[The art of facial prosthetics].
BACKGROUND
Anaplastology is the discipline devoted to the construction of epithesis. An epithesis is a prosthesis that replaces soft tissue. This offers a solution for patients with a facial defect.


METHODS
A 78-year-old woman, who had undergone ablative surgical treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma of the left ear, was left with a large defect in the mastoid region. This defect had a severe impact on her psychosocial functioning. For this patient an episthesis was constructed to replace the left ear. After this, her psychosocial problems were greatly improved.


CONCLUSIONS
A nearly-realistic episthesis can reduce the negative psychosocial effects of facial mutilation. The construction requires multidisciplinary treatment. In order to achieve the optimal result, an anaplastologist must have well developed artistic capacities. Feeling for detail, form and colour are essential. Modern 3D technology contributes to a more precise, quicker and cosmetically high-quality result.
Academisch ziekenhuis Maastricht, afd. Mondziekten, Kaak- en Aangezichtschirurgie, Maastricht, the Netherlands. maarten-dejong@hotmail.com
Maarten
M
de Jong
Jan
J
de Cubber
Frans
F
de Roeck
Bernd
B
Lethaus
Doke
D
Buurman
Peter
P
Kessler
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*