An evaluation of facial prostheses.

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial prosthetics
• Biomaterials science
• Patient-centered care

Background:

• Facial prostheses are crucial for restoring aesthetics and function after ablative surgery.
• Patient acceptance and long-term use of facial prostheses are influenced by various factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient satisfaction and identify challenges associated with facial prostheses.
• To determine reasons for prosthesis non-wear and inform future design improvements.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to patients who received facial prostheses at a research institute.
• Patient responses were analyzed to identify reasons for prosthesis use or non-use.

Main Results:

• 38 of 76 surveyed patients were not wearing their prostheses.
• Common reasons for non-wear included poor retention, discomfort, irritation, and need for further surgery.
• Over 69% of prostheses required remakes within a year due to material or color degradation.

Conclusions:

• Current facial prostheses face significant challenges in terms of durability and patient comfort.
• Enhancements in materials, adhesive techniques, and patient psychological support are essential for improving prosthesis outcomes.