Early use of pressure masks to avoid facial contracture during the pregrafting phase.

This article introduces the concept of early application of pressure therapy as a form of splinting in the pregrafting phase. It is based on the principles of (1) the use of pressure therapy to reduce contraction and hypertrophic scar formation and (2) the knowledge that most wound contraction occurs within the initial few weeks of healing. This idea has most application in facial burns, where wound contraction can be disfiguring and functionally disabling, and in situations where unavoidable delay in debridement and grafting may be present. The idea is illustrated with a case report.