Medical Oncologist
CION Cancer Clinics
Prosthetics when reconstruction is not possible | CION Cancer Clinics
Yes, a prosthesis can be used instead of reconstruction. When rebuilding an area is not possible, not safe or not wanted, a custom-made artificial part can restore how it looks and sometimes how it works. Obturators close gaps in the roof of the mouth, facial prostheses replace an ear, nose or eye area, and breast forms are worn after mastectomy. This page explains the options, how they are made and who they suit. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Muralidhar MuddusettyConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery, AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- Can a prosthesis be used instead of reconstruction?
- What kinds of prosthesis are used after cancer surgery?
- How is a custom prosthesis made and fitted?
- How does a prosthesis compare with reconstruction?
- What do the terms in your letters mean?
- What do families believe about prostheses?
- Who might a prosthesis suit, and what can this page not tell you?
- Common questions about prostheses after cancer surgery
The short answer
Can a prosthesis be used instead of reconstruction?
Yes. When reconstruction is not possible, not safe or not wanted, a prosthesis (a custom-made artificial part) can restore how an area looks and sometimes how it works. It is a real option in its own right, not a second-class one, and for some people it is the better choice.
When a prosthesis is considered
A surgeon may suggest one when the gap left by cancer surgery is too large or complex to rebuild well, when the person is not fit for a long operation, or when further surgery on heavily treated tissue carries a high risk. Some people simply prefer to avoid more operations. It is also used while waiting for a delayed reconstruction.
What it can and cannot do
A well-made prosthesis can look very natural, especially for an ear, nose, eye area or breast. It can close a gap in the roof of the mouth so speech and eating improve. It does not have feeling, it has to be removed and cleaned, and it will need replacing or adjusting from time to time.
Who makes it
A prosthesis is made by a specialist team, not by the surgeon alone. For the mouth and face this is usually a prosthodontist working with a technician who shapes and colours the piece by hand. For the breast it is a trained fitter. For a limb it is a prosthetist working alongside a physiotherapist. Not every centre has all of these people, so ask your team who will make yours and where you will need to travel for fittings.
A prosthesis does not stop you having a reconstruction later, if circumstances change and you want one.By area
What kinds of prosthesis are used after cancer surgery?
The type depends on what was removed. Each is made for you, not taken off a shelf, except some breast forms.
Palate obturator
A plate, often attached to teeth or a denture, that closes a gap in the roof of the mouth after upper jaw surgery. It helps stop food and drink entering the nose and makes speech clearer.
Facial prosthesis
An artificial ear, nose or eye-socket cover, made in soft medical silicone and coloured to match your skin.
Held in place by
- Skin-safe adhesive
- Spectacle frames
- Small implants fixed into bone
Breast form
An external form worn inside a bra after mastectomy. Soft ones are used while healing. Weighted silicone forms are fitted once the scar has settled.
Limb prosthesis
After an amputation for bone or soft tissue cancer, an artificial limb is fitted and adjusted with rehabilitation over many months.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistThe process
How is a custom prosthesis made and fitted?
Planning before surgery
Where possible, the prosthodontist (a dentist or specialist who makes artificial parts) sees you before the operation, takes moulds and photographs, and plans with the surgeon.
A temporary piece
For the mouth, a temporary obturator is often placed during the operation or soon after, so you can eat and speak while healing.
Healing and moulds
Once the area has healed and swelling has settled, new moulds are taken. The prosthesis is shaped and coloured over several visits.
Fitting and follow-up
You learn how to put it on, remove and clean it. It is adjusted as tissue changes and replaced when it wears.
Side by side
How does a prosthesis compare with reconstruction?
Surgical reconstruction
Prosthesis
Uses your own tissue or an implant
Made from silicone, acrylic or similar
Usually a longer operation and a second wound
No extra operation in many cases
Stays in place and becomes part of you
Removed daily for cleaning and care
Can make the area harder to inspect
The area underneath can be seen directly
Shape may change with radiation or weight
Needs remaking as it wears or tissue changes
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Words you may hear
What do the terms in your letters mean?
- Maxillofacial prosthodontist
- A specialist who designs and makes prostheses for the mouth, jaw and face.
- Obturator
- A prosthesis that closes a gap in the roof of the mouth.
- Maxillectomy
- An operation to remove part or all of the upper jaw. It often leaves a gap an obturator can close.
