Craniofacial prostheses are prostheses made by individuals trained in anaplastology or maxillofacial prosthodontics who medically help rehabilitate those with facial defects caused by disease (mostly progressed forms of skin cancer, and head and neck cancer), trauma (outer ear trauma, eye trauma) or birth defects (microtia, anophthalmia).
Prostheses are held in place either by biocompatible drying adhesives, osseointegrated implants, magnets, or another mechanical means (although rare) such as glasses or straps.
Their purpose is to cover, protect, and disguise facial disfigurements or underdevelopments.
When surgical reconstruction is not ideal, craniofacial prosthetics are favored when they can better restore the form and function of the absent facial feature.
Craniofacial prosthetics are not wholly considered cosmetic[1][2] because they replace the physical form and functional mechanics of the absent anatomy and serve a significant role in the emotional stability and rehabilitation of those with facial defects.