Clinical effects of transparent facial pressure masks

Abstract

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.

3D technology and telemedicine in humanitarian settings

“…A well fitting transparent facial orthosis is needed to provide effective pressure therapy for deep facial burns, and to reduce hypertrophic scarring, improve appearance, and reduce the psychosocial impact of facial burns. [3][4][5][6][7] However, the time and specialised skill needed to create these devices are often scarce in humanitarian contexts. The conventional approach requires creating a plaster mould over the patient's face, which can cause discomfort to the patient.…”

Máscara termoplástica recubierta de silicona para el manejo de la cicatriz hipertrófica facial

“…Una vez realizado el moldeamiento, se retira la máscara de la cara de la paciente y se perfeccionan los bordes de la misma con una pistola de aire caliente, para evitar que zonas irregulares maltraten la piel; así mismo, se determinan las zonas en donde se colocarán los insertos de silicona que, en este caso, correspondían al área de los párpados inferiores y labio superior. Se continúa con la ubicación de tres bandas elásticas de sujeción en seis puntos laterales de la máscara, en los cuales previamente se añadió velcro adhesivo 25,26 (Ver Figura 3b). El proceso finaliza al aplicar sobre la cara, tanto las láminas de silicona, como la máscara, ajustando las bandas laterales según la tolerancia de la paciente, pero ejerciendo a su vez, presión sobre la cicatriz.…”

Facial Scars Due to Prone Position Pressure Ulcers: Underestimated Sequelae in COVID-19 Survivors?

“…In case of deterioration of the scar (eg, in terms of thickness and surface), more extensive therapy is possible, for example, utilizing a custom-made transparent facial pressure mask with silicone inner liner. 3 …”