Name of the Procedure:

Impression and Custom Preparation; Auricular Prosthesis
Common Name: Ear Prosthesis Fitting

Summary

This procedure involves creating a custom-made prosthetic ear for individuals who have lost all or part of their ear due to injury, congenital conditions, or surgery. The prosthesis is designed to restore the appearance of the ear and improve the patient's facial aesthetics.

Purpose

• Medical Condition or Problem: The procedure addresses the absence or significant deformity of the external ear.
• Goals or Expected Outcomes: The aim is to create a realistic and comfortable ear prosthesis that closely matches the patient's skin tone and the shape of their other ear, improving both appearance and self-esteem.

Indications

• Symptoms or Conditions: Loss of the external ear due to trauma, cancer surgery, or congenital anomalies such as microtia.
• Patient Criteria: Suitable for individuals seeking aesthetic restoration of the ear who have healthy surrounding tissue for attachment.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may be advised to stop certain medications that affect blood clotting to minimize bleeding risk. No specific fasting is usually required.
• Diagnostic Tests: Detailed measurements, photographs, and possibly CT scans of the ear area to create an accurate mold.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Consultation: Assessment of the ear area, discussion of expectations, and explanation of the process.
2. Impression Taking: A silicone-based material is used to take an impression of the affected ear area and the opposite ear for symmetry.
3. Prototype Fabrication: A temporary model is created and fitted to ensure proper shape and size.
4. Customization: The prosthesis is crafted from medical-grade silicone, colored, and textured to match the patient's skin and the other ear.
5. Attachment: The prosthesis can be attached using adhesives, implants, or a combination of both.
   • Tools & Equipment: Silicone impression materials, dental trays for the mold, medical-grade silicone for the prosthesis.
   • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia might be used during the impression-taking stage for patient comfort.

Duration

• Typically takes 2 to 4 hours per session over multiple sessions for fitting and adjustments.

Setting

• Procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized prosthetics center.

Personnel

• Involves anaplastologists (specialists in prosthetic restoration), surgeons, and sometimes dermatologists and audiologists.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Skin irritation, allergic reaction to materials, discomfort.
• Rare Risks: Infection at attachment sites, implant rejection (if used), prosthesis detachment.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved facial aesthetics, enhanced self-esteem, natural ear appearance.
• Realization Time: Immediate upon fitting of the final prosthesis.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Instructions on cleaning and maintaining the prosthesis, scheduled follow-up visits.
• Recovery Time: Minimal recovery time required for skin healing around attachment sites, if applicable.
• Restrictions: Avoid aggressive activities that might dislodge the prosthesis; regular cleaning.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Reconstructive ear surgery (otoplasty), use of non-customized ear prostheses.
• Pros and Cons: Surgery can offer a permanent solution but involves more risk and recovery time. Non-custom prostheses are cheaper but may not provide as good a fit or appearance.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Mild discomfort during impression-taking; local anesthesia can alleviate any pain.
• Post-procedure: Some initial tenderness or adaptation discomfort; most patients adapt quickly and experience improvement in appearance and self-consciousness.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief for any mild discomfort; proper prosthesis fit and attachment reduces long-term discomfort.