Are Prosthetic Noses as Important Aesthetically as They are Medically

Are you wondering why a prosthetic nose can be good for you? Facial defects, whether caused from traumatic injuries, illnesses, damage to soft tissue and cartilage, or via congenital deformities can affect the afflicted person severely. It reduces their self-confidence, their ability to ‘fit in’ with their circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances, and many of those suffering from a lost eye, nose or ear often have to undergo several rounds of psychological counselling before they can regain their confidence.

This is one area where a nose implants comes in handy.

The idea of a total nasal implant is not a very new one. After the end of WW2, there was a great demand for artificial noses because so many people had lost their septum and nasal cartilage from injuries, fungal sinusitis caused due to malnutrition and so on.

A fake silicon nose could cover the damaged area and help the person regain his or her confidence and social skills.

Such a procedure is very unlike the modern trend of maxillofacial surgery to alter the shape of the nose because it pleases the person. This latter type of surgical intervention is mostly of a cosmetic nature.

However, a complete nose implant is useful for several reasons, with stoking one’s narcissism usually being the silliest one.

The Fabrication of a Prosthetic Nose

Many decades ago, a ‘fake nose’ was made from hard rubber or plastic and was fitted using industrial glue. It wasn’t much, but with the nostrils perforated, the patient could breathe and face a mirror, to put it mildly.

The modern artificial nose can be made from:

● Bio-compatible acrylic resins that last for several years without any visible damage.

● Silicone elastomers. These are Silicone derivatives that produce some of the most natural-looking prosthetics.

● With the introduction of 3D printing and using its ever-evolving nature, it is possible to ‘print’ a fake nose that will be used in a proper nasal implant. This is another example of bioengineering, and 3D printing other soft parts of the face has proven successful. Human trials are still on, however, and it might be some years before they enter mainstream surgical procedures.

A Word on Implants

Any facial implant requires hospitalization and general anesthesia. Qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeons and anaplastologists (experts in nose implants) work together to ensure that the artificial nose has been fitted properly. Using modern prostheses mentioned in the section above, even natural cartilage can be fitted with the implant, lending greater aesthetic appeal and compatibility.

Magnetized titanium implants are used by some of the world’s leading anaplastologists as they can be removed easily for further surgeries if deemed necessary.

The Bottom Line

Previously, the design of a prosthetic nose was not an entirely accurate science since it was left to ENT specialists and prosthetic designers to draft one by hand based on previous photographs and other records.

Thanks to advancements in CAD and CAM, the designs are getting better. With increasing accuracy and exactness, the day is not far when a prosthetic will appear more real than an actual nose!