Postsurgical compressive dressings for the maxillofacial area.

A convenient and functional type of compressive dressing for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery has been described and illustrated. The special nature of the dressing material permits an ease of manipulation and application to particular points that has previously been lacking in this aspect of postsurgical case. The authors have found this material to be easily and quickly applied, readily cleaned, nonallergenic nonrestrictive, retentive, and highly acceptable to the patient. In addition, it may also be used to maintain wet soaks or ice packs. Its effectiveness in minimizing postoperative edema in a variety of maxillofacial surgical procedures has been clinically established.