How often does a silicone hand prosthesis need to be remade?
There is no set number of years before a silicone hand prosthesis needs to be remade. It depends on how often and how hard you use it, and whether the shape of your affected area changes. Small problems during use are handled through after-sales support; if a repair is not possible, we guide you through a remake — and because we keep your production records, a remake does not start from scratch.
What decides when a prosthesis needs remaking?
A silicone prosthesis is put on and taken off every day, so some wear is natural. Even so, there is no single rule for how many years one should last, because several factors combine:
- How you use it — whether your work is hands-on, and how many hours a day you wear it
- Changes to your affected area — whether changes in weight or swelling have altered its shape and the fit
- Wear and damage — whether the edges have frayed or a tear has appeared
- Changes you would like — whether your skin tone has shifted, or you want the shape refined
Repair or remake?
| Situation | What to do next |
|---|---|
| A small tear or a faded patch | Contact us for after-sales support to see if it can be repaired |
| Damage that cannot be repaired | We guide you through a remake |
| Your affected area has changed, so it feels loose or hard to put on | We reassess the area, starting with new moulds if needed |
| The colour difference is more noticeable than before | We re-measure your skin tone and discuss a touch-up or remake |
The right answer is clearest when we can see the prosthesis in person. Rather than putting up with discomfort, it is better to get in touch early when something feels off.
A customer who has had several remakes
One of our customers, whose right hand has the thumb remaining, has come back to us several times over the years for a remake after their original hand prosthesis. Their employer helps with the cost, so they have a new prosthesis made at regular intervals.
Comparing the original prosthesis with the remade one shows that even for the same hand, each version is fitted to the shape and skin tone of the time. A remake is not a copy of the old one — it is a new fit for the hand you have now. Because we keep production records, we do not have to set the shape and colour from zero.
What about the cost?
A custom silicone prosthesis is made by hand for one person’s affected area, so it generally costs more than an off-the-shelf product. The exact cost depends on your affected area and the type of prosthesis, and we explain it during your consultation.
In Korea, schemes such as National Health Insurance and industrial accident compensation insurance can help with the cost for eligible residents. If you are coming from abroad, we will explain costs and options during your consultation. Some employers, as in this case, also offer support.
Making your prosthesis last
- Wash it after use, dry it thoroughly and store it carefully.
- If you notice fraying edges or a small tear, contact us before it gets bigger.
- If the fit feels different, your affected area may have changed — do not put up with it; ask us to check.
Silobionic is the exclusive Korean partner of Technovent (UK) and makes its prostheses from medical-grade silicone. 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
How many years does a silicone hand prosthesis last?
There is no set number. It depends on how you use it, changes to your affected area and how much wear it has had.
Does a remake mean going through the whole process again?
We keep your production records, so the shape and colour do not have to be set from zero. If your affected area has changed, we recheck what is needed.
If it tears, do I need a new one?
Not necessarily. We start by checking whether it can be repaired through after-sales support, and guide you through a remake if it cannot.
Is there financial support for a prosthesis?
In Korea, eligible residents may receive support through national insurance schemes. Customers from abroad receive guidance on costs during consultation.
