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Useful items to bring during an initial consultation include:
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FAQs
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with more detailed questions
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We do not charge for our initial consultation.
Although we do not require a physician prescription for an initial consultation, we do require a prescription before we can recommend and begin the process of treatment.
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.
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. Both Jay McClennen and Andrew Etheridge are Certified Clinical Anaplastologists.
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).
Is any part of prosthetic treatment painful?
No, there is nothing in the process that will cause any pain or discomfort.
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.
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.
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.
What are the patient's payment options if insurance coverage is not available?
We work closely with our patients in order to alleviate financial stresses. We accept cash, personal check, and major credit cards for payments.
Although we do not require a physician prescription for an initial consultation, we do require a prescription before we can recommend and begin the process of treatment.
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.
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. Both Jay McClennen and Andrew Etheridge are Certified Clinical Anaplastologists.
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).
Is any part of prosthetic treatment painful?
No, there is nothing in the process that will cause any pain or discomfort.
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.
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.
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.
What are the patient's payment options if insurance coverage is not available?
We work closely with our patients in order to alleviate financial stresses. We accept cash, personal check, and major credit cards for payments.