Page 31 - Waterfall City Issue 2 February 2025

features. Unlike limb prosthetics, serves as a blueprint, allowing the
facial prosthetics are inherently more medical team to refine the prosthetic’s
complex, requiring a meticulous design before it is finalised. Patients
balance of technology, artistry, and often try-on the wax-up to ensure it fits
patient-specific customisation. comfortably and looks natural.

Steps in creating facial Colour matching is equally essential.
prosthetics: Achieving the right skin tone requires
Assessment and planning: The a combination of artistic skill and
journey begins with consultations scientific precision. Specialists use a
between the patient, prosthodontist, palette of medical-grade pigments to
and other medical experts. This stage ensure that the prosthesis matches the
defines the purpose of the prosthesis, patient’s skin under various lighting
whether it is purely cosmetic, conditions. This attention to detail
functional, or a combination of both. ensures that the prosthesis blends
Advanced imaging tools, such as seamlessly with the patient’s natural
CT scans and 3D models, accurately features.
represent the affected area.
Impression taking: A precise Why facial prosthetics
silicone impression of the patient’s matter
facial features is made to ensure the Restoration of identity: For many
prosthesis fits perfectly. This step individuals, losing a part of their
captures every contour, laying the face can lead to feelings of loss and
foundation for all subsequent stages. isolation. Facial prosthetics help restore
Wax-up models and try-ons: A a sense of normalcy, allowing patients
prosthesis prototype is sculpted in wax, to regain confidence and improve their
allowing the team to adjust its shape, self-esteem.
size, and fit. The patient is actively Functional benefits: Prosthetics
involved during try-ons, providing for the nose, mouth, and ears can
feedback to ensure comfort and significantly enhance daily activities.
realism. For instance, a prosthetic for the
Material selection and fabrication: nose can aid breathing, while a
The prosthesis is fabricated using prosthetic ear can improve hearing.
medical-grade silicone, which mimics This functional restoration is vital for a
the elasticity and appearance of person’s overall quality of life.
human skin. Metal frameworks or Emotional well-being: The
osseointegrated implants may be psychological benefits of facial
added for durability and anchoring. prosthetics cannot be overstated. They
Colour matching: Specialists can help alleviate anxiety and depression
meticulously match the colour of associated with facial disfigurement,
the prosthesis to the patient’s skin allowing individuals to engage more fully
tone, using advanced pigmentation in social situations and daily life.
techniques to create a natural look.
Fitting and adjustment: During the Technological advancements
final fitting, adjustments are made to With 3D printing and digital imaging,
ensure the prosthesis fits securely and customised prosthetics have become
aligns with the patient’s facial anatomy. more efficient and accessible. This impact on patients’ lives. Led by
Patients are given instructions on technology enables prosthodontists to experts at Netcare Waterfall City
maintaining and caring for the design prosthetics that fit perfectly and Hospital, these devices restore identity,
prosthesis. look incredibly natural, enhancing the enhance function, and promote
The role of wax-ups and colour patient’s overall experience. emotional well-being. As technology
matching: One of the most critical evolves, prosthetics will become more
steps in prosthetic creation is the In conclusion, prosthetics in accessible and personalised, further
wax-up stage, where a preliminary South Africa, particularly for facial improving patients’ quality of life and
prosthesis is crafted in wax. This model reconstruction, have a profound dignity.

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