Facial Burn Scars Research Articles

Management of Facial Burn Scar using Repurposed FDA-Approved Drugs

Management of Facial Burn Scar using Repurposed FDA-Approved Drugs

Utility of customized 3D compression mask with pressure sensors on facial burn scars: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial

PurposeA pressure of approximately 15–25 mmHg is used for effective compression therapy to prevent and treat hypertrophic scar formation in patients with burns. However, conventional facial compression garments present challenges owing to inadequate pressure distribution in curved areas such as the cheeks, around the mouth, and the slope of the nose. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a custom-made 3D compression mask equipped with pressure sensors to treat facial burn scars. MethodsThis single-blinded, prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between May and October 2023, involving 48 burn scars in 12 inpatients with facial burns. We created the custom-made 3D compression mask equipped with pressure sensors, inner lined with biocompatible silicon, and a harness system using 3D printing technology, which can continuously monitor whether an appropriate pressure of 15–25 mmHg maintains. The biological scar properties, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores in patients with facial burns were assessed before applying the compression mask and garment and at 4 and 12 weeks after application. ResultsPre-application assessment of biological scar properties, VSS, and POSAS revealed no statistically significant differences between the 3D mask and control groups (p > 0.05 for all). Throughout the 12-week application, skin hydration and scar thickness significantly increased (p < 0.001) and reduced (p = 0.010), respectively, in the 3D mask group compared to the control group. Additionally, significant improvements in scar pliability (p = 0.004) and height (p = 0.009) of VSS, itching (p = 0.047), scar stiffness (p = 0.001), thickness (p = 0.011), and irregularity (p < 0.001) of POSAS-patient component, and scar thickness (p = 0.001), pliability (p = 0.012), and surface area (p = 0.027) of the POSAS-observer component were observed in 3D mask group throughout the 12-week application compared to the control group. ConclusionThe customized 3D compression mask equipped with pressure sensors significantly improved scar thickness, skin hydration, and various assessment scale parameters throughout the 12-week application.

Pediatric Facial Burn Reconstruction.

Contrary to prior pediatric burn treatment philosophies, we now know that early burn excision and grafting for non life-threatening burns can compromise future reconstruction. Extensive scar excision should be minimized and scar rehabilitation maximized, as secondary iatrogenic deformities can become even more difficult to fix. Scar remodeling with local tissue rearrangement can relieve tension and soften scars over time. The majority of facial burns often only involve skin and can be adequately treated without the need for complex flap reconstruction. Facial burn scars are a different problem than facial burn scar contracture. The former needs scar rehabilitation, whereas the latter needs the addition of skin. Laser therapy has transformed the treatment of burn scars and is an incredibly valuable adjunct to local tissue rearrangement and grafting. The most favorable functional, aesthetic, and psychological outcomes require a long-term multidisciplinary effort and customized protocol utilizing the vast armamentarium of reconstructive tools described below.

Manufacture and use of transparent facial orthotic masks for treating facial burn scars: A systematic review

BackgroundCustom-made transparent facial orthoses (TFOs) (face masks) are used to improve facial burn scars. We conducted a systematic literature review on TFO manufacture and use. MethodsPubmed and Cochrane databases were searched without restrictions for relevant articles. TFO manufacture details and use according to international recommendations (20–32 mmHg pressure, TFO worn 20–23 h/day for ≥2 months) were extracted. ResultsOf 279 retrieved articles, 11 published over the last 41 years (four in the last 5 years) discussed TFO manufacture/use. There were five technical notes, five case reports, and a patient-cohort study (total patients in the studies=21). TFO-manufacture methods could be categorized as classical, digital, or mixed classical-digital. Relative clinical efficacies and cost advantages were unclear. The plastics used, harness materials, harness-point number, and silicone-interface use differed from study to study. Target pressure, actual pressure, expected daily wearing time, and treatment duration ranged widely and often did not meet current guidelines. Actual wearing time and treatment duration were never measured. ConclusionsAlthough TFOs play an important global role in burn care, there is a grave paucity of research. Further research is needed to promote the standardization of TFO-related practices and thereby improve the outcomes of facial-burn patients.

