Customized mask for patients during facial procedures to maximize the work field

Surgical challenge

Laser hair reduction should be withheld according to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) guidelines. As a result of which, patients with hirsutism are suffering. However, in case of urgency, procedures can be done with appropriate precautions. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, it is necessary to cover the patient's face with a protective mask. Because a traditional mask covers most of the face, it is not possible to perform a laser procedure when a patient's mask is being worn. The chances of infection are increased if the patient's mask is removed during the procedure.

The solution

We tried to overcome this problem by making a customized mask. A rectangular piece (6 inches × 8 inches) of appropriate approved fabric was folded twice in half (Fig 1 ; Video 1, available at http://www.jaad.org). The diagonally opposite sides (the sides other than the free and the folded ends) were then cut to have rounded edges so that the end with folds had a sharper edge. The cloth was then unfolded once, and the fold with the longer length was cut to get 2 similar templates. Elastic bands were attached to the sharper cut ends, and the periphery of both templates was sewed together, leaving the larger (blunter) cut end free. The cloth was again folded like before, and the periphery of the blunter edges was sewed together. The mask was then turned inside out.

Fig 1.

A, A cloth piece of 8 × 4 inches. B, Cloth is being folded, and 2 diagonally opposite ends are cut. C, The cloth piece is unfolded to have 2 symmetrical templates. D, Appropriate elastic bands are attached.

The mask thus prepared covers the nose and oral apertures very well, without covering other areas of the face (Fig 2 ; Video 1). We have tried it on our patients for various facial procedures with a great comfort for both the patient and the doctor. The limitation of this mask is that procedures involving upper lip, lower lip, and medial end of the cheek cannot be performed.

Fig 2.

A, The second template sewn with the first template, leaving the round edge free. B, The mask is being folded and the edge is sewn. C, The ready-to-use customized face mask. D, The mask worn on the face shows a large skin area free for treatment.