Care Team
Our Craniofacial Prosthetics Unit (CPU) is one of only two in Canada to have a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Our team is specially set up to create custom-made, life-like prostheses for patients who are missing parts of their face due to cancer, trauma or congenital birth anomalies. Our team consists of a Craniofacial surgeon, anaplastologists, supportive healthcare professionals, psychologists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to assist in making you as comfortable as possible.
Craniofacial Surgeon
A craniofacial surgeon, or Otolaryngologist, is an ear, nose and throat surgeon with extra training in special techniques for the face. The surgeon evaluates your need for surgery and will explain your surgical choices. The decision to have surgery is yours. The surgeon can make changes to your face and/or place the implants necessary to hold a prosthesis in place.
Anaplastologist
Anaplastology is the art and science of restoring a malformed or absent part of the human body through artificial means. The anaplastologist provides custom prosthetic devices and takes part in all phases of the planning before surgery and provides the artistic and technical skills necessary to produce the finished prosthesis.
Supportive Healthcare Professionals
Having surgery and/or getting a prosthesis is a choice that can change your life. Due to the psychological impact of this choice, many patients appreciate the support of other healthcare providers prior to, during and after treatment. Ask your craniofacial team to arrange a referral or visit the Patient and Family Support office on the ground floor of T-Wing, beside the Craniofacial Prosthetics Unit.
Psychologists
Psychologists can meet with your before surgery and before you receive your prosthetic treatment to help you make the decision that is best for you. They are available during and after treatment to assist it there are any emotional concerns you wish to discuss.
Social Workers
Social Workers help you and your family cope with the changes and can refer you to many community support services and groups.
Other Healthcare Professionals
Other healthcare professionals available to assist with your recovery include: Audiologists, to assist with hearing difficulties; Speech Pathologists, to specialize in speech impediments or disorders; Camouflage Therapists and Hygienists. If the services of a specialist is required, appointments will be arranged by the CPU team.