Using an Expanded Cervical Flap With an Overlapping Tissue Expansion Technique to Resurface Middle and Lower Facial Defects.

Extensive facial burn scars are a tragedy for patients and often pose a great challenge to surgeons because of the high esthetic and functional demands. For patients with healthy skin in the neck region, a cervical flap is highly recommended for facial resurfacing; however, the skin on the midline of the neck often needs more expansion than that on either side, especially for the treatment of large facial defects. The sufficient longitudinal soft tissue in the anterior neck ensures a normal neck shape as well as a normal range of cervical extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. To overcome this, we developed an expanded cervical flap with an overlapping tissue expansion technique to gain more length centrally. First, 2 tissue expanders were embedded in the anterior neck region overlapping each other at the midline of the neck. After adequate inflation of the expander, the expanded flap was dissected and rotated to repair defects in the middle and lower face. The anchor position of the flap was placed on the horizontal line of the thyroid cartilage to restore the cervicomental angle. Sixteen patients were treated with this method in this single-center study. All defects affected the middle and lower face, with an area ranging from 135 to 185cm 2 , and were caused by a massive facial burn. Among them, 12 patients suffered ectropion of the lower lip, 3 suffered limited mouth opening due to scar contraction, and one patient had a cervicomental adhesion. The area of the expanded flap was approximately 163 to 266cm 2 . The average period of expansion was 89.5 days. Patients were followed up after the operation, with the follow-up period ranging from 6 to 12 months. In all cases, good defect coverage was achieved, with primary closure of the donor sites and a good postoperative cervical configuration. We conclude that the expanded cervical flap with the overlapping tissue expansion technique proved to be a reliable method for facial skin reconstruction with functional and aesthetic improvement.

Digital workflow for fabrication of bespoke facemask in burn rehabilitation with smartphone 3D scanner and desktop 3D printing: clinical case study

We present a digital workflow for the production of custom facial orthosis used for burn scar management using smartphone three-dimensional (3D) scanner and desktop 3D printing. 3D facial scan of a 48-year-old lady with facial burn scars was obtained. 3D modeling with open-source programs were used to create facemask then 3D printed using rigid polylactic acid (PLA) filament and semi-rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Conventional facemask was used as a control. Each mask was worn for 7 days. Primary outcomes were level of comfort, and adherence to treatment. The conventional facemask was the most convenient followed by the TPU-facemask (mean comfort score of 9/10 and 8.7/10, respectively). Patient’s compliance was high for both TPU and conventional masks, each was worn for at least 21 hours/day for 7 days. On the contrary, PLA-facemask was not well tolerated. The proposed digital workflow is simple, patient-friendly and can be adopted for resource-intensive healthcare.

648 The Negative Impression Makes a Positive Impact

Abstract Introduction Providing timely and appropriate pressure to prevent/address hypertrophic scarring for burn survivors is an ongoing challenge. From time of measurement to obtaining a custom compression garment can be several weeks requiring creative solutions to providing interim pressure, particularly in the pediatric population and even more challenging for a facial burn scar. Historically, fabric custom garments were ordered, then with the advancement of silicone lined materials, clear facial masks could be fabricated. This process started with taking a plaster cast of the survivors’ face, frequently using sedation to allow for optimal fitting, but sedation can change the tone of the facial muscles adding to the challenge. With the advancements in technology, less invasive, more accurate, and more timely fabrication of face masks is possible. Methods A 3D picture was taken of a 14-month-old pediatric burn survivor with hypertrophic scarring on the face. This image was uploaded to a 3D printer and a positive print (facial surface down) was completed. The positive print was used to make an alginate mask and plaster was poured to create a casting of the positive printed face. A check mask was pulled from this positive plaster cast (+ mask). This check mask was too large for the patient’s face. To have a better fitting mask, another approach to the mask fabrication was completed. From the same 3D picture, a negative print (facial surface up) was completed. Plaster was poured directly into this negative print to create a casting of the negative printed face. A check mask was pulled from this negative plaster cast (- mask). Both check masks were fit to the patient to assess for accuracy of fit and estimation of required adjustments for optimal fit. Results There was a significant difference in the fit of the two masks created from the same 3D picture. The mask pulled on the positive casting was too large. The required adjustments to have the mask fit properly to provide appropriate compression to the hypertrophic scarring on the face would have been extremely difficult and time consuming to complete. The mask pulled on the negative casting fit well and only required small adjustments to ensure adequate pressure would be provided to the focused areas of hypertrophic scars on the face. Conclusions With advances in technology, 3D photography partnered with 3D printing allow for significant improvement in the accuracy of fitting facial masks, improve timeliness of compression, and improve the patient experience in the process of obtaining a facial mask.

