Lightweight acrylic resin facial prosthesis for maxillofacial defects: a fabrication and retention method

Extraoral maxillofacial rehabilitation for compromised or lost facial anatomy resulting from the surgical eradication of malignancy, trauma, or congenital anomalies is commonly accomplished with a silicone prosthesis. However, with increasing size and weight, a silicone prosthesis can lose retention. This report presents 2 patient treatments to introduce a fabrication and retention method for a lightweight acrylic resin facial prosthesis. The prosthesis was fabricated by bonding an acrylic resin facial shell to a computer-edited facial image printed with iron-on transfers. The completed prosthesis was attached to the skin with medical-grade double-sided adhesive tape, which maintained a tight marginal seal even when in contact with saliva and water. The strong prosthetic retention of the lightweight prosthesis enabled orofacial and speech rehabilitation, which makes it a promising alternative to the conventional silicone prosthesis, especially for the restoration of extensive maxillofacial defects.