Summary:

Accidents, cancer treatments, and congenital malformations can lead to extensive defects that require functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. Since changes in physical appearance have a significant impact on psychosocial well-being and sense of identity, epitheses offer a customizable alternative to plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care in the context of epithetic rehabilitation. Between April 2023 and December 2025, 1,337 patients who were treated by members of the German Federal Association of Epithetists (dbve) were surveyed. The most common types of epitheses were nose, ear, and eye epitheses, which were predominantly implant-supported or adhesive. Nearly all respondents reported receiving comprehensive information prior to receiving their epitheses. Fit, aesthetics, and safety were cited as key quality criteria. In all three areas, there was a very high level of satisfaction with average scores above 9 on a 10-point scale. Satisfaction with the service provider was also extremely high. Problems arose in isolated cases with regard to cost coverage, in particular due to delays or rejections on the part of the cost bearers. Overall, the respondents rated the care as high quality.