Gender differences in quality of life and psychological impact of facial burn scars in a tertiary care center

AimTo compare the quality of life and psychological impact of cases of facial burn scar between male and female patients. Study typeAn observational cross sectional study done in a tertiary care university level teaching hospital, on a hospital based sample over a period ranging from January 2018 to July 2019. MethodologyThe study was carried out on 32 patients of facial burn scar, who were screened for psychiatric diagnoses by MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview; severity of depression and anxiety assessed by HDRS and HAM A; assessed for QoL and scar ratings of both patient and observer. QoL was assessed using the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire. The scar assessment was done with the help of POSAS by interviewing the patient and examination of the scar. ResultsNone of other socio-demographic variables patient showed any significant association with the number of psychiatric diagnoses of the patient or QoL domains; barring years of schooling, which had a significant positive correlation with the psychological domain score of QoL. Being male or female also did not show any significant differences with the anxiety or depression severity. No burn or scar related variable could reach significant association, except scar itching, stiffness scores of POSAS P and overall scar opinion score of POSAS O, with the number of psychiatric diagnoses of the patient. Extent of scar had significant negative associations with the physical and psychological domains of QoL. Significant negative correlations were found between scar variables like stiffness, pigmentation, relief, pliability, and overall opinion and QoL domain scores. The total observer score of POSAS and the overall opinion of observer had much stronger negative correlation than the patient score; the latter having a significant association with the depression severity as well. ConclusionNo statistically significant gender difference in QoL and psychological impact of patients with facial burn scar were found. However educational level was found to positively influence the psychological well-being of the patients; whereas scar extent was found to negatively affect the physical and psychological domains of QoL.

639 Face Masks - The Negative Impression Makes a Positive Impact

Abstract Introduction Providing timely and appropriate pressure to prevent/address hypertrophic scarring for burn survivors is an ongoing challenge. From time of measurement to obtaining a custom compression garment can be several weeks requiring creative solutions to providing interim pressure, particularly in the pediatric population and even more challenging for a facial burn scar. Historically, fabric custom garments were ordered, then with the advancement of silicone lined materials, clear facial masks could be fabricated. This process started with taking a plaster cast of the survivors’ face, frequently using sedation to allow for optimal fitting, but sedation can change the tone of the facial muscles adding to the challenge. With the advancements in technology, less invasive, more accurate, and more timely fabrication of face masks is possible. Methods A 3D picture was taken of a 14-month-old pediatric burn survivor with hypertrophic scarring on the face. This image was uploaded to a 3D printer and a positive print (facial surface down) was completed. The positive print was used to make an alginate mask and plaster was poured to create a casting of the positive printed face. A check mask was pulled from this positive plaster cast (+ mask). This check mask was too large for the patient’s face. To have a better fitting mask, another approach to the mask fabrication was completed. From the same 3D picture, a negative print (facial surface up) was completed. Plaster was poured directly into this negative print to create a casting of the negative printed face. A check mask was pulled from this negative plaster cast (- mask). Both check masks were fit to the patient to assess for accuracy of fit and estimation of required adjustments for optimal fit. Results There was a significant difference in the fit of the two masks created from the same 3D picture. The mask pulled on the positive casting was too large. The required adjustments to have the mask fit properly to provide appropriate compression to the hypertrophic scarring on the face would have been extremely difficult and time consuming to complete. The mask pulled on the negative casting fit well and only required small adjustments to ensure adequate pressure would be provided to the focused areas of hypertrophic scars on the face. Conclusions With advances in technology, 3D photography partnered with 3D printing allow for significant improvement in the accuracy of fitting facial masks, improve timeliness of compression, and improve the patient experience in the process of obtaining a facial mask. Applicability of Research to Practice The availability of technology can allow burn survivors to receive compression for facial scars in a faster, more accurate, and patient friendly manner to allow for early intervention to prevent and/or improve facial hypertrophic scarring. From the 3D picture to mask fitting can be as little as 48–72° as compared to several weeks with historical methods.

