A short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging system and method of using the same is provided for assessing a tissue damage depth and/or readiness for reconstruction and/or debridement. The SWIR imaging system includes a light source for illuminating the wound or burn, an image light-registering camera system having at least one narrow-band SWIR filter to image the wound or burn and output imaging information, and a detection system for receiving the imaging information and processing the imaging information to determine a tissue damage depth and/or readiness for reconstruction and/or debridement assessment.