A boxing technique for making moulages of facial defects.

A technique using irreversible hydrocolloid in conjunction with conventional boxing method is described for making impressions of facial defects. The technique improves control of impression material without causing distortion of soft tissue adjacent to facial defects.

[Impression method in patients with maxillo-facial loss with reduction of the degree of oral opening]. / Metodo d'impronta in pazienti maxillo-facciali con riduzione del grado di apertura orale.

The article describes a method for obtaining an impression in patients suffering from a loss of maxillo-facial structure with reduced oral aperture. This involves making an individual resin tray, which is then divided in two, with four plugs on the underside for precise re-alignment later. The method suggested facilitates the insertion and removal of the tray. Thus an accurate impression of the perimeter can be obtained without the risk of trauma.

Fabrication of facial prostheses by applying the osseointegration concept for retention.

Initial clinical studies applying the osseointegration concept for retention of facial prostheses have been encouraging. The results of these preliminary investigations indicate new treatment possibilities with facial prostheses anchored to the cranial skeleton by osseointegrated implants. Osseointegrated rehabilitation of the maxillofacial prosthetic patient presents the potential for overcoming many of the disadvantages associated with conventional retentive methods. Fabrication and support for facial prostheses by using osseointegrated implants for retention are described.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of extensive facial defects.

Patients with extensive surgical defects of the palate, orbit, or nose are difficult to rehabilitate. Prosthetic rehabilitation in these areas often shortens hospitalization, speeds recovery, and reduces medical expenses. Specific factors in planning treatment are directed toward successful prosthetic rehabilitation, using a team approach, careful patient selection, and specific surgical principles keyed to each facial region.

Chin advancement as an aid in correction of deformities of the mental and submental regions.

Six patients are presented demonstrating various uses of chin advancement (horizontal osteotomy of the mandibular symphysis and sliding advancement) for correction of mental and submental deformities. With preservation of muscular attachment to the posterior border of the advanced mandibular fragment, the author feels that there is an anterior pull on the cervical musculature that may complement the posterior pull of platysmal plication. The technique of chin advancement is described in detail and offers more versatility than the use of alloplastic chin implants. The author advocates the use of this direct osseous approach for purely aesthetic reasons as well as in the correction of maxillofacial and craniofacial malformations.

[Subcutaneous silicone gel prosthese (author's transl)]. / Prothèses sous-cutanées en gel de silicone.

The use of silicone implants to correct an acquired or congenital abnormality of the face involves the use of:--blocks of foam, though these retract and the volume implanted must therefore be overestimated.--compact blocks of elastomer, which tend to migrate and to produce inaesthetic bumps with disturbances in the vascularisation of the skin. The authors therefore had the idea of making "to measure" implants similar to breast implants: envelope of silicone elastomer enclosing a gel of chosen viscosity, absorbing forces applied to the envelope and therefore tending to prevent migration of the implant. The latter has dacron patches to facilitate its adherence to deep layers. This description of manufacturing methods and operative techniques, despite a short follow-up, reports encouraging results from which it is possible to determine the indications of this type of procedure.