Jay Lenois 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 formerTonight Showhost, 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.
“Some of the burns to the face are a little deeper and a little more concerning,” Grossman said during the press conference.
Jay Leno.John Lamparski/WireImage
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.”
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On Monday, Leno spoke out for the first time since enduring the “serious medical emergency.”
“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire,” Leno said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”
Aimee Bennett, a spokesperson at the Grossman Burn Center, also issued a statement to PEOPLE, confirming that Leno was being treated there after the incident in his garage.
source: people.com
