An evaluation of facial prostheses.

A survey was conducted to evaluate patient reactions to facial prostheses that were provided to 143 patients in the past 7 years at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. Of the 76 patients who responded, 38 patients were wearing their prostheses and 38 patients were not wearing their prostheses. Reasons cited by the patients for not using their prosthesis included lack of retention, additional surgery, discomfort, and irritation. Most of the prostheses were prepared in silicone rubber with color characterization accomplished by the tattooing method. More than 69% of the prostheses were remade within a year because of rapid changes in the defect, prosthesis material, or prosthesis color. The study revealed the need for improvement in materials, adhesive techniques, and the psychological orientation of the patient. This project was conducted at a teaching and research institute. No fees for the patients were required. Therefore our data might differ from that collected from a private practice or clinic.