Prosthetics

Who are we?

Maxillofacial Prosthetists specialise in Maxillofacial Prosthetic rehabilitation and reconstruction. We are full members (MIMPT) of the Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists (IMPT). This International Organisation and charity has been recognised by the Department of Health. A Maxillofacial Prosthetist should be professionally registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and/or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) depending on the type of specialist work they carry out.

In the UK we are referred to as Maxillofacial Prosthetists. In other countries they also use terms such as Anaplastologist (USA and Europe) and Epithetist (Europe).

What do we do?

We are a regional centre covering Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.

We provide specialist services for:

• The Head and Neck Cancer
  - Facial and Body prostheses (Nasal, orbital and Auricular)
  - Surgical Dressing Plates

• Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) -  Nasal Profile Dressings and custom Nasal Septal Obturators

• Ophthalmology –  Indwelling eye prostheses and Cosmetic shells

• Orthognathic Surgery – Pre operative jaw surgery planning  

• A&E Trauma –  Rigid/Semi rigid  Dental Trauma Splints and Arch bars

• Craniofacial Surgery – Custom Titanium Skull Plates and Implants

• Micropigmentation – Alopecia, Breast reconstruction, Scars 

• Scar revision treatments -Keloids and Burns splints

• Cosmetic  Camouflage – Birthmarks/scars, Rosacea and Skin flaps 

• Laser treatment services 

What is a Prosthesis?

A prosthesis is an artificial body part made from a silicone and/or acrylic material designed to blend in with the surrounding anatomy. They are coloured to best match the skin tone and blend in with the surrounding area. Custom prostheses are made specifically for each person and may be manufactured for use following a traumatic event, disease removal or absence from birth, when surgical reconstruction is not possible or favourable.

3D Virtual Surgical Planning 

In cases where patients are having surgery to their jaws or bones of the face, the Maxillofacial Prosthetist can carry out planning before the operation. This involves using data from a CBCT/CT/MRI scan and importing it into a planning software.  The surgery can be performed on the 3D models to check the accuracy and end result. This data can also be used to design and 3D print custom-made surgical guides to be used during surgery. 

This plan will then be finalised with the Surgeon.

This type of surgical planning can be utilised for patients having procedures such as:

• Jaw surgery (Osteotomy) and facial or craniofacial surgery

• Oral or facial cancer removal and reconstruction 

• Cleft lip and palate repair

• Implants placed in the jaws for teeth or for facial prostheses