Evaluation of Transparent Pressure Masks in Reducing Hypertrophic Scars: A Comparison Across Facial Zones

BACKGROUND: Facial burn scars are challenging to treat due to complex contours, and data on site-specific efficacy of transparent pressure masks are limited. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of transparent pressure masks on six facial zones in treating post-burn hypertrophic scars. PATIENTS/METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 22 patients with post-burn facial hypertrophic scars across six zones (mid-forehead, bilateral zygomatic arches, bilateral cheeks, chin). Patients were treated with transparent masks and followed for 6 months. Scar assessment included Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), thickness, hardness, coloration, pruritus, pain, and satisfaction. RESULTS: We found that the VSS scores of the middle of forehead and bilateral zygomatic arches were significantly improved compared with scores before mask application. In the objective assessment, a significant difference in thickness of the scar was observed in the middle of forehead and chin compared with the scores before mask application. Similarly, the hardness of the scar in the chin was significantly different from that before mask application. The value of color L of the scar in the middle of forehead, left zygomatic arch, right cheek and chin was significantly different between baseline scores and after 6 months of wearing a transparent mask. The patients were very satisfied with the therapeutic effect. The percentage of wearing transparent mask adverse effects was 36.36%, including redness, oozing, blistering, and rash. CONCLUSIONS: Transparent pressure masks effectively improve facial burn hypertrophic scars, particularly in the mid-forehead of forehead and bilateral zygomatic arches, and can be applied within 1 month.