A 22-Year Slip-On Ear Prosthesis Success Story

The Slip-On Ear Prosthesis

Ear Prosthesis Wear for a Lifetime

Only people who wear an ear prosthesis know how important a truly accurate prosthesis is in their daily life. An ear prosthesis that fits perfectly, stays on securely all day, and looks natural in its coloration and blending with the skin is not only achievable, but also what we strive to deliver to patients nationwide daily. This is why Gabe has continued to return to us for over 22 years. We knew that Gabe liked wearing his original slip-on ear prosthesis. We felt it was an important case to help make the case for wearing a prosthetic ear versus having serial attempts at reconstructive surgery. Greg Gion was invited to publish an opinion piece in 2006:

CLINICAL CONTROVERSIES IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY: PART ONE

J Oral Maxillofac Surg

64:1639-1654, 2006

Surgical Versus Prosthetic Reconstruction

of Microtia: The Case for Prosthetic

Reconstruction

If you want to read more about auricular (ear) prosthetics and many related topics please see a comprehensive list of publications including anaplastology, maxillofacial prosthetics, oculoplastic reconstructive surgery, coping with facial differences, microtia, head and neck cancer and more, here.

Maxillofacial Surgeon Edward Ellis III, DDS was kind enough to recruit Greg Gion to write the article arguing the benefits of ear prosthetics. A strong collaborative relationship with surgeons Ed Ellis and Douglas Sinn was steadily built upon Gion’s referral of his patients to the Department of Surgery at UTSW; Many patients wanting a very realistic prosthetic ear came from all over the US to the office of Medical Art Prosthetics, because of their reputation and website showcasing accurate and realistic ear prostheses. Gion was then in a position to refer those clients wanting an implant-retained ear to his surgeon colleagues at the university medical center contributing to the sea change in referral dynamics involving anaplastology, maxillofacial prosthodontics, and medicine/surgery.

The comprehensive article shares the anaplastologist’s experience with ear prosthetics including the many advantages as well as disadvantages of the ear prosthesis option. Much of the rationale for choosing slipover or adhesive-retained prosthetic ears is that you have not burned any bridges. In contrast, surgical ablation of microtia tissues in preparation for autologous ear reconstruction or osseointegration is irreversible! In addition, the slip-over designed ear prosthesis is pain-free, risk free, deliverable in just days, and often stays in place with no glue!

Wearing an Ear Prosthesis is Personal

As we became reacquainted Gabe shared, at one point he got a prosthesis from a practitioner based in a dental clinic, but he was very dissatisfied with the aesthetics of the prosthesis that was delivered to him. In his sharing it was apparent that Gabe was sensitive to the artistic and very personal nature of the relationships in the small esoteric specialty of creating lifelike prosthetic ears. Our meetings are an opportunity for patients to share experiences related to their prosthesis. So, we were glad that our location in Tampa made it a little more convenient for Gabe to reconnect for a new prosthesis.

Durable Mold Produced Ears for 22 Years!

We got right up to speed quickly using Gabe’s original 22-year-old master mold which was safely archived. From the mold a wax prototype was processed faithfully capturing all the subtle details Gabe had sought after.  It was then carefully aligned and adapted to the updated model of Gabe’s ear, since his own ear had increased in size and shape over the course of 22 years. See the photos of his ear from 2003 and 2025 below.

Step 1: New impression and model (right) reveal ear  growth over 22 years.

Preliminary Wax Prototype Color Matching Done!

With all the updated information captured including the new size, shape, and fit of the prototype and the recording of all the colors seen in his skin (below) the next step was back to the laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. All the nuanced information carefully recorded in Florida was discussed in detail between the anaplastologists.

Step 2: Original wax sculpting adjusted to accommodate the growth in size and shape of Gabe’s ear

Step 3: Preliminary wax prototype checked on Gabe prior to final surface smoothing and texturing in the laboratory.

Step 4: Silicone swatches with an array of characteristic ear skin colors are photographed next to the unaffected ear for reference.

Come back to see Gabe’s New Ear Prosthesis

Anaplastologist Julia Schomberg will complete the molding and processing of Gabe’s new ear in the softer silicone material that he prefers. In Gabe’s case the detailed laboratory work will take place in the main facility in Madison, Wisconsin. Stay tuned for the final details as Julia  prepares and delivers Gabe’s ear prosthesis in Tampa, Florida.