Home > Options > Cosmetic Prostheses

 

 Cosmetic Prostheses

  • Cosmetic prostheses, also known as passive prostheses, are artificial limbs that are usually made of silicone and aim to look life-like but do not provide a sense of touch or physical function. They can also be custom made to fit the user.

  • However, cosmetic prostheses cannot be moved or controlled and cannot adapt or change in ways that living skin can, such as tanning.

  • This type of prosthesis is typically used when a person does not need a functioning hand (e.g., to grasp objects), and prefers to have the realistic look of a native hand/arm.1,2
 

Click Below for More Videos

Videos of Hand/Arm Transplant Recipients and People with Limb Loss

Mr. Vazquez, with unilateral, above-elbow limb loss (3 years after amputation), describes his cosmetic prosthesis.

 

References

Sources

  1. Kubiak CA, Etra JW, Brandacher G, et al. Prosthetic Rehabilitation and Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Following Upper Limb Loss. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019;143(6):1688-1701.  

  2. Prosthetic Devices for Upper-Extremity Amputees. Amputee Coalition. Accessed September 20, 2022. https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/prosthetic-devices-for-upper-extremity-amputees/