PRE-SURGERY (Craniofacial):

It is highly desirable for patients needing craniofacial reconstruction to be referred to Real Life before undergoing surgery. During a pre-surgical evaluation, one of our alloplastic reconstruction specialists can explain the procedure and demonstrate its positive results. An impression of the entire face will also be taken during this visit and later used to recreate the detail of the soft tissue removed at the time of surgery. Close-up photographs made during this visit will demonstrate details of the skin and be kept for later reference, becoming part of the patient’s medical record.

POSTOPERATIVE PROCEDURE (Craniofacial):

The patient’s first postoperative visit is usually scheduled for the sixth week after surgery. A second impression is made of the wound and remaining anatomy.

During this procedure the sinus patencies are packed to prevent the impression material from filling the patent sinus cavities. The impression must be extensive enough to reach normal tissue surrounding the wound. After the impression material congeals, a thin layer of cast stone plaster is poured on top of the impression to prevent it from binding or bending. The entire impression mass is then removed.

The impression is then filled and a positive replication of the wound is obtained. Photographs are taken again to compare with the pre-surgical photographs. Tissue distortion produced by tumor masses or distortion from the surgical procedure can be identified by this comparison, and this information can be used in subsequent procedures.

POSTOPERATIVE PROCEDURE (Digit and Limb patients):

For digit and limb patients, a silicone impression processes is typically employed. Impressions of existing contra-lateral digits or limbs are taken and used to create the final prosthesis.  Residual limb edema should be dissipated before this appointment in order to ensure optimum prosthetic fitting.

AIRWAY REPLICATION:

After the first clinical office visit, an alloplastic specialist sculpts the nasal conchae to provide a viable airway from the nares to the pharynx. Depending on the extent of surgery, some patients may also have a part of the pharynx replicated. The artificial conchae, pharynx, sinuses, and the entire prosthesis help to restore the natural humidity of the area and improve both the voice resonance and the air control affecting speech articulation.

In cases such as these, before the prosthesis is fitted, speech articulation resembles that of a person with a cleft palate because a substantial volume of expirated air is forced up and out through the open wound after it passes through the larynx. The prosthesis and its inherent subdermal alloplastic structures redirect the airflow to a normal pattern.

A side benefit to the patient is the absence of prosthesis “blow-outs” (caused by coughing or sneezing) that occur in cosmetic prostheses designed with-out airways.

SINUS REPLICATION:

Sinus pathways can also be sculpted so that secretions are drained, by gravity flow, to a cup-shaped collecting cavity or to the back of the throat as secretions normally flow.

ARTIFICIAL BONE:

After the sculpting of the sub-dermal alloplastic structures is completed, methylmethacrylate is extruded over the sculpted structures to capture them in a permanent, rigid form. This bone-like acrylic contributes to normal speech resonance, provides a bonding surface for the prosthetic skin and provides (as needed) the socket for the artificial eye. It also acts as a retentive, alloplastic device to maintain the integrity of the entire prosthesis.

EYE REPLICATION:

Custom impression fitted prosthetic eyes are created from methylmethacrylate (we also create our exclusive Flexileyz™ silicone eyes. ) The iris, sclera and pupil are hand-painted to match the patient’s companion eye.

FINGER AND HAND PROSTHESES:

Using the impressions for the contra-lateral side, prostheses are created to match both size, color, detail and translucency – all under the design paradigm of enhanced individual function.

LEG AND ARM PROSTHESES:

Real Life can create various types of prostheses, designed to the patient’s individual needs. These prostheses can also be covered with our RealLifeSkin™ life-like skin technology. All fabrication and patient visits are performed at one of Real Life Prosthetics facilities. Click here for more information.

TEAM APPROACH:

It is recommended that patients be referred to Real Life by their Physician. Consultation, prosthetic work and follow-up care are pursued with the referring physician through a multi-disciplinary approach tailored to each patient’s needs.

All work is performed by a team of highly-trained and experienced alloplastic reconstruction specialists, ocularists, prosthetists and technicians with special emphasis placed on the patient’s comfort and privacy.

When feasible, pre-surgical consultation between the alloplastic specialist, prosthetist and referring physician is highly desirable. Pre-surgical psychiatric or psychological counseling is also helpful and reassuring to patients and their families in preparing to adjust to the results of ablative surgery.

Patients, as well as referring physicians, are guaranteed total confidentiality in all matters.