CONSULTATION/EVALUATION:

We meet with you, examine the involved area and discuss how we can help. All options are explained in detail and if you wish we will gladly show you demonstration models and similar case presentations. We answer all of your questions as clearly and completely as possible, and recommend other specialists when their services might enhance your restorative outcome. We can also provide customized written materials for you to take home and review at your convenience.

IMPRESSION TAKING:

We use a soft impression material to smooth over and around the involved areas to accurately record the important shapes that will result in a perfect fit of the prosthesis. Our material has a consistency similar to gel toothpaste, but after it sets in a few minutes it still remains flexible and lifts easily from the skin capturing and recording all the important details. The technique is similar to an orthodontist taking an impression of the teeth, or an audiologist making an ear mold for a hearing aid.

SCULPTING/DESIGNING:

You have plenty of opportunity to see your prosthesis taking shape as we painstakingly sculpt and check the fit of the wax prototype right on you. Our experience guides most of our critical design decisions about how the prosthesis will attach and fit with your skin. However, we appreciate the emotional aspect of this process and invite relaxed open discussions about personal preferences such as nasal shape, eye expression, etc. You will have plenty of opportunity to view the model in place and discuss nuances you would like to see. Our approach as artists and our emphasis on anaplastology are tailored to make this a restoring and positive experience for you. That’s why we sometimes decide to have an additional session either later that day or another day to take a fresh objective look at our progress, to double check the fit and margin transitions and to make all final refinements — unhurried.

COLOR MATCHING:

Your “skin color” is the result of an amazingly complex combination of pigmentation, vascularity and other physiological factors that you share with no other person. As MAP anaplastologists we use our clinical training and digital photography to record your basic skin tone and characterization. However, we rely most heavily on our visual acuity as artists to see, interpret and record much of the color defining detail that is unique to the area on your body being restored. The methods we use range from the photographing of skin character reference swatches to the painterly application of silicone color into the fabrication mold. Color matching is sometimes combined with the sculpting session or it is done at the time the silicone is actually packed into the mold for polymerization (fabrication).

EXTERNAL TINTING:

After the silicone is polymerized and the prosthesis is removed from the mold it is trimmed, placed into position on you and meticulously hand tinted including the tiny blood vessels, freckles and other simulations that make the prosthesis look just like the adjacent skin. The tinting session ranges from ½ hour to 1 and ½ hours, typically. Then the prosthesis is removed once more for its final preparations prior to delivery.

DELIVERY and INSTRUCTIONS:

Your prosthesis and its proper use will be carefully demonstrated in front of you. All the steps will be reviewed with you including; cleaning the prosthesis, cleaning your skin, application of adhesive or other attachment mechanisms, placement of the prosthesis, removal of the prosthesis and proper storing of the prosthesis when not in use. You also will go home with full written instructions to refer to and our phone numbers in case you have any questions.

Sample timelines for receiving your non-implant retained prosthesis:

Standard Timeline (Good for local or commuting patients; 0 overnight stays):

  • Visit 1: Consultation/Evaluation/Impressions
  • Visit 2: Sculpting/Final Sculpting/Color Matching
  • Visit 3: Extrinsic Tinting
  • Visit 4: Delivery and Instructions

Intensive Consecutive Day Plan (Ideal for out-of-town patients; requires 2-4 nights):

  • Day 1: Morning; Consultation/Evaluation/Impressions
    Afternoon; Sculpting
  • Day 2: Morning; Final Sculpting/Color Matching
  • Day 3: Morning; Extrinsic Tinting
    Afternoon; Delivery and Instructions

Combination Plan (Maximizes progress with just 1 or 2 overnight stay(s)):

  • Visit 1: Day 1; Morning; Consultation/Evaluation/Impressions
    Afternoon; Sculpting
    Day 2; Morning; Final Sculpting/Color Matching
  • Visit 2: Day 1; Morning; Extrinsic Tinting
    Afternoon; Delivery and Instructions
    Day 2; Morning; (optional)