Objective:

evaluate the quality of life and self-esteem of patients with facial deformities in the nasal, oculo-palpebral, and auricular areas using bucco-maxillofacial prostheses.

Methods:

descriptive study in users of facial prostheses who were rehabilitated at the dental clinic of the University Hospital of Brasilia in the period 2004-2011. The average age of patients was 63.8 years. The data collection instruments were the SF-36 questionnaire and a survey containing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem/EPM scale.

Results:

skin cancer was the predominant etiologic factor (n = 4). Most patients think that their deformity is visible to some degree (n = 4) and for three of them this fact impacts negatively the frequency to visit public places. The self-esteem scale yielded an average score of 4.6. In evaluating the quality of life by means of the SF-36 questionnaire, there were scores like pain (46.67) and emotional aspects (33.33).

Conclusion:

the results demonstrate the importance of conducting systematic followups to these patients. Most surveyed patients experienced an increase in quality of life, as well as a higher self-esteem, which can be explained by the functionality and aesthetics offered by the prosthesis. This study is part of an assessment program conducted with the intention of structuring multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs.

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