Can I still get a finger prosthesis years after amputation?
Yes. If your affected area is stable today, a finger prosthesis can be made however long ago the amputation was — and an area that has fully settled can even be easier to cast. At Silobionic we start with the residual finger, the level of amputation and what you want the prosthesis for, rather than at the date of your injury.
Can an older amputation actually be easier to fit?
Soon after an amputation, swelling is still going down and the shape of the affected area can keep changing for a while. A mould taken during that period may later feel loose or tight. An area that has had years to settle tends to keep its shape, so the fit we cast is more likely to stay right.
So there is no need to worry that it has simply been too long. Every case is different, though, and we confirm what is possible once we have seen your affected area.
Three things we check before anything else
1. The residual finger
The remaining length, the condition of the skin and how far any scarring extends all shape how the prosthesis is held on and how the socket (the inner part that wraps around your finger) is designed. Many people with scarring can still be fitted, but we assess it in person.
2. The level of amputation
Whether you have lost part of a segment, one whole segment or the entire finger changes which type of prosthesis suits you.
3. What you want it for
Is it most important that your hand looks natural in front of others, or do you need help using your fingers at work? People who use their fingers a great deal — in office work, for example — sometimes have a cosmetic prosthesis and a work prosthesis made as a pair.
| Type | Focus | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic silicone finger | Appearance | Moulded from your other hand, with nails, creases and veins |
| Work finger | Everyday tasks | Fewer fine details, made firmer for daily use |
| 3D titanium functional finger | Grip | For complete finger loss. Made by Point Designs (USA); Silobionic is the exclusive distributor in Korea |
How is it made?
- Casting and skin-tone measurement — we take moulds of your affected area and of the matching finger on your other hand. Your skin tone is measured digitally with E-SKIN (SPECTROMATCH, UK) and custom pigments are mixed from that reading.
- Check socket — before the final prosthesis is made, you try a temporary socket so we can confirm length, comfort and pressure, and adjust it to your feedback.
- Delivery — the nail is made with our patented nail-making method, and once the fine details are finished you try on your prosthesis and we explain how to care for it.
The standard process is three visits, taking about 4–6 weeks from consultation to delivery (1–2 weeks with express production). Fabrication of a finger itself takes 7–10 days. Timelines depend on your affected area.
What to tell us before your consultation
- Which finger, and down to which joint, you have lost
- The remaining length and where any scars are — photos help most
- When the injury happened
- Whether you are looking mainly for appearance or for help with tasks
Our clinical and fabrication team brings 15+ years of know-how and more than 6,000 prostheses made. Send us your photos and your story, and we will tell you honestly what is possible. Results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
I lost my finger more than 20 years ago. Is that a problem?
No. However long ago it happened, a prosthesis can be made if your affected area is stable now. Its current condition matters more than the date of the injury.
Can you make one if I have scarring?
Often, yes. The extent of scarring and the condition of the skin affect how the prosthesis is held on, so we check this in person.
What is the difference between a cosmetic and a work finger?
A cosmetic finger focuses on a natural look, with nails, creases and veins. A work finger has fewer fine details but is made firmer for daily tasks. Both are moulded from your other hand.
What should I tell you when I get in touch?
Tell us where the amputation is, how much length remains, when it happened and whether you want appearance or help with tasks. Photos of your affected area let us give more specific guidance.
