Immediate autopolymerizing acrylic resin facial prosthesis

Abstract

C halian’ describes facial disfigurement as an abnormality of the face that sets the individual apart from other members of society. The changes caused by radical surgery are often viewed by patients as the termination of their former life.’ A sudden change in physical appearance, which often follows radical head and neck surgery, may require certain behavior modification. Coincidental to a patient’s acceptance of himself is the initial reactions with his environment. Interactions with hospital staff, family, and friends, if supportive to a patient’s self-esteem, will help motivate the patient toward better recovery and rehabilitation. The fabrication of an immediate postsurgical facial prosthesis assists the patient in interactions with the immediate environment. Likewise, the patient’s friends and family will react in a less alienated and disruptive manner when the postsurgical defects are masked by an immediate facial prosthesis. The need to minimize negative responses to facial disfigurement in the immediate, most sensitive, postsurgical phase is essential for positive self-esteem of the patient and effective rehabilitation.