Anaplastology
What Is Anaplastology? A Plain-Language Guide to Silicone Prostheses
Anaplastology is the craft of making custom, life-like silicone replacements for parts of the face or body. Here is what it covers, who it helps, and how the process usually works.
In one sentence: anaplastology is the craft of making a custom, life-like replacement — usually in medical-grade silicone — for a part of the face or body that is missing or disfigured.
Most people have never heard the word anaplastology until they or someone close to them needs it. This guide explains, in plain language, what anaplastologists make, who they help, how a prosthesis is made and cared for, and what to ask the treating doctor.
Who does anaplastology help?
People may lose part of the face or body for many reasons. The most common are surgery for cancer of the head and neck, injuries and burns, and conditions present from birth, such as an underdeveloped ear. Sometimes surgical reconstruction is not possible, not advisable for medical reasons, or simply not what the person wants. A prosthesis gives another option.
The effect goes well beyond appearance. A well-made nasal or ear prosthesis can help a person feel comfortable going back to work, meeting friends or simply walking down the street without being stared at.
Which body parts can be replaced?
| Prosthesis | Replaces | Usual material |
|---|---|---|
| Auricular | Whole or part of the ear | Silicone |
| Nasal | Whole or part of the nose | Silicone |
| Orbital | The eye region, including lids | Silicone, with an acrylic eye |
| Ocular | The visible surface of the eye | Acrylic |
| Digital and partial hand | Fingers or part of the hand | Silicone |
| Breast | External breast form | Silicone |
How is a silicone prosthesis made?
Every prosthesis is made for one person. The details vary from case to case, but the journey usually looks like this:
- Referral and assessment. The treating specialist confirms the area has healed and discusses goals with the person.
- Impression or scan. The shape of the area is captured accurately, either with an impression material or a 3D scan.
- Sculpting. A model is sculpted in wax or clay to match the person’s anatomy, often mirroring the other side of the face or body.
- Colour matching. Silicone is tinted in layers to match skin tone, checked under natural light.
- Moulding and finishing. The final silicone piece is cast, and surface details such as fine lines or veins are added.
- Fitting. Edges are refined so the prosthesis blends in, and the person learns how to wear, clean and store it.
How does a prosthesis stay in place?
There are three common methods. The clinical team chooses the right one for each person.
- Medical adhesive applied each day to the skin.
- Anatomical retention, where the natural shape of the area holds the prosthesis, sometimes with the help of spectacles.
- Implant-based retention, where the surgical team places small implants in the bone and the prosthesis clips or attaches magnetically to them.
What anaplastology is not
- It does not treat the condition that caused the loss.
- It does not replace follow-up with the treating doctor.
- It is not “one size fits all” — each piece is individual.
How do you care for a silicone prosthesis?
Gentle daily cleaning with mild soap and water, careful removal of adhesive, and storage in a clean container away from heat all help a prosthesis last. Silicone is durable but not permanent: sunlight, skin oils and daily handling gradually change its colour and edges, so prostheses are periodically remade.
Questions to ask the treating doctor
- Is my area ready for a prosthesis, and when?
- Which retention method suits me?
- How often will it need to be remade?
- Who will check the skin around it over time?
Anaplastology in India
Anaplastology is still a small field in India, and access is uneven. At Balkrishna Healthcare LLP our anaplastology lab also runs as a skill development project, so that more trained professionals can serve more people.
Learn more about our anaplastology services and skill-development lab, or talk to our team about a referral.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Please consult your treating surgeon or a registered practitioner about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is anaplastology?
Anaplastology is the specialised field of making custom prostheses that replace missing or disfigured parts of the face or body. Most are made from medical-grade silicone coloured to match the person’s skin, and each one is made for a single person.
How long does a silicone prosthesis last?
Silicone slowly changes colour and wears at the edges with daily handling, skin oils and sunlight. Facial prostheses often need remaking every one to two years, depending on use and care. Your clinical team will advise for your case.
Who decides if a prosthesis is suitable?
The treating surgeon or specialist decides when the area has healed and whether a prosthesis is suitable. They plan the prosthetic rehabilitation together with the anaplastologist.
Is a prosthesis the same as plastic surgery?
No. Reconstructive surgery rebuilds a part using the person’s own tissue. A prosthesis is a removable, external replacement. Sometimes it is used when surgery is not possible or not preferred, and sometimes alongside it.