It is essential to clean the skin and around your implants daily! See your doctor or surgeon for evaluation and treatment if you notice any irritation, discharge, unusual swelling, or bleeding.
To clean the skin around the implant, remove your prosthesis and rinse with water, typically in the shower or with a warm facecloth. Then, use a Q-tip or gauze to apply saline solution to remove any debris. Mild crusting at the implant site can occur.
Cleanse the prosthesis front and back using a mild liquid soap and warm water. If you have an adhesive-retained prosthesis, you may need to rub off the accumulated adhesive on the back fitting surface with your fingers or a soft toothbrush (solely dedicated to your prosthesis). You may use a wet Q-tip to remove any debris collected in the crevices of your prosthesis.
You need to degrease and clean your prosthesis nightly with soap and water. You will also require a deep cleaning approximately every two weeks. The frequency may vary depending on your medical history, retention type and sensitivity.
Step 1: Put water to boil, and place the prosthesis in a bowl.
Step 2: Add 2-3 tbsp of baking soda to bowl on top of your prosthesis
Step 3: Cover the whole prosthesis with the water once the water has boiled. It will bubble.
Step 4: Lightly scrub with a designated toothbrush all over the prosthesis until bubbling is done. Ensure that the back fitting surface is free of debris, and be very gentle with the front, as you may remove the surface pigment.
Step 5: Remove the prosthesis and rinse with fresh water so there is no chalky residue.
*Note: Do not clean your prosthesis the first day you get it, as the surface pigment is still drying. No, do not overhandle for approximately 24 hours after your final fitting appointment.
The prosthesis placement depends on which facial feature and retention mechanism we use for your case. Our anaplastologists will guide you to the best way for you to place your unique piece with a safe and secure technique. Please note that we sell Daro medical skin adhesive for your convenience.
The different retention methods are adhesive retention, magnet retention, gold bar and clips.
Step 1: Clean the skin—In the morning, wash your face with soap and water and allow it to dry completely.
Step 2: Shake the bottle of Daro skin adhesive vigorously.
Step 3: Using a Q-tip, apply glue to the periphery of the prosthesis and let it sit until it turns clear—that’s when you put it in position.
- Glue takes approximately 5-7 minutes to set. Use a hair dryer on low heat to speed up drying.
- If one layer of glue isn’t strong enough, apply two, allowing it to dry clear between layers.
Step 4: Place the prosthesis in position and press tightly along the edges of the skin to secure it in position, holding it for a few seconds.
Step 5: Remove the prosthesis by peeling it off the skin in the evening.
Step 6: The next day, reapply on top of the other layer. You can reapply it for about 3 days, and if it won’t sit properly on the skin, remove the layer of glue by rubbing the surface and reapplying the new glue.
*Note: Keep glue at room temperature! Do not put the product in the fridge. If you live in a cold place, order a few bottles from us in early Fall, as we can not ship during cold winter months.
You may have 2 or 3 magnets retaining your prosthesis. Typically, one magnet is deeper and may accommodate an “O-ring” for stronger retention. If you are having any fitting difficulties with the prosthesis being too tight or too loose, check to see if a small, black silicone ring has been embedded in one of the magnets on your prosthesis. An O-ring creates a firmer fit; removing it will loosen the fit. Please get in touch with your anaplastologist for guidance on adding or removing the O-rings. This may require a visit to the office.
Typically, there are three to five clips on the posterior of your prosthesis that attach to your gold bar. These come in all different configurations, but commonly in a “C” formation. The clips are very delicate; please take caution when placing and removing the prosthesis. Try to ease off and on the clips individually, placing your thumb behind the prosthetic ear for support. You will become more familiar with how to handle your prosthesis over time. With each new prosthesis, the fit and placement will be slightly different. When putting on the new prosthesis, getting used to the placement will take time. Allow extra time before placing your new prosthesis, and remain gentle as the clips are delicate.
It is essential to remove your prosthesis before going to bed. It is vital to allow airflow to the skin and implants and for the integrity of the prosthesis. Your anaplastologist will guide you on how to remove your prosthesis in the best way. Please remove by holding the thickest part of the periphery, as thin edges may rip. If you have implants, try carefully removing one at a time to ensure the magnet substructure does not detach from the silicone prosthesis. You will become more familiar with how to handle your prosthesis over time.
There is no need to remove the ocular portion of your orbital prosthesis unless it has debris buildup. Please ensure a drain stopper in the sink if you handle your prosthesis in a bathroom or kitchen. If there is adhesive on the ocular component, remove it by gently pulling down on the lower eyelid and easing the bottom edge of the ocular over the silicone lower eyelid. Clean the ocular with soap and water only; never use any alcohol-based products as they will crack the eye! Rub the prosthesis firmly front and back with a soft cloth or paper towel until debris is gone. Ensure that the ocular is dry prior to reinserting. To replace the ocular, carefully bend the orbital to create more space, insert the top portion of the eye in the top eyelid first, and then pull down on the lower eyelid until the ocular is fully and securely embedded into the silicone. Be careful not to pull on the eyelashes as they are fragile and may fall out.
After your final appointment, your new prosthesis will be tacky as the pigment sets. Allow 24 hours before wearing. Once you arrive home, please remove the lid of your container to allow for airflow and proper drying of the pigments. Place in a secure area away from children and pets. Nightly, store in the container provided and ensure the prosthesis has been cleaned and dried.
Naturally, there is variance in the skin as we change temperature, differing seasons, and age-related changes. We aim for a happy medium so the pigment looks natural in most circumstances. Due to the nature of the material and daily handling of the prosthesis, the surface pigment will begin to fade over time. Approximately 18-24 months after receiving your prosthesis, you should return to the clinic for a retinting appointment. We will check the prosthetic fit and integrity and recolour the prosthesis. We will reapply fresh details, which should extend the life of the prosthesis to the 3-4 year mark. Allow 24 hours for the pigments to set before wearing your prosthesis. If you have an old prosthesis that fits, please bring it to the appointment.
