[Device of the burnt face. Role of compression and splints]

Abstract

The face is one of the areas of the body most frequently affected by burns. Pressure therapy maintains facial scars until maturation is achieved to present hypertrophic scars or contractures. Elastic pressure garments are usually used, but they do not provide adequate pressure on areas such as naso-labial folds or labio-chin folds. Silicone splints are therefore added under this elastic face mask. A rigid transparent face mask or silicone face mask allows better management of facial scars. A positive plastic mold is obtained from a negative alginate mold of the patient's face. A high temperature plastic is heated and stretched on to the positive mold. The mask is worn continuously excepted when bathing eating and rehabilitation. Follow up is necessary to prevent complications and to revise the mask as the scars change. Nostril and oral commissures are treated with inserts which maintain adequate size or corrected contractures. Satisfactory results can be obtained with cooperative patients.