Does a silicone prosthesis fade if you keep it in storage?
Time alone does not make a silicone prosthesis fade or wear. What changes it is mainly friction and contact with dyes, so a prosthesis kept in a drawer stays close to its original condition for a long time. Even with daily use, never forcing it on or off and keeping it away from oil-based ink and hair dye will help it last longer.
Why does a stored prosthesis stay unchanged?
Some of our customers use a work prosthesis day to day and bring out their silicone prosthesis only for special occasions — a wedding, a holiday, a family gathering. They often ask whether it will lose its colour simply by sitting unused.
The main cause of surface wear on silicone is repeated rubbing against objects, shoes and floors. A prosthesis in storage experiences almost none of this, so the passing of time on its own is not a reason for it to age.
Our Seoul clinic keeps samples on display for visitors to see and handle. They are not just display models: they are made in exactly the same way as our customers’ prostheses, so you can see for yourself how unused silicone holds up.
What changes with daily use?
A prosthesis worn every day can pick up small scuffs and signs of wear. A foot prosthesis rubs against the inside of shoes and the floor; a hand prosthesis touches everything you hold. This is natural wear from use rather than a fault in the material.
Staining is different. Substances designed to colour permanently, such as oil-based ink and hair dye, can soak into silicone and leave a mark that will not come out. This applies to any silicone, however good, so keeping these away is the surest prevention.
How do I make my prosthesis last?
- Never stretch it on or off — pulling hard on silicone can damage the thin edges first.
- Use aloe soothing gel — a little gel before putting it on reduces friction so it slides on smoothly.
- Let air in before removing it — easing a little air into the gap releases the seal so it comes off without strain.
- Keep dyes away — avoid contact with oil-based pens, hair dye and anything else that stains permanently.
These four habits help the same prosthesis last longer. If it is damaged in use, we provide after-sales support, and if a repair is not possible we will guide you through a remake.
What are Silobionic prostheses made of?
Compared with PVC or leather prostheses, silicone is less prone to picking up colour from other materials or discolouring, and it can be washed in hot water.
| Feature | Silobionic silicone prosthesis |
|---|---|
| Material | Medical-grade solid silicone |
| Inside | Filled with the same silicone as the surface — no hollow core or cotton padding |
| Thickness | Thin edges so the join is hard to see |
| Cleaning | Can be washed in hot water and sterilised by boiling |
| Avoid | Permanent dyes such as oil-based ink and hair dye |
How is the skin tone matched?
Even a small mismatch in skin tone is noticeable on a prosthesis. We measure your skin tone digitally with an E-SKIN scanner (SPECTROMATCH, UK), mix custom pigments from that reading, and shape the prosthesis from a mould of your other hand or foot. Rather than choosing something similar off the shelf, we build it from scratch around one person.
Frequently asked questions
Will a silicone prosthesis stored for years still look the same?
In storage there is almost no friction to wear the surface, so it stays close to its original condition for a long time. You can see this for yourself on the samples at our clinic.
What causes a silicone prosthesis to discolour?
Substances that stain permanently, such as oil-based ink or hair dye, can soak into silicone. Avoiding contact with them is the most reliable way to prevent it.
How long will it last with daily use?
It depends on how and where you use it, so we cannot give a single figure. Putting it on and taking it off gently and reducing friction will help it last longer.
Can I wash it in hot water?
Yes. Silobionic silicone prostheses can be washed in hot water and sterilised by boiling, which keeps them hygienic.
What if it gets damaged?
We provide after-sales support while you use your prosthesis. If a repair is not possible, we guide you through a remake, and because your records are kept it does not start from zero.
