Post by BeatlePaul on Oct 5, 2005 17:47:08 GMT
committed to restoring identities through prosthetic devices.
About Prostheses
Steps in Creating a Custom Prosthesis
STEP 1: The creation of a custom prosthesis begins with an impression to duplicate the affected area.
STEP 2: A clay sculpture recreates the appearance of the natural anatomy.
STEP 3: The sculpture is then molded and an elastic material is cast to replicate the image
STEP 4: The prosthesis is hand painted and tinted to visually blend with the surrounding anatomy.
INFORMATION GUIDELINES
On average, the process requires three office visits.
The procedure is painless and is conducted in a relaxed office environment.
Prostheses are made of a soft, durable silicone designed for prolonged use under normal conditions.
The cost of a prosthesis varies according to the complexity of the product. While the patient is responsible for payment, medical insurance often helps cover costs.
Most referrals are from the medical community, news media, and television appearances. Patients can also contact us directly to schedule an appointment
Prosthetic Ears Versus Ear Reconstructive Surgery
Read More About our Patients' Experiences with Ear Reconstructive Surgery Prior to Obtaining a Prosthesis
Parents are always looking for a solution to correct their child's ear deformity, i.e., Microtia, Artesia, Goldenhar Syndrome, and Treacher Collins Syndrome. I am obviously very close to, and concerned about continuing the promotion and practice of ear reconstructive surgery. My goal over the past nine years has been to reproduce replacement anatomy to the best of my abilities. Whenever I encounter someone who does not share the same goal, I tend to express my views rather passionately.
It has been my experience that when a person comes to me with a less than adequate prosthesis, they're only out the cost of the item, and it is easily replaced. When they come to me with a surgically disfigured attempt at ear reconstructive surgery, my options, and their last hopes, for a realistic anatomical replacement are limited. Also, I am devastated to hear this non-predictable procedure continues to be recommended for younger patients.
Some of the reasons why the operations fall short of looking like a normal ear are as follows:
Finding sufficient amount of tissue.
There is not enough bulk tissue to get the reconstructive ear to stand away from the head and atrophy of tissue takes place.
Color of tissue is a problem and scarring is always an issue.
It is hard to get the rib cartilage to attach to the mastoid process. It is just a movable graft and it does not anchor.
Surgeons are working with distorted anatomy to begin with: all of these items are against them in the beginning. Thus, results fall short of realism.
Ear reconstructive surgery is always an option, however it is not reversible. Prosthetic restoration is reversible. A question for physicians who still practice this surgical travesty - "I wonder what option you would choose if the choice were on a personal level?"