# 1
How can I get a prosthesis or epithesis?
Generally speaking, patients are addressed to us by medical prescription drawn up by a doctor specialised in ENT or cervical-facial surgery, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, or maxillofacial surgeons.
# 2
Does a prosthesis constitute reconstruction for life?
A prosthesis is an excellent alternative to aesthetic reconstructive surgery, when this is not feasible, or not desired by the patient or when surgery is pending. The prosthesis covers the missing part or cavity which is therefore protected. It can be removed and put back into place easily, enables the site to be monitored and allows the tissue to heal.
In most cases, facial prostheses are proposed as a lifelong solution, but they can be made on a provisional basis while waiting for the wound to heal or pending reconstructive surgery.
# 3
How does a prosthesis stay in place?
Most of our prostheses are bone-anchored. This means that implants are put into position by a surgeon in collaboration with the anaplastologist to allow the prosthesis to be held in place via magnets in most cases.
Sometimes, a biological adhesive is used to attach the prosthesis directly onto the skin. This is often a provisional solution pending surgery to set implants in place or reconstructive surgery.
Finally, a prosthesis can be fixed onto spectacle frames. This is often a provisional solution when other retention systems are not feasible.
# 4
What are implants?
Implants are used to anchor a prosthesis into the bone. They are tiny titanium screws set into position in the bone by the surgeon. Transcutaneous abutments (penetrating through the thickness of the skin) are screwed into these implants. They hold the counterparts of the magnets or are clipped onto a gold bar. The magnets or clips located on the underside of the prosthesis hold it firmly in place.
#5
How much does it cost?
The cost of a prosthesis varies considerably and will be calculated depending on your disorder, the raw materials used (number and type of magnets, silicones, resins etc.), the complexity and the time required to make the sculpture, the number of consultations, the difficulty in terms of designing and making the mould, adaptation, the techniques used and the need to integrate new technologies.
A prescription from a specialised doctor is required to be treated at the Centre d’Épithèses Faciales. Our Centre is affiliated to the French social security and takes care of prior agreement applications with reference to health insurance organisations. If the organisation is in agreement, the fees are transferred directly to the Centre.