Maxillofacial prosthetics
Nasal Prosthetics
Custom-crafted nasal prostheses that restore facial appearance and function following the loss of the nose or nasal structures — individually sculpted, color-matched, and fitted by Dr. Min S. Kim at our Washington clinics.
What is a nasal prosthesis?
A nasal prosthesis is a custom-fabricated external facial prosthesis that replaces the nose — in whole or in part — following surgical removal, trauma, or congenital absence. Fabricated from medical-grade silicone and hand-painted to match the patient's skin tone, surface texture, and facial contours, a well-crafted nasal prosthesis restores a natural appearance and supports the patient's quality of life.
Dr. Min S. Kim's specialized training in maxillofacial prosthetics, combined with in-house fabrication at our clinic lab, allows for the highest level of artistry and precision. Each prosthesis is individually sculpted and tinted — replicating the subtle color variations, pores, and surface detail of natural skin — and can be retained with medical-grade adhesive or osseointegrated implants for a secure, comfortable fit.
Who needs a nasal prosthesis?
Rhinectomy for cancer
Surgical removal of the nose — most commonly for squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma involving the nasal skin or cartilage — is one of the most frequent indications for a nasal prosthesis. The prosthesis restores appearance and protects the nasal cavity.
Mohs surgery defects
Extensive Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer on or around the nose can result in defects too large for local reconstruction. A nasal prosthesis provides an immediate, reliable aesthetic solution.
Traumatic nasal loss
Severe facial injuries from accidents, burns, or other trauma resulting in partial or total nasal loss can be rehabilitated with a custom nasal prosthesis that closely replicates the patient's natural features.
Radiation necrosis
Tissue loss following radiation therapy for head and neck cancers can create nasal defects that are best addressed with a prosthetic solution, particularly when further surgery is not appropriate.
Congenital nasal absence
Patients born with arhinia (absence of the nose) or significant nasal hypoplasia can benefit from a nasal prosthesis to restore facial symmetry and support normal social development.
Partial nasal defects
Loss of part of the nose — the tip, ala, dorsum, or columella — due to surgery, trauma, or disease can be addressed with a partial nasal prosthesis that blends seamlessly with the remaining natural tissue.
Retention options
Adhesive retention
Medical-grade skin adhesive is the most widely used retention method for nasal prostheses. It is non-surgical, reversible, and suitable for most patients. Dr. Kim will guide you on application technique and the best adhesive products for your skin type, activity level, and climate.
Osseointegrated implants
Titanium implants placed in the nasal bones or surrounding facial skeleton can support a bar-and-clip or magnetic retention system, providing a highly secure fit without daily adhesive application. This option is ideal for patients with oily skin, skin sensitivity, or those who prefer a more convenient daily routine.
Eyeglass frame retention
For patients who wear glasses, the nasal prosthesis can be designed to attach to or be supported by the eyeglass frame, providing additional stability and a natural appearance without the need for adhesive.
What a nasal prosthesis provides
Natural facial appearance
Hand-sculpted and individually tinted to match your skin tone, surface texture, and facial proportions, a custom nasal prosthesis restores a natural, balanced appearance that supports confidence in everyday social settings.
Nasal cavity protection
The prosthesis covers and protects the nasal cavity from environmental exposure — dust, allergens, and dry air — reducing the risk of crusting, infection, and discomfort in the nasal passages.
Non-surgical solution
A nasal prosthesis achieves significant aesthetic improvement without the risks, recovery time, or limitations of complex reconstructive surgery — making it appropriate for patients of all ages and health statuses, including those who are not surgical candidates.
Immediate rehabilitation
Unlike surgical reconstruction, which may require multiple procedures over months or years, a nasal prosthesis can be fabricated and fitted within weeks of healing — providing a rapid return to normal appearance and social activity.
Psychological wellbeing
Restoring a natural facial appearance after nasal loss has a profound positive impact on confidence, social reintegration, and emotional recovery — for both adults and children.
Adjustable over time
As the patient's skin tone changes with age or sun exposure, the prosthesis can be remade or retinted to maintain the best possible color match. Retention systems can also be updated as needs change.
Your fitting journey
Consultation and assessment
Dr. Kim evaluates the nasal defect, skin condition, and retention options. Pre-operative photographs and facial measurements are reviewed to guide the design. Coordination with your surgeon or oncologist is arranged as needed to ensure optimal timing.
Impressions and sculpting
Detailed impressions of the defect site and surrounding facial structures are taken. Dr. Kim sculpts a wax pattern that replicates the natural contours of the nose, using photographs and facial symmetry as guides, refining the shape at the chairside until the fit and appearance are correct.
Fabrication and color matching
The prosthesis is fabricated in medical-grade silicone and individually tinted through its full depth to match your skin tone and surface detail. Subtle color variations, pore texture, and any visible surface characteristics are replicated for a lifelike result.
Fitting and retention setup
The prosthesis is placed and evaluated for fit, comfort, and appearance. Adhesive technique or implant-retained hardware is set up, and the patient is trained in daily application, removal, and care.
Follow-up and maintenance
Regular follow-up appointments monitor tissue health, prosthesis condition, and color match. Silicone nasal prostheses are typically remade every 2–3 years as the material ages or as skin tone changes over time.
Frequently asked questions
About Dr. Min S. Kim
Maxillofacial Prosthetist/Denturist — King's College London — 40,000+ patients treated
Restore your appearance. Restore your confidence.
Our team is here to guide you through every step of the nasal prosthetics process — from your first consultation to long-term care. Contact us at any of our three Washington locations.