Summary:

Surgically acquired mid-face deformity is one of the most challenging deformities to disguise, and more importantly has a significant, immediate impact on the patient anatomy post operatively. There is a loss of contour to the mid face that cannot be easily hidden by surgical dressings. There can also be a functional deformity for older patients that wear glasses. In the UK most units provide basic ‘contour’ dressings, usually made from thermoplastic materials that are taped into place during the operation. These are poorly fitting, and usually made from a clear or pink thermoplastic dental material, which then has to be covered in tape to hide its poor skin match. We present our experience in Nottingham, using a purely digital workflow (Digital photos-MIMCS-Freeform) to simulate the surgical deformity and provide an immediate intra operative prosthesis. This is a small retrospective review of 6 patients feedback (21-72yrs). The feedback from patients was mostly positive. 1 patient did not like the surgical tape used to secure the prosthesis and disguise the margin. The technique provides a simple prosthesis that can be completed without the patient present and that is easily adapted in theatre (cut to shape). The technique is particularly useful in cases where patients have surgery at other hospitals, or in other parts of the country prior to being referred to your unit.