Personalized Prosthetics specializes in prostheses for the face but also can fabricate a range of other prosthesis. Please see the links below for more detailed descriptions of some of our prosthesis.
If you don’t see what you are looking for below it doesn’t mean we can’t help you. Your first step is to schedule a consultation appointment and the anaplastologist will be happy to discuss your options with you.
Working with other professionals
Your anaplastologist often works closely with other healthcare professionals to optimize your prosthesis. Sometimes this requires surgery to recontour tissue or place craniofacial implants to increase retention of a prosthesis. Often, patients have been through many prior surgical procedures and do not wish to undergo further revision. We respect their decision and will work around the remaining tissue in order to fabricate an acceptable prosthesis.
Auricular (ear) prosthesis
A person may need an auricular (ear) prosthesis for numerous reasons. One of them is congenital deformity. A child can be born with a small/underdeveloped ear (microtia) or completely without an ear (anotia). Common genetic disorders that require an ear prosthesis are hemifacial microsomia (disorder of the lower half of face) or Goldenhar Syndrome (deformities of one side of the face). A person would also need an auricular prosthesis due to unsatisfactory surgical reconstruction or when all/part of the ear has been removed due to cancer or trauma. An auricular prosthesis can be attached using medical grade adhesive or craniofacial implants that require placement by a surgeon. After the implants heal, your anaplastologist will attach the implants to your prosthesis using a magnet.
Nasal
People require a nasal (nose) prosthesis when all or part of their nose is missing. Common reasons for removal are tumors, trauma and infections. A nasal prosthesis can be retained using anatomical features, a medical grade adhesive or craniofacial implants. There are many different shapes and sizes of noses; your anaplastologist will work with you to make an acceptable outcome. Common ways to help your anaplastologist design the prosthesis is with photographs. These photos can show your nose prior to loss or photographs of a family member, friend, or other person whose nose you like. If that person is willing your anaplastologist can directly fabricate your new nose with a mold of that persons nose!
Nasal Obturator
A nasal obturator is a speech enhancing prosthesis that closes the nostrils to decrease airflow. It is typically used for patients with velopharygeal insuffincy or incompetence (VPI). The nasal obturator can be used temporarily while awaiting a palatal lift or long term for those who are unable to have a palatal lift. It can also be used in situations after nasal plastic surgery to keep the nostrils from collapsing during healing.
Orbital (eye) Prosthesis
An orbital prosthesis is made when a patient is missing the eye and surrounding structures such as the eyelid, eyebrow, eyelashes and surrounding skin. Like other maxillofacial prosthesis an orbital prosthesis may be retained with implants, medical grade adhesive or mechanically retained with anatomical variations. Eyeglasses are always recommended for protection as well as to camouflage the edges of a prosthesis. Sometime they can be attached to the prosthesis and used to retain it. When a communication between the eye and the mouth is present your anaplastologist will work with your dentist to attach your orbital prosthesis to any dental prosthesis that is present.
Finger Prosthesis
We can create a custom fingertip, finger and thumb. Reasons for loss can be disease, trauma or congenital abnormality. Finger prostheses are typically held on by suction but can be implant retained if needed.
Gingival (gums) Prosthesis
A gingival prosthesis replaces missing anatomy of the gums. A person may want to improve their smile because they have gum recession or large black holes due to surgery or gum disease. The prosthesis is made from a thin, flexible and comfortable silicone that sits on the gums via suction and mechanical retention.
Custom Prosthetic Nipples
When a nipple has been lost and cannot be recreated surgically or a patient doesn’t want a nipple tattoo a prosthetic nipple is a valid option. The nipple is custom colored to your skin and attaches with medical grade adhesive and in some cases with just suction. A nipple can typically be made in 2 appointments.