New Delhi: Acid victims in India may now wear smile and pout on their faces, thanks to the latest Silicon face mask.
India is the venue of 19th congress of The International Society of Burn Injuries (ISBI) 2018 after a long gap of 40 years. It may bring about a paradigm shift in the rehabilitation of burn victims in the country. Silicon face mask may be a major take away. 5 days Congress starts from 30th November in Delhi.
Today a pre-congress workshop on silicon face mask was held in Indraprastha Apollo.
In the workshop, American physical therapists gave training to their Indian counterparts on how to create silicon face masks. A live demonstration of creating a face mask mould was done on a Delhi acid victim girl. Presently, fibre face mask is being used in India which does not have good results.
Dr Kuldeep Singh, Consultant, , Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, ‘Silicon face mask is the latest technique of scar management of the face of a burn victim. It is transparent and the face is clearly visible. It will give the victim better face mobility.
The workshop was part of ISBI 2018 to be held at the Leela Convention Centre, Shahdara.
Dr Shahin Nooreyezdan, Senior Consultant, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery and Dr Kuldeep Singh, Consultant, Plastic Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals were present to welcome the faculty and the delegates to the Workshop on current techniques of scar management, especially the Silicone mask for better care of burn scars of the face.
The workshop was conducted by experienced professionals in the field including Mr. Jonathan Niszczak MS, OTR/L, BT-C, Certified Burn Therapist, Clinical Care Specialist, Burns and Plastic Surgery, Ms. Ingrid S Parry MS, PT BT-C from Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California and Mr. Michael Andres Serghiou MBA, OTR BT-C from Bio Med Sciences Inc.
Dr Nooreyezdan said, ‘As per WHO data, around 1, 80, 000 deaths are caused by burns every year, the vast majority of which is in low and middle income countries. In India, over 10, 00, 000 people are moderately or severely burnt every year. Burn victims can be treated and lead a normal life owing to the technological advancements in the sector. Now, we have modern techniques and machines to perform critical procedures with high precision.’
Dr Kuldeep Singh said, “A burn is an injury to the skin or tissues which is caused by heat, mostly by flame, hot liquids, and contact with chemicals like acid etc. Children along with adults are equally at risk of having a burn injury and the benefits of plastic surgery are not just functional or aesthetic, but also psychological. For many patients, successful plastic surgery can lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence. Many NGOs supporting acid survivors, as well as survivors themselves are also attending this workshop as delegates.”
