All About Nasal (Nose) Prostheses

We create a nasal prosthesis (artificial silicone nose) to restore normal contour and improve function for patients who have experienced partial or total loss of their nose to traumatic injury, disease or due to surgical removal of the nose (rhinectomy). We artistically recreate a shape that closely resembles the form of your nose before surgery based on our knowledge of craniofacial anatomy, artistic expertise and photographs that you supply. Medical Art Resources has perfected techniques that result in exceptionally thin and durable edges. Our patients appreciate the practically invisible transition between their skin and their prosthetic nose.

We make nose prosthetics from a soft silicone to intimately fit the nasal defect. Some nasal defects extend onto the cheek, forehead, upper lip region or may extend into the mouth requiring a midfacial prosthesis. For patients who may have complex and extensive nasal defects, we use our clinical expertise and collaborative partnership with dental specialists (maxillofacial prosthodontists) to create effective prosthetic solutions.

Interested in something else? Learn about our other services:

Prosthetic Eye Prosthetic Ear Prosthetic Fingers Prosthetic Toes Athletic Faceguard Nose Gallery

How is a nasal prosthesis attached? 

We work closely with patients and their families to determine which method of attachment will be most successful and manageable. Nasal prostheses are attached using:

• Medical adhesive attachment

Your prosthetic nose can be attached with special medical adhesive. Most patients easily adjust to using prosthetic adhesives —much like flossing or caring for contact lenses. We offer a variety of adhesive products (a liquid adhesive such as Pros Aide or Daro or two-sided tape), so that you can choose the one that best meets your needs.

• Anatomical retention–directly to the anatomy

After removal of the nose, the remaining opening may allow us to design a prosthesis that slides into place and engages anatomical undercuts for secure attachment with little or no adhesive. In some cases, a prosthetic nose may be designed to attach to a dental device called an obturator.

• Craniofacial bone anchored implants

Craniofacial bone anchored implants are small titanium fixtures that are surgically implanted during an outpatient hospital procedure. These implants bond with bone (osseointegrate) to provide a stable foundation for your nose prosthesis. The surrounding bone bonds with the implants during a 3-6 month healing period. Once the healing period is complete, you can snap the prosthesis onto the implants using Technovent magnets; you can attach and remove the prosthesis with ease.

Medical Art Resources was the first practice in Wisconsin to partner with surgeons at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital-Medical College of Wisconsin, and University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison to create implant-retained facial prostheses. If you choose bone anchored (osseointegrated) implant attachment, we work with your surgeon or recommend a surgeon close to where you live who is experienced with the Vistafix™ implant system. Together with your surgeon we identify the ideal location for 2 or 3 implants to assure the best possible prosthetic outcome for you.

Am I a candidate for implants?
You should discuss with your surgeon if you are a candidate for implants as well as what the potential risks and complications of the procedure might be. Patients who have been treated with radiation therapy may require a longer healing period as well as hyperbaric oxygen treatment to decrease risk of implant loss.

Connect with experts who care!

If you are considering a nasal prosthesis, we welcome you to meet with us for a new patient consultation and evaluation at no cost to you. A prosthetic nose is a non-surgical approach to nasal reconstruction, which can be an interim solution when surgical nasal reconstruction is delayed or a definitive solution.

You will meet with one of our clinical anaplastologists who will listen to your concerns, examine your affected anatomy, and show you examples of prostheses. Our anaplastologist will describe your options for prosthetic attachment and will develop a treatment plan for you. Be assured our clinical staff have earned masters degrees from accredited institutions and are certified in their specialty.

If you are unable to meet with us in personin Milwaukee or Madison, Wisconsin or one of our satellite locations, we can schedule a brief evaluation via Facetime or Skype. If you are not comfortable with a video meeting, you can provide us with photos and schedule a phone meeting.

Please contact us to schedule your complimentary initial consultation and evaluation. There is no obligation or pressure to proceed with treatment.

HOW DO WE MAKE A NASAL PROSTHESIS?

First and foremost, no need to worry- we are gentle and nothing we do is painful. We custom-make each nose prosthesis in our own laboratory ensuring high quality and individual design. The process requires 3 to 5 appointments which involve these steps:

• We make molds of the nasal region using gentle materials.

• We reference patient photos and sometimes a family member’s nasal shape to develop a wax prototype sculpted specifically for each patient.

• We have you try on the wax prototype to ensure a natural contour and fit.

• We formulate 5 or more colors to match your unique skin-tones using health grade silicone.

• When the sculpture is finalized, we make a durable mold which allows us to reproduce the silicone prosthesis.

• We meticulously paint every skin detail using your color formulae in your mold.

• We check the prosthetic nose for precise fit, and color details, such as freckling, are delicately painted onto the surface.

• We demonstrate wear and care instructions so that you can use your nose prosthetic with confidence.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? VISIT FAQS

INSURANCE COVERAGE

If you decide to proceed with your prosthetic treatment plan we will ask you to provide us with insurance or other payer information. With your permission we will request a physician’s order and clinical notes from your doctor. This information will help us predetermine your insurance benefits and submit a prior authorization request. We strive to set fees that are affordable, including reduced fees for replacement facial prostheses. We accept many health insurance options. Please be assured that we will help you navigate the complexity of billing for medical care. We also advocate on behalf of patients for coverage of reconstructive facial prosthetics with insurance providers.