Many view this as the most difficult patient to treat.  It is true, but here is some insight that may answer why.

I have found that patients that suffer from a traumatic accident are normally the most concerned with cosmetics.  When I say traumatic, I mean those that have resulted in limb loss due to car/motorcycle accidents, work related, and other accidents that may not have been their fault.  These type of amputees are normally very angry that the accident had occurred because it may not have been their fault.  Traumatic accidents comprise of about 20% of the amputee population in the United States.  

The first thing I like to do is let the patient vent and discuss their emotions.  Many times they fear the sudden change in their appearance and insist that whatever I do as the practitioner, they want it to look like their old leg/arm.  Many times function and comfort fall to last on their list behind cosmetics.  I personally like to provide them with the education about the entire process involved around the fabrication of the different types of prostheses as well as the pro's and con's of the various types of components.  I have found that the best therapy for any patient especially a cosmetic conscious amputee is to meet with other amputees that have suffered similar injuries.  This allows the patient to not feel alone and isolated that they are the only one that has suffered from this type of tragedy. 

Once the amputee is educated and familiar with the process as well as have the opportunity to meet others that have suffered the same loss and have led fulfilling lives, the discussion about cosmetics is a bit easier.  Now, I must say, cosmetics have come a long way which is why at our facility we have grasped cosmetic technology to the fullest.  It is proven that a patient that feels fulfilled with the cosmetics of their prosthesis have had better outcomes as a functional amputee.  This is why we have an artist on staff that shapes covers to match the sound side as well as custom paint and apply silicone restoration to match the sound limb as close as possible right down to the freckle and dirt under the nail.

With the right education and the evolving technology, the cosmetic conscious amputee does not have to be dreaded.