Founded in 2005, Dianceht makes high quality, individually sculpted, custom prostheses for amputated parts of the body such as fingers, hands, arms, external ears, feet, legs, and noses.
What is an aesthetic prosthesis?
Aesthetic prostheses are plastic sculptures that simulate parts of the body; they cover up the missing part and obtain aesthetic balance. This aids the amputee in integrating himself in his social, family, and work environments.
The prostheses are made of elastomers from the siloxane family. These materials are based on silicon chains instead of carbon chains like other plastics. The siloxane does not dissolve in conventional organic solvents, such as acetone, alcohol, gasoline, grease, etc. In addition, the lack of carbon in its structure makes it very resistant to high temperatures. This material has outstanding elastic properties and excellent breaking resistance.
How are they attached to the body?
The prostheses can be attached in several ways, which varies from one case to another. The most frequent application method is suction: when placing the prosthesis over the stump, a light vacuum is formed between the plastic and the skin, keeping the prosthesis in place without fear of loosening during daily use or when shaking hands with someone else.
Can aesthetic prosthesis be functional?
Dianceht mentions that apart from the aesthetics, they also focus on gaining any of the functions by inserting mechanisms that articulate phalanges in a hand or finger and that allow the person to do simple tasks.
The above image shows one of the mechanisms used to articulate phalanges in a hand. These mechanisms are designed according to the requirements and measurements of each individual and they are made from very hard, but very light materials such as Titanium, Nitinol, Carbon fiber, and Acetal.
Can you tell the difference?
As shown in the pictures above, Dianceht’s aesthetic prostheses achieve a high degree of similarity to the real appearance in skin tone, texture, freckles, spots, and nails because of its custom design. The union of the prosthesis to the body is made in such a way that it is not easy to tell them apart.
How long does it take to make them?
Dianceht states that manufacturing an aesthetic prosthesis requires many working hours since it is constructed by hand and each case has its own unique circumstances, which makes it difficult to standardize delivery times. For example, a finger thimble for a distal phalange requires approximately 3 months and 4 months for an arm.
What care do they need?
The company claims that the prostheses are very resistant. However, in order to increase their lives and prolong use, certain recommendations must be followed: Stay away from or be extremely careful when using sharp cutting tools, or materials such as knives or paper sheets. Siloxane is very similar to skin; whatever can cut skin, undoubtedly can cut the prosthesis. Do not expose the prostheses to temperatures higher than 400 degree Fahrenheit. Siloxanes have excellent elastic properties, but do not over-elongate. Remember that even steel can break if enough tension is applied. Taking care of the prostheses the same way you would any other part of your body will ensure a long life.
Source: Dianceht
