Maxillofacial Prosthetic and Reconstructive Materials (Second Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

Facial disfigurement is the most visible and disabling condition present in the orofacial complex. It diminishes self-image and self-esteem and produces psychological anguish that leads to depression, isolation, and a poor quality of life. Facial disfigurement arises from trauma, burns, and the surgical removal of tumors. Its treatment modalities include reconstructive surgery, the implantation of alloplastic or resorbable materials, and the construction of maxillofacial prostheses. Reconstructive surgical techniques have limitations due to their reliance on autogenous and allogeneic materials. They are in short supply, may not conform to the intricate geometry required to replicate missing tissue, and, if used as grafts, contribute to donor site morbidity. Consequently, the need for alternative treatment approaches has led to research on developing new biomaterials derived from both synthetic and biological origins.

Facial prosthetic materials are essential in restoring missing structures when surgical and reconstructive strategies are unsuccessful or not possible. Traditional facial prosthetic materials are constructed primarily from copolymers and elastomers that are flexible and stretchable and provide adequate translucency to allow reasonable color matching with the surrounding facial skin. Still, many further improvements are needed, including better resistance to tearing, fungal growth inhibition, improved comfort and “skin-like” feel, longer color stability, and physical durability, to name but a few.

Facial reconstructive biomaterials are intended to replace the form and function of missing tissues. Ideally, these materials exhibit biomimetic qualities, either as stand-alone materials or in combination with cell-based strategies. Although successes have been reported, challenges remain in reliably producing facial tissue replacements that are structurally, functionally, and aesthetically competent, offer uncomplicated surgical placement, and can be fully integrated into the surrounding biological structures.

Recent advances in science and technology offer new avenues in materials development through the incorporation of nanoscience, advanced imaging, additive manufacturing, and novel chemistries, among other fields. This presents a new realm of exciting strategies for producing advanced prosthetic and reconstructive materials that are essential in delivering state-of-the-art care.

Compared to other biomaterials, facial materials receive little research attention and are granted only a small amount of research funding. Consequently, this field is largely under-researched, and the advancements to date have been attributed to a finite number of dedicated scientists and clinicians. This Special Issue of Materials provides the opportunity to document current developments in the field and inspire innovative approaches to future research that will embrace a wide range of areas of scientific expertise.

I am honored to serve as editor of this Special Issue, and I invite you to submit a research article, communication, or review paper that addresses this important topic.

Prof. Dr. Mark W. Beatty
Guest Editor

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• Maxillofacial Prosthetic and Reconstructive Materials in Materials (9 articles)