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FAQ's - Questions about prosthetic care, maintenance and use from patients, referrers and carers. 

We have compiled information to assist patients who require medical prostheses to assist in daily care, maintenance and use of facial prostheses. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our clinic in Sydney or Melbourne to speak with a facial prosthetist

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a facial prosthesis

Facial prostheses are made for patients who have lost part or all of their facial component. Facial prostheses include eyes, orbit, ear and nose. 
Facial prostheses are made to replace part or all of the nose, ear or eye for our patient.

What does a facial prosthesis cost

We custom make all facial prostheses for our patients, and due to the in-depth and custom process, we quote each patient independently. If you require a new or replacement prosthesis, we recommend calling our clinic in Sydney or Melbourne for a chat, where our prosthetist can provide some price indications. 

We also recommend you speak with your private health fund to check what funding they may assist with. 

What happens at the first consultation

Your first consultation with the prosthetist is very welcoming and collaborative. The facial prosthetist will discuss your history and expectations and explain the entire process to you. Your prosthetist will discuss what is possible and how best we can help with your new prosthesis. We will also answer and questions or concerns you may have. 

Where are the facial prosthetic clinics located

We operate facial prosthetic clinics in Sydney and Melbourne. 
All clinics provide prosthetic ears, noses, eyes and breasts.

Sydney clinics are located in Westmead and Waterloo

Melbourne clinic is located in Melbourne CBD.

How do i care for my new facial prosthesis

When you receive your new prosthesis, our prosthetist will explain all of the care and maintenance required for your new facial prosthetic. This will include at home care, cleaning, and inserting/removing your prosthesis. 

If you require more information on your specific prosthesis, please contact our Sydney or Melbourne clinic for advice. Each prosthesis is different and may require specific instructions.

Im not satisfied with my current prosthesis, what can i do?

If you are in any way unhappy with a prosthesis supplied by our clinic or by a seperate provider, please contact either our Sydney or Melbourne facial prosthetic clinics. 

It is common that we can amend prosthesis to better suit your face shape or skin tones. 

It is important to remember that the shape of the face is always changing, and this will mean that over time, your prosthesis may not fit as well as it used to. 

How long will it take to get my prosthesis

Every patient and prosthesis is different and custom made to the patient. Generally, we require 4-5 visits to our clinic to make your prosthesis, which is spread over 2-3 weeks. 

Your first appointment can take place within a week of your initial enquiry, however we must wait 5-6 weeks after surgery to commence the process of making a new facial prosthesis.

How are facial prostheses attached

There are several different methods of attaching prostheses to the face, these include ;

  • Bone-anchored implants - where a surgeon attaches permanent fittings to the face, where the prosthesis can then be attached by magnet.

  • Adhesive retained - where a custom prosthesis is carefully shaped to the face, then retained with use of medical adhesives

Am i a candidate for implants

Bone anchored implants, used for magnetic retention of prosthesis are a great option for some patients. It is best to speak with your referring doctor, or maxillofacial / reconstructive surgery team to advise whether you are. candidate for this type of prosthetic retention system.

Do i need a referral?

Your doctor may provide a referral, which is helpful. 

However a referral is not required to visit our clinic and see a prosthetist. 

How often will my prosthesis need to be replaced

Most facial prostheses including ears, noses and orbits will last 2-3 years before needing replacement. 
Correct care and at-home maintenance will ensure your prosthesis is kept in good condition and extend the lifespan of the appliance.

How long do i have to wait after surgery?

Your surgeon will provide you with advice on how long to wait after surgery before being fitted for a new facial prosthesis. Generally, for prosthetic ears, noses and orbit, patients must wait 5-6 weeks after surgery before seeing their prosthetist. This is to ensure your surgery has healed and swelling has subsided. 

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