Clinical Report of Temporary Nasal Prosthesis
Tuesday February 09, 2010
Prosthetic solutions for defect management is a well documented, and well used practice. In situations where surgical reconstruction is inappropriate, a definite nasal prosthesis can return facial architecture to something resembling the pre-surgical form.
However, a significant period of time is required after surgery in order for the soft tissue to heal adequately. In specific circumstances a temporary nasal prosthesis can be introduced where the patient has a need or requirement to appear in public, attend social events or otherwise have their face seen soon after surgery. A temporary prosthesis can be considered around 3 to 4 weeks after surgery providing the patient is healing well and there are no complications. This can allow the patient to resume social interaction while permitting easy access to clinicians to observe tissue healing.
Report
A female patient was evaluated for a nasal prosthesis after oncologic therapy. Her history was a basal cell carcinoma which was treated through a partial rhinectomy. The bridge of the nose, including nasal bones were left intact and healing was seen to be progressing normally.
During examination, the patient mentioned dissatisfaction with her appearance and that she was due to attend a family event in five weeks time. She said she was not happy about attending the event with her disfigurement and asked the possibility of receiving a temporary prosthesis. There is scope for a temporary nasal prosthesis for use during post-treatment in circumstances where the patient doesn’t have the luxury of waiting for a permanent one. After discussion the decision was made to pursue this treatment.
A prosthesis was fabricated using the usual methods, an impression was taken and a gypsum model was made. A model was then created in wax to the patient’s satisfaction. The temporary prosthesis was fabricated using medical grade silicone colored to match the facial skin tone. Small extrinsic colorings or highlights were added. The prosthesis was held in place using a medical skin adhesive that was easy for the patient to apply and remove.
The patient returned after 4 weeks for evaluation and the prosthesis appeared to be functioning within normal parameters. The patient advised they were satisfied with their appearance and was happy to attend the function wearing it.
Normally a patient needs approximately 12 weeks of post-operative healing in order to allow the tissue bed to heal sufficiently for a prosthesis. This delay in rehabilitation has a significant impact on the patient’s happiness and psychological wellbeing. Early rehabilitation through the use of temporary nasal prosthesis is a means of overcoming this difficulty, and offers the patient a little more freedom until their permanent prosthetic can be applied.
While not suitable in every case, the possibility of speeding up the patients return to a more normal life where a temporary prosthesis is applicable and the patient understands the implications involved.
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However, a significant period of time is required after surgery in order for the soft tissue to heal adequately. In specific circumstances a temporary nasal prosthesis can be introduced where the patient has a need or requirement to appear in public, attend social events or otherwise have their face seen soon after surgery. A temporary prosthesis can be considered around 3 to 4 weeks after surgery providing the patient is healing well and there are no complications. This can allow the patient to resume social interaction while permitting easy access to clinicians to observe tissue healing.
Report
A female patient was evaluated for a nasal prosthesis after oncologic therapy. Her history was a basal cell carcinoma which was treated through a partial rhinectomy. The bridge of the nose, including nasal bones were left intact and healing was seen to be progressing normally.
During examination, the patient mentioned dissatisfaction with her appearance and that she was due to attend a family event in five weeks time. She said she was not happy about attending the event with her disfigurement and asked the possibility of receiving a temporary prosthesis. There is scope for a temporary nasal prosthesis for use during post-treatment in circumstances where the patient doesn’t have the luxury of waiting for a permanent one. After discussion the decision was made to pursue this treatment.
A prosthesis was fabricated using the usual methods, an impression was taken and a gypsum model was made. A model was then created in wax to the patient’s satisfaction. The temporary prosthesis was fabricated using medical grade silicone colored to match the facial skin tone. Small extrinsic colorings or highlights were added. The prosthesis was held in place using a medical skin adhesive that was easy for the patient to apply and remove.
The patient returned after 4 weeks for evaluation and the prosthesis appeared to be functioning within normal parameters. The patient advised they were satisfied with their appearance and was happy to attend the function wearing it.
Normally a patient needs approximately 12 weeks of post-operative healing in order to allow the tissue bed to heal sufficiently for a prosthesis. This delay in rehabilitation has a significant impact on the patient’s happiness and psychological wellbeing. Early rehabilitation through the use of temporary nasal prosthesis is a means of overcoming this difficulty, and offers the patient a little more freedom until their permanent prosthetic can be applied.
While not suitable in every case, the possibility of speeding up the patients return to a more normal life where a temporary prosthesis is applicable and the patient understands the implications involved.