J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2000 Jul;22(4):383-396.

An history of maxillofacial prostheses

• Min SK

Abstract

Before the advent of early plastic or maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, facial features could only be replaced and mimicked by prosthetic, artificial means. Facial deformity or dysfunction, whether congenital or acquired by trauma or mutilating disease, has long been an area of constant research, development and innovation in many cultures of the world. One of the greatest contributors to the need for maxillofacial prosthetics has been physical conflict and warfare. The use of maxillofacial prostheses is not merely the replacement of a missing or disfigured aspect of the face, but the rehabilitation of that individual back into the society from which they originate. Rehabilitation includes the restoration of the person's self worth and confidence, not just physically but psychologically. In sixteenth century, Ambroise Pare, French military surgeon, first have tried many maxillofacial prosthetics for injured war soldiers with papier-mache, silver, gold and copper. According to patient's demand who lost their maxillofacial figures, maxillofacial personnel have increased and prosthetic's skill have been advanced all of the world. Over the last decade, there has been a very rapid development in technical possibilities to provide patients with facial prostheses retained by skin penetrating implants. This article will present overall history of maxillofacial prostheses and some background information on the materials used from the old world. And to overcome still many limitation of prosthetic, new minds and new ideas for technique and materials should be developed.

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Copper
Humans
Maxillofacial Prosthesis*
Military Personnel
Plastics
Prostheses and Implants
Rehabilitation
Silver
Skin
Copper
Plastics
Silver