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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants
Published on: May 23, 2020
Patients' satisfaction with facial prostheses.
Marloes Wondergem1, George Lieben2, Shirley Bouman2
1The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, P.O. Box 90203, 1006 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands; The University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Patients reported high satisfaction with facial prostheses, particularly implant-retained types. While both adhesive and implant prostheses offer benefits, individual patient factors are key to choosing the best option for wellbeing.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Oncology
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Facial defects from cancer treatment necessitate reconstructive solutions.
- Facial prostheses, including ear, nose, and orbital types, are crucial for restoring appearance and function.
- Both adhesive-retained and implant-retained prostheses are utilized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient wellbeing and satisfaction with facial prostheses.
- To compare satisfaction levels between adhesive-retained and implant-retained facial prostheses.
- To identify factors influencing patient choice and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 104 patients who received facial prostheses between 1951 and 2011.
- A follow-up questionnaire was administered to 71 patients (68% response rate) one year or more later.
- Patient satisfaction was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS).
Main Results:
- Overall patient satisfaction with facial prostheses was high (VAS: mean 8.1(1.5)).
- Implant-retained prostheses showed significantly higher satisfaction (p=0.022).
- Adhesive-retained prostheses were associated with greater self-consciousness (p=0.013), though three-quarters reported no pain or functional issues.
Conclusions:
- Facial prostheses significantly benefit patient wellbeing and satisfaction.
- While implant-retained prostheses yield higher satisfaction, both types are viable options.
- Patient-specific factors like tissue quality, defect location, and general health are critical for prosthesis selection.
