Anaplastology is the perfect balance between art and anatomy: An artistic hand, coupled with an intimate knowledge of the human form, must come together in order to faithfully recreate the nuanced structures, shapes, and textures of the human body. Prosthetic rehabilitation can be necessary due to a number of reasons, such as trauma or injury, cancer resection, or congenital differences. Due to the personal nature of this work, prosthetic rehabilitation can oftentimes be a complex psychological process. There are several very important areas that an Anaplastologist must focus on in order to produce the best possible prosthetic result for the patient:
Anatomical Accuracy
The anatomy of the patient is meticulously recreated using a combination of classical sculpting techniques and modern technological innovations. The use of 3D scanners and rapid prototyping aids in the process to achieve the highest degree of anatomical accuracy. Each prosthesis is hand-sculpted and manually positioned on the patient to ensure that symmetry is maintained. Every fine detail, down to individual wrinkles and pores, are copied into the sculpture.
Exact Color Matching
For each prosthesis, a custom palette of silicone is created based on the specific regional skin tones of the patient. The color-matching process is done directly with the patient to ensure that all areas of color are accurate. Small details are added to enhance the realism of the prosthesis - Freckles and moles are painted individually and fine threads are added to mimic vasculature.
Camouflage
A good prosthesis should be undetectable. The way in which a silicone prosthesis blends with the surrounding skin is extremely important. The borders of a prosthesis are designed to be as thin as possible, and the special care and attention are paid to the opacity of the silicone. These details work together to create a seemless transition from silicone to skin.
When considering a facial prosthesis, it is recommended that a patient have a thorough discussion with both a maxillofacial surgeon and an anaplastologist in order to best understand the process and manage expectations. In most cases, a patient will be required to undergo surgery for some form of soft tissue management (anatomical resection, grafting, implantation, etc.). Once it has been determined that prosthetic rehabilitation is the best option for a patient, there are two options for attachment of a prosthesis:
An IMPLANT-RETAINED PROSTHESIS is attached to the patient by utilizing osseointegrated implants. These implants are surgically anchored in the bone and protrude through the skin, and serve as the platform for the prosthesis. Utilizing an integrated magnet or clip system which interacts with these implants, a prosthesis can be easily attached and removed by the patient as needed.
An ADHESIVE-RETAINED PROSTHESIS is held in place against the patient’s skin using a mild water-based or latex-based adhesive, which must be removed and reapplied daily. This is a good alternative for patients who are unable to undergo osseointegration surgery.
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