Surgical correction of facial burn scar in ambulatory

Surgical correction of facial burn scar in ambulatory

The Correlation Between Quality of Life and Acceptability of Disability in Patients With Facial Burn Scars.

The purpose of our research is to understand the status of the quality of life and level of disability acceptance in patients with facial burn scars and to explore the correlation between quality of life and disability acceptance and how to improve nursing care for these patients. Patients with facial burn scars were investigated in an outpatient clinic of tertiary hospitals from September 2015 to February 2016. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The questionnaires used included demographic data and investigations using the burn scars table, Burn-Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B), and acceptance disability scale (ADS). Differences between participants in terms of demographic characteristics, quality of life, and disability acceptance were assessed using two-tailed independent t-tests. The total score of quality of life and disability acceptance in facial burn scar patients was 137.06 ± 17.05 and 185.68 ± 23.74, respectively. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the overall quality of life score of facial burn scar patients was positively correlated with disability acceptance (r = 0.245, p = 0.007). The quality of life of facial burn scar patients will improve with the improvement of disability acceptance level. Therefore, medical staff can improve the quality of life of patients by improving their disability acceptance level.

Bipedicled “Superthin” Free Perforator Flaps for Facial Burn Scar Reconstruction

Background:“Superthin flap” is a distinctively thin flap that is thinned primarily to the point that the subdermal vascular network can be seen through a minimal fat layer. Reconstruction of severely disfigured neck and face can be performed using the occipito-cervico-dorsal superthin flap that is harvested from the dorsal region and supercharged by the circumflex scapular vessels. We used bipedicled superthin free perforator flaps to reconstruct scar contractures on half of the face, whole face, or the whole chin-neck area in 17 postburn patients.Methods:This case series report includes all 17 cases. Flaps in the dorsal area were designed. In all cases, one pedicle consisted of the circumflex scapular vessels. In 11, 5, and 1 flaps, the second pedicle consisted of contralateral posterior intercostal perforators (type 1), ipsilateral posterior intercostal perforators (type 2), and ipsilateral circumflex scapular vessels (type 3), respectively. Four patients underwent whole-face reconstruction after acid burn with type 1 or type 3 perforator. The recipient vessels were the superficial temporal vessels and contralateral or ipsilateral facial vessels. Intraoperatively, all adipose tissue in the flap, including between the 2 pedicles, was thinned by scissors before the pedicles were detached from the donor sites. Maximum flap size was 35 × 15 cm. Donor sites were covered by a split full-thickness skin graft. Flap survival and functional and cosmetic results were assessed retrospectively.Results:Fifteen of the 17 flaps survived completely. Two developed partial necrosis due to perforator thrombosis. Some patients developed hypertrophic scars around the flap, but these improved naturally over time. All patients were satisfied with both the cosmetic and functional outcomes of the reconstruction.Conclusion:Bipedicled superthin free perforator flaps may be an excellent choice for reconstruction of severe neck scar contracture. This report expands the scope of previously used “superthin flaps.”

A Novel Technique of Defattening Large Full Thickness Skin Grafts.

