Publication

Abstract : Acquired facial defects have been noted to cause functional and esthetic impairment and carry a social stigma. Patients frequently exhibit avoidance of social interactions and decreased quality of life. Surgical reconstruction is preferred in extensive facial defects but may be contraindicated in certain cases, in which case the defect must be rehabilitated by a prosthesis. Prosthetic rehabilitation of facial defects has been shown to significantly improve quality of life and allow the patient to resume daily activities. Silicone has become a popular material for maxillofacial prostheses, but in extensive defects, excessive weight compromises retention, and the use of an adhesive may not be effective, requiring external mechanical retention. In these cases, a lightweight material that can hold the desired contour and be easily modified for external mechanical retention is required. Polymethyl-methacrylate meets these criteria and was chosen as the material of choice to rehabilitate a case of an acquired facial defect after resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.