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Midfacial resection patient
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Midfacial prosthesis attached to maxillary obturator |
Who needs facial prosthetics?
We create prosthetic devices for any missing facial feature or anatomical structure including nasal (nose), ocular and orbital (eye and eyelids), auricular (ear). We also create more extensive prostheses for patients with absent facial anatomy due to surgical removal of a tumor or following a traumatic injury, including burns. Some of our patients are born with a facial difference such as microtia (an underdeveloped ear).
What are the benefits of facial prosthetics?
Our goal is to restore anatomical form and function--normalizing appearance to improve social confidence and quality of life. Prostheses may improve function by closing open defects, protecting sensitive tissue, and supporting eyeglasses and/or hearing devices. Studies have proven that prosthetic restoration of the external ear may provide acoustic improvement.
How are facial prostheses secured?
We work closely with you to determine which retention method will be most successful and manageable. Facial prostheses are secured using medical grade adhesives, existing anatomy, attachment to a dental prosthesis, or craniofacial bone anchored implants. Often, we use bone anchored implants to enhance security and simplify use of the prosthesis. When craniofacial implants are selected, we work directly with the surgical team. We provide the surgeon with a guide to identify the ideal location for placing the implant. We also discuss them with you in detail during the initial consultation.
What are the limitations of facial prosthetics?
Prostheses are an artificial substitute for living tissue, and do not tan, grow, or age. You must remove a facial prosthesis daily and clean it, and you must also clean the underlying skin. Facial prostheses must be replaced periodically to maintain aesthetics and hygiene of the prosthesis and underlying tissue.
What can I expect?
You can expect a prosthesis uniquely created for you. Everything about our process–from determining how your prosthesis will be retained to fabricating a custom device–is personalized to meet your needs. Your prosthesis will be lifelike, comfortable, secure, durable and safe.
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Extensive orbital & facial tissue loss |
Adhesive retained hemifacial prosthesis |
Lifelike
Each prosthesis is carefully sculpted to restore aesthetic balance and symmetry to your face and body. We meticulously replicate the texture, color, and translucency of living tissue to create prosthetics with a natural appearance.
Comfortable
We select health grade materials to simulate the consistency and elasticity of absent anatomy as closely as possible. Our prostheses are designed for ease of application and removal. We provide thorough wear and care instructions, and educate you about important follow up care. Periodic repairs or replacement are essential for long-term wellbeing.
Secure
We evaluate your personal situation to determine the best method of prosthetic retention. When designing a prosthesis, we consider your medical history, the extent of the absent anatomy, personal preference, and dexterity. We are skilled in the use of implant retention systems as well as adhesive and anatomical retention.
Durable
Our materials and construction maximize the useful life of the prosthesis. When you need a replacement, we efficiently reproduce most prostheses with a single appointment thanks to our reliable method for archiving individual patient molds.
Safe
We use only health or cosmetic grade materials in our prostheses. We adhere to stringent technical and hygiene standards to protect your health and safety.
Craniofacial bone anchored implants provide several advantages over adhesive retention including the following:
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| Click on images to view a larger image |
enhanced aesthetic result with very thin edges that blend
with the natural skin;
- useful life expectancy of the prosthesis is extended;
- the prosthesis is attached with precision and ease;
- patients report greater confidence in secure retention; and
- inconvenience of cleaning of adhesive products from the skin is avoided.
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We specialize in bone anchored implants
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A prosthesis retained by implants is secure and stable |
Three implants with magnetic attachments secure an upper facial prosthesis |
A secure upper facial prosthesis |
Placement of craniofacial bone anchored implants requires one or two minor surgical procedures. Threaded titanium fixtures are surgically implanted into the bone by your surgeon. Then a connection component, called the abutment, is installed onto the fixture. The abutment extends through a small surgical opening in the skin. Your surgeon may also thin the skin around the abutment to prevent soft tissue complications. The implants are allowed to heal for three months, permitting a bond or osseointegration to form between the titanium fixture and the bone.
After the healing phase, we take a new moulage and attach specialized components that provide secure attachment of the prosthesis. The most commonly used retention components are magnets and/or a gold bar framework with corresponding clips in the prosthesis. The standard design and fabrication process is then followed with slight modifications.
For more information about craniofacial bone-anchored implants you may want to view the website www.vistafix.cochlear.com
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