Sir, Full Thickness Skin Graft (FTSG) holds an irreplaceable position in a reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon’s armamentarium. Particularly for coverage of defects over face and hands, FTSG provides superior aesthetic and functional result as compared to the split thickness graft. FTSG is harvested free hand with a scalpel and invariably tends to include some of the underlying fat with it. Defattening of the graft is an important step to avoid fat necrosis [1] and to facilitate approximation of the dermis to wound bed which is essential for the revascularisation of the graft and eventually affects the ‘take’ [2]. Placing the skin graft under tension over a convex surface is a prerequisite for optimal defattening. As originally described in text [3] and as per the conventional teaching, the FTSG has always been defattened by stretching it upside down over the tip of surgeon’s index finger of non dominant hand while cutting with a sharp scissors [Table/Fig-1] [3]. This may at times lead to inadequate or irregular defattening, may also cause buttonholing and may be quite time consuming for large area grafts. [Table/Fig-1]: Conventional technique of defattening of FTSG We have tried a novel way of defattening of a large FTSG by placing it over the dorsum of the non dominant hand of the assistant with dermal side facing upwards and defattening by using sharp scissors [Table/Fig-2a,b]. This technique has been particularly found useful for the large FTSG required for resurfacing of extensive facial post burn scars as the sheer size of the graft renders it unmanageable to defattening by conventional technique. Other advantages are that it is easier and faster and provides better outcome in terms of more uniform defattening of the FTSG and also prevents any inadvertent buttonholing of the precious graft. It is worth noting that this technique keeps both hands of the surgeon free to work. [Table/Fig-2a,b]: Our technique for defattening of large grafts placing the graft on back of the assistant’s hand: a) relative position of surgeon and assistant; b) the way graft is held over back of the hand of assistant while fat is trimmed off In our practice we cover large post burn scars over face and neck with large FTSGs harvested from lower abdomen with or without the use of tissue expansion. These grafts may sometimes be of dimensions upto 25 x 10 cm. As the surgery is being done for aesthetic effect, buttonholing and graft necrosis due to inadequate defattening is not acceptable. Defattening of such large grafts proves to be a challenge. The authors have been using this technique routinely for the cases requiring large size full thickness grafts (in more than 100 patients till now) with excellent outcomes and never had complications associated with the conventional technique as discussed above [Table/Fig-3]. [Table/Fig-3]: Cases of post burn scar over face resurfaced with large FTSG from lower abdomen Thus we see that with this modified technique, one can defatten FTSG with precision in just few minutes and it makes the surgeon’s life easier while also giving a superior aesthetic result as compared to the conventional technique.

Resurfacing severe facial burn scars: an algorithm based on three different types of prefabricated expanded flaps.

In the reconstruction of facial burn scars, large, thin, color-matching flaps are desirable due to aesthetic and functional demands. There have been many reports using prefabricated flaps to resurface facial skin lesions. However, an algorithm to select the most suitable treatment option for the individual patient is lacking. An algorithm for facial resurfacing based on three types of prefabricated flaps from the cervical, periclavicular, and lateral thoracic area was setup, and 15 were patients treated accordingly. All 15 prefabricated flaps survived. Minor necrosis at the distal flap edge developed in three cases. After a follow-up of at least 6 months, all patients showed satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. By individual selection of the most suitable option among these three types of prefabricated flaps, satisfactory resurfacing can be achieved for most facial burn scars.

Soft-tissue response rate to chin skeletal advancement in patients with lower facial burn scar.

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and the soft-tissue response to osseous genioplasty in patients with chin retrusion caused by early life facial burn injury. Twenty-two consecutive patients with retrusive chin as a result of severe childhood facial burn were included in this study. Cephalometric analysis and photographs were used to assess the patients for eligibility of a surgical correction. Horizontal hard-tissue advancement and soft-tissue responses were measured as the primary outcomes at the early and late postoperative follow-up visits. A total of 22 patients fulfilled the study requirements. Average preoperative distance between the pogonion, as the most anterior point of the anterior mandibular contour, and a perpendicular line connecting the nasion and the supramental point of the mandible was 0.82 ± 1.1 mm, which increased significantly to 7.8 ± 0.8 mm after genioplasty (p < 0.0001). Soft tissue was repositioned on average 6.1 ± 0.4 mm anteriorly on average, which is in comparison with the amount of chin skeleton advancement, and a response ratio of 0.8:1 was calculated at late follow-up. Burn-related retrusive chin can appropriately be treated with sliding osseous genioplasty and will require slight overcorrection compared with patients without a history of lower face burn. Therapeutic, IV.

