(People) Jay Leno is recovering from surgery due to second- and third-degree burns after a gasoline fire this past weekend, according to his doctor.
Dr. Peter Grossman, medical director at the Grossman Burn Center, is treating the former Tonight Show host, 72, and revealed during a press conference Wednesday that Leno’s injuries are serious, but he is in good condition.
On Saturday, the comedian was working on a steam engine underneath a car in his garage when a fire began. Leno was pulled from underneath the car, but suffered “significant” burns to his face, chest and hand.
While at Grossman Burn Center, Leno underwent a surgical excision and grafting procedure to the burned areas, his doctor explained, noting that a lot of the thickness of his skin was injured. The surgery involves removing unhealthy tissue and placing a biological skin substitute on the wounds in order to expedite healing.
Additionally, Grossman said they have been “very aggressive” with Leno’s hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The facility’s website states that the treatment can “accelerate burn wound healing by increasing oxygen supply to injured areas and reducing swelling, which is helpful in maintaining healthy blood flow.”
“Some of the burns to the face are a little deeper and a little more concerning,” Grossman said during the press conference.
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He added that the comedian is “in good spirits today” following his surgery, and another procedure will be needed later this week.
“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,” Grossman said. “I’d say that his injuries are serious, his condition is good.”
