Is it too late for a finger prosthesis years after an accident? A customer story
Time alone does not make it too late. When an affected area has settled over many years, it can be cast accurately, which actually helps fabrication. This customer lost their middle and ring fingers in a workplace accident and wanted a natural appearance above all; their silicone finger prostheses were completed over three standard visits.
Who was our customer?
Our customer lost their middle and ring fingers in a machinery accident at work some years ago. The neighbouring fingers also had scarring and nail changes. For about ten years afterwards, they told us, they found themselves hiding that hand in front of other people without meaning to. Someone close to them researched prostheses first, looked through fitting examples, and came with them to the consultation.
What mattered most to them?
A natural look mattered more than function: a hand that would not look out of place next to the other one. So rather than a product that adds grip, we chose an aesthetic silicone finger prosthesis that matches skin tone, texture and nail shape.
How did ten years since the accident affect fabrication?
The long gap turned out to help. A prosthesis sits directly on the affected area, so the accuracy of the cast largely decides how comfortable it feels. An affected area that has kept the same shape for years gives an accurate cast, which made shaping the prosthesis easier.
By contrast, a prosthesis made while swelling remains, as it often does soon after an injury, can become loose once the swelling goes down, so we sometimes wait. We decide the timing after seeing your affected area.
How did the three visits go?
| Visit | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1 | Assessment of the affected area, casts of the affected hand and the other hand, and digital skin-tone measurement with E-SKIN (SPECTROMATCH, UK) |
| 2 | A check socket (temporary trial prosthesis) to review comfort, skin tone and size, and adjust from feedback |
| 3 | Delivery of the finished prostheses, a final fit check and care instructions |
In this case we paid particular attention to nail colour, comparing it nail by nail against the other hand to find the closest tone; the nails themselves were made with our patented nail-making method. We adjusted at each stage together with our customer, and on trying the finished prostheses they told us they felt like their own fingers.
Thinking about something similar? What to prepare
- Photos of both hands — the back and palm of your affected hand and your other hand, in good light, help us answer faster.
- The moments that bother you most — shaking hands, paying at a counter, being photographed: tell us the specific situations.
- What you want — whether appearance comes first or you also need grip changes which product suits you.
How are results recorded?
Before-and-after photos are taken under the same conditions, with a standard colour chart and no retouching. We aim for a result that is difficult to tell apart from a real hand, but results vary with each affected area. The standard process is three visits and about 4–6 weeks from consultation to delivery, or 1–2 weeks with express production. We provide after-sales support while you use your prosthesis, and if a repair is not possible we will guide you through a remake.
Frequently asked questions
My accident was years ago. Is it too late?
No. When the affected area has settled over time it can be cast accurately, which helps fabrication. We assess your skin and affected area as they are now.
Can you work with scarring or nail changes on nearby fingers?
In this case the neighbouring fingers also had scarring and nail changes. We look at your affected area during the consultation and explain what is possible.
If appearance matters more than function, which prosthesis suits me?
An aesthetic silicone finger prosthesis matched for skin tone, texture and nails. If you also need grip, ask us about functional options too.
Can a family member or friend come with me?
Yes. This customer came with someone close to them, and we make room for companions to listen and decide together.
How many visits are needed?
The standard process is three visits, about 4–6 weeks from consultation to delivery, or 1–2 weeks with express production.
