Our Process for Your Nose Prosthesis
Nasal prosthetics is like any other prosthetics specialty that requires knowledge of many different materials and a well honed skill set in manipulating the materials and tools to bring about optimal results. Sometimes we use a handheld scanner and 3D printer to capture your soft tissue contours and create very accurate prototype models. But that information alone is not good enough. What happens to the fit of the prosthesis nose on the soft tissues of your cheeks, upper lip, and brow area when you smile or have an expression of excitement or suprise?
So, we make many adjustments while observing your different facial expressions to prevent gaps around the margins or edges of your prosthesis. Retention strategies are thoughtfully planned to make your prosthesis simple to position and attach so that it is successful. Our experience also guides your prosthetic nose design so that it remains aesthetically pleasing and undetectable over a longer period of time. We are all accomplished as artists so final coloration and detail is instilled for naturalism and durability.
Many adjustments are made while observing the patient in different expressions.
We double check everything. Retention strategies must be thoughtfully planned to make a nose prosthesis that is simple to position and easy to attach, remove, and clean. Our experience also guides the prosthetic nose design so that it remains aesthetically pleasing and undetectable over a longer period of time. Coloration is painstakingly added for naturalism and durability.
Here are some basic steps in how your nose prosthesis is created:
We gently apply a special silicone to record your facial contour. It sets in just a few minutes then lifts off cleanly with ease. From this impression we make a positive plaster model to build your wax prototype shape on.
You get to choose the exact size and shape of nose you want. We will use scans or photos as references, or even make an impression of a relative’s nose if you feel it will be beneficial in capturing correct anatomy and character.
Your skin colors and character details are all captured using each anaplastologist’s unique reference color swatches and/or silicone formulations mixed during your session.
In our labs we spend hours refining the wax to include every detail. All this detail in your nose shape and texture will be recorded in the investment process.
Your completed durable mold is designed to make your nose prosthesis lightweight and easy to breathe through. The fitting surfaces and attachment options are also built in.
Your skin tones and characteristic details like tiny blood vessels, freckles, moles, etc. are carefully mixed in silicone then painted into the mold so your finished prosthesis color will last for years.
The newly processed prosthesis is pulled from your mold, trimmed, and prepped for final fitting and adjustments on you.
With your new nasal prosthesis sealed into place we instill the final anatomical details to match the adjacent skin. Many patients appreciate that the edges of their prosthesis are not noticeable.
Mustache hair can be bonded into the lower margin as an excellent method to cover and obscure the edge of the men’s nose prosthesis. It helps especially with the movement in that area. The surface is sealed and matted to impart a natural skin like quality
The surface is sealed and matted to impart a natural skin-like quality.
Your new prosthesis should still match and look natural when you walk outside.
