3D-printed transparent facemasks in the treatment of facial hypertrophic scars of young children with burns

Yating Wei, Wai Ping Cecilia Tsang, Jun Liu, Lihua Xie, Shukai Yue

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The conventional methods of producing transparent face masks for scar control remains complex and require dexterous skills of experienced clinician and patients’ compliance during fitting. In this study, we adopted a portable 3D scanning and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to produce 3D-printed transparent facemasks. Its efficacy was tested on two children with facial burns resulting hypertrophic scars. Method This study adopted a longitudinal case follow up research design. Two children with facial burns were recruited in the study upon consent. Their facial features were scanned with a portable 3D scanner and then edited and converted to the target files: the customized printable facemask files. The transparent facemask was directly printed out on the transparent biocompatible material followed by adding the medical grade silicone gel to provide extra pressure on the scar site. The facemasks were fitted to the patients with elastic straps connecting the printed anchoring bolts. Both children and family were instructed to wear the facemask for at least 20 h per day and they were assessed before treatment, one month and three months after treatment on the facial scar conditions. Results At the one-month and three-month assessments after treatment, a decrease in average scar thickness was shown and the facial appearance was satisfactory. The 3D-printed facemasks were well fitted on both patients. The treatment was well-tolerated and no complication was reported. Conclusion 3D-printed transparent facemask is convenient and efficient to fabricate, and is suitable for treating pediatric facial hypertrophic scars after burn.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e19-e26
JournalBurns
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2017

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • Children
  • Facemask
  • Facial burns
  • Hypertrophic scar

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '3D-printed transparent facemasks in the treatment of facial hypertrophic scars of young children with burns'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this