Frequently Asked Questions |
How does a patient schedule an appointment?
Appointments may be made by the patient or the office of the referring medical professional. Only a phone call is needed to start a conversation about the patient’s interest or need and to begin to learn about the circumstances of the patient’s medical history, current situation and insurance support.
How long will the prosthesis last?
The lifetime of a prosthesis will vary greatly from patient to patient depending on the type of device, the manner of retention and the individual's activity level. A general guideline might be from 2 to 3 years, but there are many variables that can extend or reduce this time.
How long will it take to receive a prosthesis?
Normally, the prosthetic fabrication process requires only 3 to 4 patient visits that are spread over 3 to 4 weeks.
How soon after surgery can a prosthesis be provided?
A free consultation can be provided at any time, however, in order to begin prosthetic treatment the affected area should be completely healed with no inflammation or swelling remaining in the surrounding tissue.
How does the prosthesis stay on?
A facial prosthesis can be retained by adhesives or by bone-anchored implants. Adhesives are a well established and common way to attach a prosthesis that serve many patients reliably. However, adhesives can become less reliable during extreme temperatures and do require careful daily cleaning. Implant-retained devices offer excellent retention and longer prosthesis life, but require outpatient surgery. Finger and toe prostheses are generally held on by suction-retention over the end of the residual finger or toe. Hand and partial foot prostheses rely on an intimate anatomical fit and mild tension in specific areas of the residual limb. Our custom Biform breast prosthetics are designed to be self sticking (without the use of any adhesives) which results in a secure, comfortable fit in any standard bra of your choice (does not require a mastectomy bra).
What is an anaplastologist and what kind of training is required?
The background and training of many Anaplastologists is extremely eclectic and may include medical illustration, dental technology, ocular technology, fine art & design and other disciplines. A Certified Clinical Anaplastologist is a health care professional who has demonstrated experience and knowledge of clinical anaplastology services and has been credentialed by the Board for Certified Clinical Anaplastologists (BCCA). Such individuals have met stringent educational requirements, achieved a passing score on the rigorous certification exam, follow mandatory continuing education requirements and adhere to ethical and professional standards set forth by the BCCA. Jay McClennen, AOCA, CCA, CFm is a Certified Clinical Anaplastologist and he is currently mentoring Sarah Contreras in her goal to become certified.
How do patients order additional prosthetic supplies, such as adhesives?
Supplies of materials are provided as part of the final delivery of the prosthesis, along with information to enable the patient to reorder directly from suppliers. We are not licensed to be a retailer of prosthetic supplies but we assist our patients by providing contact information for the suppliers.
Some things to keep in mind regarding prosthetic supplies:
What are the limitations of a prosthesis?
A prosthesis will not blush, tan, grow, or age in conjunction with the patient's surrounding tissue. It must be removed daily in order to be cleaned and to allow the underlying tissue to be aired out and also cleaned. Additionally, prostheses need to be replaced periodically, typically every 2-3 years, in order to maintain a proper fit, optimal hygiene and realistic appearance.
Is any part of prosthetic treatment painful?
No, there is nothing in the process that will cause any pain or discomfort.
Can a patient expect to resume an active lifestyle and sports after being fit with a prosthesis?
The various retention strategies that are available generally permit patients to return to most activities that were enjoyed before. Some retention methods, i.e., implants, are especially secure and reliable.
Are samples of The Anaplastology Clinic's work presented during consultations?
We have a large library of images of previous patients who have generously given their permission for this purpose. We also have physical samples for patients to view and touch.
Appointments may be made by the patient or the office of the referring medical professional. Only a phone call is needed to start a conversation about the patient’s interest or need and to begin to learn about the circumstances of the patient’s medical history, current situation and insurance support.
How long will the prosthesis last?
The lifetime of a prosthesis will vary greatly from patient to patient depending on the type of device, the manner of retention and the individual's activity level. A general guideline might be from 2 to 3 years, but there are many variables that can extend or reduce this time.
How long will it take to receive a prosthesis?
Normally, the prosthetic fabrication process requires only 3 to 4 patient visits that are spread over 3 to 4 weeks.
How soon after surgery can a prosthesis be provided?
A free consultation can be provided at any time, however, in order to begin prosthetic treatment the affected area should be completely healed with no inflammation or swelling remaining in the surrounding tissue.
How does the prosthesis stay on?
A facial prosthesis can be retained by adhesives or by bone-anchored implants. Adhesives are a well established and common way to attach a prosthesis that serve many patients reliably. However, adhesives can become less reliable during extreme temperatures and do require careful daily cleaning. Implant-retained devices offer excellent retention and longer prosthesis life, but require outpatient surgery. Finger and toe prostheses are generally held on by suction-retention over the end of the residual finger or toe. Hand and partial foot prostheses rely on an intimate anatomical fit and mild tension in specific areas of the residual limb. Our custom Biform breast prosthetics are designed to be self sticking (without the use of any adhesives) which results in a secure, comfortable fit in any standard bra of your choice (does not require a mastectomy bra).
What is an anaplastologist and what kind of training is required?
The background and training of many Anaplastologists is extremely eclectic and may include medical illustration, dental technology, ocular technology, fine art & design and other disciplines. A Certified Clinical Anaplastologist is a health care professional who has demonstrated experience and knowledge of clinical anaplastology services and has been credentialed by the Board for Certified Clinical Anaplastologists (BCCA). Such individuals have met stringent educational requirements, achieved a passing score on the rigorous certification exam, follow mandatory continuing education requirements and adhere to ethical and professional standards set forth by the BCCA. Jay McClennen, AOCA, CCA, CFm is a Certified Clinical Anaplastologist and he is currently mentoring Sarah Contreras in her goal to become certified.
How do patients order additional prosthetic supplies, such as adhesives?
Supplies of materials are provided as part of the final delivery of the prosthesis, along with information to enable the patient to reorder directly from suppliers. We are not licensed to be a retailer of prosthetic supplies but we assist our patients by providing contact information for the suppliers.
Some things to keep in mind regarding prosthetic supplies:
- Order enough materials to cover the winter months since materials will freeze in shipping under cold conditions
- Save on shipping and order multiple bottles at once
- Check expiration dates: products usually expire within a few years
What are the limitations of a prosthesis?
A prosthesis will not blush, tan, grow, or age in conjunction with the patient's surrounding tissue. It must be removed daily in order to be cleaned and to allow the underlying tissue to be aired out and also cleaned. Additionally, prostheses need to be replaced periodically, typically every 2-3 years, in order to maintain a proper fit, optimal hygiene and realistic appearance.
Is any part of prosthetic treatment painful?
No, there is nothing in the process that will cause any pain or discomfort.
Can a patient expect to resume an active lifestyle and sports after being fit with a prosthesis?
The various retention strategies that are available generally permit patients to return to most activities that were enjoyed before. Some retention methods, i.e., implants, are especially secure and reliable.
Are samples of The Anaplastology Clinic's work presented during consultations?
We have a large library of images of previous patients who have generously given their permission for this purpose. We also have physical samples for patients to view and touch.
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