- Osseointegrated implant
- A small post fixed into bone that a prosthesis can clip on to, so it holds more securely than adhesive.
- Breast form
- An external breast shape worn inside clothing after mastectomy.
Commonly believed
What do families believe about prostheses?
"A prosthesis is only for people who could not get proper surgery."
For some areas, such as the nose or eye socket, a prosthesis can look more natural than what surgery can build. It is a considered choice, not a lesser one.
"Everyone will be able to tell."
A carefully coloured prosthesis, especially with spectacles or clothing, is often not noticed at a normal distance. The edges show most in close, bright light.
"Once it is made, that is the end of it."
Tissue keeps changing after surgery and radiation, and materials wear and discolour. Expect adjustments and replacements over the years, and ask about those costs early.
"Choosing a prosthesis rules out reconstruction for good."
Not usually. Some people use a prosthesis for a while and later decide on reconstruction. Ask your surgeon whether that path stays open in your case.
Being straight with you
Who might a prosthesis suit, and what can this page not tell you?
This page cannot tell you whether a prosthesis or a reconstruction is right for you. That depends on what is removed, your general health, whether radiation is planned, and how you feel about further surgery. Your surgeon and prosthodontist can explain the options that are realistic for your operation.
Who it may suit
People who are not fit for a long operation. People whose tissue has been heavily treated with radiation. Some people after upper jaw surgery, where an obturator restores speech and eating quickly. People who want the area easy to inspect for any sign of the cancer returning.
Who it may not suit
A prosthesis needs daily removal, cleaning and care. It may be harder for someone with poor eyesight, shaky hands or no one at home to help. Hot, humid weather can loosen adhesive and irritate skin. Skin allergies to adhesives can also be a problem.
Questions to ask
Who will make it, and where? How many visits will it take? How long does it usually last? What will replacements cost, and will Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS or my insurer cover them?
Questions we are asked
Common questions about prostheses after cancer surgery
Is a prosthesis a real alternative to reconstruction?
Yes. For some areas and some people it is the more practical choice, and for a few it gives a more natural look than surgery can. It avoids a second wound and a long operation. The trade-off is daily care and periodic replacement. Your team can explain which suits your situation.
How long does it take to get a facial prosthesis?
The final piece is usually made only after the area has healed and settled, and after any radiation. That can take several months. It then needs several visits for moulds, shaping and colour matching. A temporary cover or dressing is used in the meantime.
Will I be able to eat and talk with an obturator?
Most people eat and speak much better with an obturator than without one. It takes practice, and a speech therapist can help. Food and liquid may still leak into the nose at times, especially early on, and the plate may need adjusting as the area heals.
Can I sleep with it on?
Most facial prostheses are removed at night to let the skin rest and to clean the piece. Guidance for obturators varies, especially in the early weeks. Follow the specific instructions from the person who made yours, because it depends on the design.
Does Aarogyasri or insurance cover a prosthesis?
Cover varies. Some schemes and insurers include a prosthesis when it is part of cancer treatment, while replacements or breast forms may be treated differently. Check with Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS or your insurer, or ask the helpline to help you find out, before it is ordered.
What if my skin reacts to the adhesive?
Stop using it and show the skin to your team. Red, itchy or broken skin under a prosthesis is common in hot weather. A different adhesive, better cleaning or a change in how it is held on can usually help. Do not keep wearing it over broken skin.
Can I swim or exercise with a breast form?
Yes. Swimming forms and pocketed swimwear are made for this. Many people exercise normally once the scar has healed. Rinse the form after chlorine or salt water and let it dry, as advised by the fitter, to help it last longer.
Will the prosthesis hide the cancer coming back?
No. Because it is removable, the area underneath can be looked at directly at every follow-up visit. This is one reason some teams prefer a prosthesis where regular close checking of the area matters. Keep all your follow-up appointments either way.
Meet the Specialists
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Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
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Sources
- Cancer Research UK — Head and neck cancers
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Head and neck cancer
- American Cancer Society — Breast Reconstruction Surgery
- Cancer.Net — Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
Related pages
Reconstructive surgery after cancer: an overviewThe surgical options a prosthesis is weighed againstImmediate vs delayed reconstruction: the trade-offsIf you may want reconstruction laterIs reconstruction covered by insurance or schemes?Check cover before anything is orderedDeciding on cancer surgeryHow to weigh an operation against the alternativesReconstructive SurgeryThe overview this page belongs to
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