Self- and parent-perceived stigmatisation in children and adolescents with congenital or acquired facial differences

The risk of social stigmatisation is an important determinant in the decision for plastic and reconstructive surgery in children and adolescents. The purposes of this cross-sectional study were threefold: (1) to assess self- and proxy-reported stigma experiences of children and adolescents with congenital or acquired facial differences; (2) to compare patients versus controls; and (3) to identify predictors of perceived stigmatisation. Data were obtained from a cohort of 87 children (ages 9 months to 16 years) with facial burn scars, port-wine stains, infantile haemangioma or congenital melanocytic nevi, using parent questionnaires (n=85) and standardised interviews in children older than 7 years (n=29). Perceived stigmatisation was assessed with the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire. Self-reported stigmatisation was compared versus a matched control group consisting of 29 children and adolescents without a facial difference. Medical, demographic and parental psychological variables were examined as predictors of proxy-perceived stigmatisation. Patients with a facial difference reported significantly higher levels of stigma experiences than control subjects. A majority of the patients reported having experienced expressions of pity, staring or startled reactions; and about one-quarter had been teased about their facial difference. Multivariate analysis indicated that proxy-perceived stigmatisation was predicted by larger size of the facial difference and greater age of the child. Gender and type of facial difference (acquired vs. congenital) had no significant impact. These results demonstrate that children with a facial difference are at higher risk of experiencing stigmatisation than children without a visible difference. Children with a facial difference that covers more than 25% of their face are particularly vulnerable to stigmatisation and therefore need special monitoring.

Assessment of psychological status and quality of life in patients with facial burn scars

Introduction : This study was carried out in the Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi. Aim : The aim of this study was to assess the psychological status of patients with facial burn scars and to assess the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. Materials and Methods : The study was performed on 20 patients who were interviewed to assess depression (psychological status) and QOL. The assessment of depression was carried out using Beck's depression inventory, which has been translated into Hindi for use. The depression based on this questionnaire was graded into present or absent and further into mild, moderate and severe if present. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) QOL index questionnaire. The QOL was assessed to determine the environmental well being, adjustment to social relations, psychological well being and physical health and level of independence. The assessment of the patients was compared with the general population of similar socioeconomic strata. Results : The study showed presence of depression in all the studied subjects, with more females in the moderate and severe group of depression and more males in the mild group of depression. QOL assessment revealed significant derangement of psychological well being and social interaction in all subjects, but the physical abilities and environmental interaction were comparable to the normal subjects. Further, it is concluded to carry out larger and well-designed studies in burn and trauma patients to establish a protocol for assessment and management of post-traumatic stress disorders.

Research: The psychological impact of facial burn scars as a result of non-accidental injury in children

The following article will address the issues faced by children who are facially scarred as a result of non-accidental burn injuries and present a case study of a child who was supported by professionals in health and education.

Treatment of Facial Burn Scars With CO2 Laser Resurfacing and Thin Skin Grafting

Facial burns are very common and have significant clinical impact. Facial scars are easily recognized in the community and become a source of lifelong guilt, shame, and regret for the patients. In the presented clinical study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CO2 laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting for burn scars of face. Sixteen white men, whose ages ranged from 20 to 26 years (mean, 22 y), were operated on for elimination of facial burn scars. Burn areas were de-epithelialized by CO2 laser. Each area was grafted with a split-thickness skin graft. The follow-up period for these patients ranged from 3 to 15 months, with a mean follow-up period of 9 months. The scars were successfully treated and converted to a socially acceptable appearance. The color match was good or excellent in all patients. No new hypertrophic scar developed. Facial burn scars may be dermabraded in a short time, and a bloodless and smooth raw surface may be created by a flashed-scanned CO2 laser. The CO2 laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting method is effective in treating facial burn scars.

Management of Difficult Pediatric Facial Burns

Despite significant burn treatment advances, modern multidisciplinary care, and improved survival after burns, facial burn scars remain clinically challenging. Achieving a successful reconstruction requires a comprehensive approach, entailing many advanced techniques with an emphasis on preserving function and balancing intricate aesthetic requirements. Pediatric facial burns present the same reconstructive challenges seen in adults, with additional developmental and psychologic concerns. In this paper, we describe the basic principals of facial burn care in the pediatric burn population, with a specific focus on lower-eyelid burn ectropion and oral commissure burn scar contracture leading to microstomia. Several cases are demonstrated.