A facial prosthesis is a maxillofacial or craniofacial artificial replacement for a part of the face that is missing due to:
- Traumatic injury
- Surgical intervention for carcinoma-related lesions
- Congenital defects
Facial prostheses may include the use of a prosthetic mask. They can require prosthetic nose surgery to replace the affected facial features. A prosthetic facial mask can be used to replace more than one feature as well as larger portions of missing or damaged tissue on various parts of the face. A nose prosthesis has a more limited function as it only replaces the lost or damaged nose and surrounding tissue. Such prostheses can provide confidence for those who have been affected. Prosthesis training is required for those in the medical and dental professions to ensure patients are properly fitted. Prostheses can be attached to the affected areas in a variety of ways, with some requiring stabilizing or fixing with the support of specially-designed dental implants.