A comparison of facial cooling using ice or hilotherapy: a pilot study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot evaluation of facial cooling using Hilotherapy in healthy volunteers
IRAS ID
106366
Contact name
Jonathan M Collier
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Facial surgery often results in significant post-operative swelling that patients find both painful and disabling. While improvements in surgical and anaesthetic techniques have helped, patients still describe additional benefit from the application of cooling to the skin after surgery. The aim of this research study is to investigate the effectiveness of a novel, purpose made, medical cooling mask (HiLotherapy) on facial skin temperature in healthy volunteers. Measurements will be made using a non-invasive, calibrated thermal imaging camera (thermography) in a dedicated laboratory. Two versions of the Hilotherapy mask will be tested: a facial mask, which would be suitable for use following orthognathic surgery and an eye mask that could be used following an orbital trauma repair. In one pilot study, facial temperature with a Hiliotherapy facial mask will be compared to facial temperature achieved with ice-packs as these are occasionally used in routine orthognathic surgery. In a second pilot, temperatures achieved with a Hilotherapy eye mask (placed over one eye) will be compared to temperatures with a standard post-surgical eye pad, which will be placed over the other eye. The aim of this study is to produce technical information relevant to the potential investigation of the use of HiLotherapy cooling masks in a subsequent clinical trial on post-surgical patients.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0743
Date of REC Opinion
15 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion