Abstract
A facial prosthesis is a treatment option for the esthetic rehabilitation of disfigurement after surgical treatment of head and neck cancer. Conventional facial prostheses are mainly applied for facial defects located around the external nose, auricle or orbit. However, some patients suffer unfavorable esthetic results after surgery even when the external nose has been preserved but the inner side of the nose has been resected. In this study, we applied facial prostheses using the CAD/CAM technique to patients whose external nose was preserved but deformed. Two patients had their nasal bone resected owing to nasal septum carcinoma or olfactory neuroblastoma. Though the external nose had been preserved, they could not go out without wearing a facial mask because of the depressed external nose. After consultation with a surgeon, facial prostheses were planned to be fabricated. 3D data were acquired using a 3D scanner. The acquired data were converted into STL data and facial prostheses were designed using 3D modeling software. A facial mold and wax prototype were manufactured by a 3D printer. Prototypes were finalized with silicone material, then the prostheses were delivered to the patients. The patients were satisfied with the esthetic results and could go out without wearing a facial mask and could regain their social life.
