title: Midface prosthetic rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Midfacial defects resulting from head and neck oncological resections can be addressed by microvascular reconstructive techniques using autologous tissue. In specific indications, however, prosthetic rehabilitation can give a superior aesthetic outcome, combined with a less intensive surgical strain on the patient. In other situations, the combination of both approaches can restore much extended defects satisfactorily. This review lists the indications, technical prerequisites for success, and outcome of midface prosthetic rehabilitation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With increasing numbers of patients treated, the optimal treatment protocol has become clear, and is now validated by long-term results in accumulating patient numbers. Modern three-dimensional planning techniques and three-dimensional printing of drill-guides, custom-made implants, abutments and epitheses further increase the predictability of success and the aesthetic outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Midface prosthetic rehabilitation nowadays has a definite place in the armamentarium of the head and neck oncologic surgeon and is invaluable in restoring quality of life and social functioning of patients with extensive midfacial defects following oncological resections.
authors.affiliation: aOtorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven bDepartment of Oncology - Section Head and Neck Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vander Poorten
authors.forename: Jeroen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meulemans
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Delaere
mesh_terms: D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*