Manual fabrication of a specialized transparent facial pressure mask

Abstract

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.

Pressure Masks for Facial Scar Treatment after Oncological Reconstruction: Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life

“…For this cohort study, patients who received pressure mask treatment following local flap reconstruction for facial MMS defects were recruited from the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery in an academic setting. An experienced orthotist/prosthetist manually fabricated these masks as described previously by Colla et al 10 All adult patients (e.g., older than 18 years of age) who started facial pressure mask therapy between January 2012 and October 2020 to treat scar and flap irregularities were invited for participation. Patients with a follow-up of less than 3 months and patients who were still undergoing pressure mask therapy were excluded.…”

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

“…Sin embargo, después de dos semanas de terapia, presentó aparición de signos tempranos de cicatrización hipertrófica en las áreas injertadas, dados por aumento en el grosor de la piel, disminución de la elasticidad, bordes irregulares, sobre elevados e hiperpigmentación, obteniendo un puntaje de 12 en la escala de cicatrización de Vancouver (VSS) (Ver Figura 3a). En este punto, se decide en conjunto con el grupo de fisioterapia, la elaboración de una máscara en Aquaplast, polímero termoestable, que se moldea exactamente ajustado al rostro de la paciente y va recubierto internamente con láminas de silicona,las cuales no alteran las características especiales de una piel injertada, más frágil y sensible 25,29 .…”

“…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.…”

“…Además de producir hipoxia, también degenera la estructura y cúmulo de las fibrillas de colágeno. Se puede apreciar que la pigmentación roja de las cicatrices disminuye al neutralizar la vascularización, así como el aplanamiento de abultamientos y disminución de retracciones 25,33 .…”

Personalized Piezoresistive Anti‐Scar Orthosis with Precise Pressure Monitoring Function Based on Embedded 3D Printing

“…The efficacy of this method has been verified clinically. [ 6 ] Common compression treatments include pressure garment therapy, [ 7 ] pressure facemasks, [ 8 ] elastic bandages, [ 9 ] and others. However, scars, especially keloids, tend to occur in high‐tension areas like the ear, sternum, and finger joints.…”