Normal skin is made up of connective tissues that form a three-dimensional mesh of collagen fibers. These fibers lie parallel to the skin’s surface. In an injury, our skin naturally applies pressure against these layers to prevent a scar from developing.
However, when a patient is severely burned, the skin is destroyed and the pressure that would normally be applied is not there. Without this pressure, hypertrophic scars will form. To replace the pressure that the skin would normally apply in order to prevent the formation of scars, we use custom made pressure garments. The garments are made to fit tight like skin and apply counter pressure again the wound.
In order to get the best. possible outcome, pressure garments should be started early. The new scar is most responsive to the pressure when it is in the early stages and is active and immature. The pressure prevents the scar from thickening allowing for a soft flat scar that also does not restrict joint movement. The other benefits of pressure garments are that it reduces itching, makes the patient feel more secure, and protects the area from injury.
Consistent pressure is important and so patients will wear their suit 23 hours each day, changing only to bathe and put on a clean set. Every patient receives two sets of garments, one to wear and one to wash. Every injury is different but pressure garments will most likely be used for 12 to 24 months. Every week in the beginning and then every few weeks, the patients will need to return to the office to have their suit checked and to make any necessary adjustments for stretching of the material, proper fit, and size changes of the patient.
However, when a patient is severely burned, the skin is destroyed and the pressure that would normally be applied is not there. Without this pressure, hypertrophic scars will form. To replace the pressure that the skin would normally apply in order to prevent the formation of scars, we use custom made pressure garments. The garments are made to fit tight like skin and apply counter pressure again the wound.
In order to get the best. possible outcome, pressure garments should be started early. The new scar is most responsive to the pressure when it is in the early stages and is active and immature. The pressure prevents the scar from thickening allowing for a soft flat scar that also does not restrict joint movement. The other benefits of pressure garments are that it reduces itching, makes the patient feel more secure, and protects the area from injury.
Consistent pressure is important and so patients will wear their suit 23 hours each day, changing only to bathe and put on a clean set. Every patient receives two sets of garments, one to wear and one to wash. Every injury is different but pressure garments will most likely be used for 12 to 24 months. Every week in the beginning and then every few weeks, the patients will need to return to the office to have their suit checked and to make any necessary adjustments for stretching of the material, proper fit, and size changes of the patient.