Garments

80% of burn patients will develop a hypertrophic scar. Use of compression therapy is indicated in the prevention and reduction of hypertrophic scarring. Compression can be delivered via various means including, but not limited to, ace wraps (used with open wounds), Tubigrip tubular compression bandage (initiated once wounds are closed), custom pressure garments, silicone gel sheeting, and face masks.

Compression garments (with the exception of ace wraps which are only worn when the patient is out of bed when legs are in a dependent position) are worn 23 hours daily for optimal effect. The garment will need to be reassessed every three months to maintain optimal fit, especially in cases of children (to account for rapid growth) or weight gain or loss (less than 5 pounds can make a difference in the way that garments fit!).

Since a scar will mature over the course of 6-30 months (yes, that is 2 ½ years!), use of compression therapy is usually recommended for a year or more. A patient will be provided with 2 sets of garments-one for wearing and one for washing. It is recommended that garments be washed in a gentle detergent and then laid flat to dry (absolutely no dryer!).

How and why does compression therapy work?

1. It produces a mechanical thinning effect of the collagen fibers that form the scar.
2. It decreases blood flow to the scar. Blood is like food for a scar and with a good blood supply, a scar has the potential to grow and tighten, limiting the range of motion of joints and thereby inhibiting function and mobility.
3. It reorganizes collagen bundles into an orderly, smooth, and supple form.
4. It decreases the water content of the scar.
5. It provides actual physical pressure to the scar.