The masks are intended to cover and protect a laceration or unstable part of the face. Typically, they are used to guard against further injury to lacerations to eg. the chin or lip, or fractures to the nose or cheekbone. Larger masks can be used as burn or compression masks to lighten and soften scar tissue and protect facial grafts.
Because they are customised, the Cavendish Imaging Sports Masks don't move about while running or heading the ball.
Experts tell us:
Maxillofacial surgeon Iain Hutchison at Barts & The London Hospitals has successfully treated many footballers with broken eye sockets and cheekbones so they have been able to get back to full comeptitive sporting activity within 4 days. This includes well known Premiership footballers.
He says:
"In the past, we would have taken an impression of people's faces which is a very uncomfortable and claustrophobic process. A lot of laboratory work was then needed to make the mask. Now, with Cavendish Imaging, we can make these masks without discomfort and very rapidly by combining 3D digital photography and 3D printing technologies. After surgery, patients need a couple of days to get over the affects of the anaesthetics. After this, providing that the face is protected, there is no reason why they cannot restart normal activities."
Cavendish Imaging is able to construct the masks from a model of the face derived from scan data; using either our own on-site optical scanner or cone beam technology, as well as data from most off site scanners. This avoids the need for a physical impression of the face, which can be unpleasant.
We have treated many professional footballers and rugby players including players from teams such as: Chelsea FC, Coventry City FC and Southampton Saints FC, all of whom have all been authorised to play with our masks. However please note that fitness to play and the stability of the injured area can only be determined by the player’s medical advisors. The protective mask will offer increased protection of the injured area, but cannot guarantee against re-injury – there are inherent risks in contact sports.
Our masks are usually in nylon using our 3D printers.