A new treatment for reliable functional and esthetic outcome after local facial flap reconstruction: a transparent polycarbonate facial mask with silicone sheeting

Kant, Sander B.; Ferdinandus, Patrick I.; Kerckhove, Eric Van den; Colla, C.; Hulst, René R. W. J. van der; Piatkowski, Andrzej; Tuinder, Stefania

doi:10.1007/s00238-017-1306-y

Cited by 9 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Surface area demonstrated a statistically significant improvement between start and end of therapy in the Patient Scale of the POSAS in patients with hypertrophic scars and protruding flaps after facial flap surgery. 14 Furthermore, this study reported a statistically significant improvement in scar itchiness, pigmentation, pliability, and thickness. Concerning the Observer Scale, thickness, pliability, and surface area improved significantly.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 56%

“…The included articles originated from China (two) and the Netherlands (one) and were published in 2016 and 2017. Two articles described patients with hypertrophic scars caused by thermal or chemical burns 12,13 and one study 14 included patients with hypertrophic scars and protruding skin flaps after facial flap surgery.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One study 14 reported outcomes solely by means of a validated scar assessment scale, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). This scale is designed for assessment of scars by both patient and clinician.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Clinical effects of transparent facial pressure masks

Kant

Colla

Kerckhove

et al. 2019

Prosthetics &Amp; Orthotics International

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Background: Severe facial hypertrophic scars are known to severely impact emotional well-being. Pressure therapy by means of transparent face masks has been used for almost 40 years, but evidence about the clinical effects remains sparse. Objectives: To provide a summary on the efficacy of transparent face masks in the treatment of facial hypertrophic scars. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases through 1 January 2018. Articles describing the clinical effects of facial pressure therapy for remodeling the face after trauma or surgery with a validated tool were included. This review included studies of participants treated with facial hypertrophic scars, both minors and adults. Results: Three articles involving 33 patients were selected for inclusion. Two studies described statistically significant improvement in facial scars measured by durometer, ultrasound, and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Conclusions: Facial pressure masks have been shown to deliver significant improvement in facial scars, measured by both subjective and objective tools. However, only three studies could be included in this literature review. Also, because of considerable limitations of the studies, it remains difficult to draw substantial conclusions about the efficacy of transparent face masks. Clinical relevance This literature review provides a summary of the current evidence on the subjectively and objectively measured clinical effects of transparent face masks in the treatment of facial scars, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 56%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Clinical effects of transparent facial pressure masks

Kant

Colla

Kerckhove

et al. 2019

Prosthetics &Amp; Orthotics International

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“…This therapy has recently proven to be effective as an adjuvant therapy for treating unaesthetic results after facial flap surgery. 21 In this article, the fabrication process of this facial mask is put apart. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of the MUMC+.…”

Section: Aimmentioning

confidence: 99%

Manual fabrication of a specialized transparent facial pressure mask

Colla

Kant

Kerckhove

et al. 2019

Prosthetics &Amp; Orthotics International

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Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to describe the manual fabrication of a transparent facial pressure mask for treating facial deformities. The mask combines the use of a silicone inner liner and mechanical pressure in the facial region. Technique: A negative mold is formed by covering the face with plaster. Manipulation of soft tissue is a crucial part in this process. After hardening and removal of the negative mold, the positive mold is formed and dried. Next a rolled silicone sheet is placed over the positive mold in a vacuum environment. Subsequently, the silicones are vulcanized. Then the rigid outside of the mask is created. The silicone inner liner and outside shell are then affixed. Discussion: This described technique results in accurate facemasks with precise fitting. During therapy, the mask is adjusted multiple times to keep excellent fit, as remodeling of scars and deformities takes place. Clinical relevance: Facemasks are a reputable therapeutic modality to reduce excessive facial scarring. They require excellent fitting to give pleasing results. To provide a better understanding of facemask therapy, this study describes the manual fabrication technique.

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“…Treatment with such a mask results in a reduction of flap thickness and scar erythema, improvement of skin irregularities, and pliability of the skin. 8 However, from a psychological point of view, the impact of wearing a full-face pressure mask is not well documented.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Satisfaction with Facial Appearance and Quality of Life after Treatment of Face Scars with a Transparent Facial Pressure Mask

et al. 2018

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Treatment of facial hypertrophic scars and deformities has developed from the use of elastic fabric hoods to transparent facemasks. The clinical effects of these masks have been described. However, the psychological impact of wearing such a mask is not well documented. The aim of this study was to assess patients' satisfaction with their current facial appearance, to assess the end result of facemask therapy, and to assess the decision to have undergone facemask therapy by means of four different FACE-Q questionnaires. Out of the eligible 87 patients who completed the facemask therapy between January 2012 and November 2017, 42 filled out the questionnaires. These patients wore a custom-fabricated facemask because of facial hypertrophic scars and severe postsurgical facial irregularities. Patients who wore the mask 12 to 16 hours per day were significantly more satisfied with the end result compared with those who wore it 4 to 8 hours daily. Also, patients who wore the mask 8 to 12 and 12 to 16 hours each day were more satisfied to have undergone therapy compared with those who wore it 4 to 8 hours daily. Furthermore, patients who finished therapy 3 to 4 years and 4 to 5 years ago reported a significant higher satisfaction with facial appearance compared with those who completed therapy in a time period shorter than 1 year ago. Patients who finished therapy 3 to 4 years ago reported higher satisfaction with their facial appearance compared with those who finished therapy 2 to 3 years ago. Additionally, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessments Score (POSAS) showed a significant reduction between start and end of therapy. This study shows facemask therapy to result in long-lasting stable results. It also shows a longer daily wearing of the facemask to result in the highest satisfaction according to patients.

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A new treatment for reliable functional and esthetic outcome after local facial flap reconstruction: a transparent polycarbonate facial mask with silicone sheeting

Cited by 9 publications

References 38 publications

Clinical effects of transparent facial pressure masks

Clinical effects of transparent facial pressure masks

Manual fabrication of a specialized transparent facial pressure mask

Satisfaction with Facial Appearance and Quality of Life after Treatment of Face Scars with a Transparent Facial Pressure Mask

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