What is Clinical Anaplastology?


Clinical anaplastology is the area of medicine that deals the with prosthetic restoration or rehabilitation of a malformed or absent area of the face or body. Unlike prosthetists, anaplastologists don't make limb prosthetics, though they do create prosthetic fingers, toes, feet, hands, breast prostheses (called somato prostheses). Anaplastologsits create several types of facial prosthetics including auricular (ear), nasal (nose), ocular (eyeball), orbital (the eyelids, sockets, and surrounding area), and midfacial (the nose and significant tissue extending from it which may include the cheek or orbit). It's an important area of work that can have life-changing effects for patients, improving function, appearance, and overall wellbeing.

To create a life-like facial or somato prosthesis, the area must be sculpted to visually match and physically fit the patient's existing anatomy. The finished sculpture is then molded and cast in silicone. It is custom colored to match the patient's skin. Anaplastologisists aim to capture even the tiniest details including blood vessels, hair, and freckles. Additional anatomy such as eyes and nails can be made from other materials.

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