prayers during this difficult time!