Once we have finished making your new prosthetic limb, there is a trial period of several weeks to ensure that everything is comfortable and functional. After this trial, we can finish the limbs appearance to your individual preferences. This can be done either with different coloured sockets or cosmetic covers to replicate the appearance of your original limb.
While we want the leg to be as cosmetic as possible, sometimes we have to compromise the appearance of the finished product to provide a safe, functional and comfortable limb.
Legs can be hidden with cosmetic foam or personalised with the patient’s own fabrics. Covers can be fixed in place for extra durability or made removable for ease of adjustments or component replacements. In certain cases, covers can even be designed to protect the internal components from external environments. Ultimately the choice is that of the user.
Photo below demonstrates a “lifelike” finish of a prosthetic leg. The major goal of this Cosmesis is to hide the internal components and mirror the other leg in shape. The shape is built up using flexible foam which can then be covered in cosmetic stockings, PVC/Silicon skins. (The example in the photo is finished in cosmetic stockings)
Photo below demonstrates a prosthesis where the patients limb has had to be accommodated in a specific position. Unfortunately this makes it difficult to match the shape of the other limb. This is an example of a compromise between cosmetic appearance and functionality.
Photo below demonstrates the opposite view on cosmesis which is to have everything as visible as possible. This finish tends to be more popular with our patient as it allows them to personalise their limb.
Photo below demonstrates a cosmetic foam that can be easily removed. The benefits of this are that we can still access the internal components to adjust or replace worn modules.