Medical Art Prosthetics

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United States
Madison, WI
Medical Art Prosthetics

Clinical anaplastologists providing lifelike prosthetic restoration of the eye, nose, ear, hand, foot and body.

Disclaimer: This information and advice published or made available through this web site is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

03/02/2026

Why Preserving the Tragus Matters in Ear Removal Surgery

When planning an auriculectomy (ear removal surgery), there’s one small structure that can make a surprisingly big difference in the long-term success of an ear prosthesis: the tragus

It may look minor, but from a prosthetic design standpoint, preserving the tragus can dramatically improve both durability and appearance over time.

Early in my training at the University of Illinois Medical Center, I learned something that has proven true again and again in practice: the tragus creates a natural visual break in the front edge of an ear prosthesis. When it’s preserved, it shortens and protects the most vulnerable margin of the prosthesis.

Without it, that front edge must extend in one long, thin feathered margin across the cheek. Even when sculpted beautifully at delivery, daily exposure to skin oils, perspiration, facial movement, and adhesive removal can gradually weaken that area. Over time, thinning or subtle opacity changes can make the edge more noticeable.

When the tragus is intact, it helps:
• Reduce mechanical stress on the prosthesis
• Improve long-term blending
• Minimize visible margin transitions
• Increase overall durability

Even with implant-retained prostheses—where adhesives are not a factor—small edge transitions can sometimes become visible due to light refraction. A natural tragal contour helps disguise this as well.

In children born with Microtia, the tragus is often absent or positioned incorrectly. In some cases, surgeons will reconstruct it specifically to improve future prosthetic outcomes. That is surgical and prosthetic planning working together at its best.

Preserving the tragus isn’t just an aesthetic preference. It directly impacts margin control, longevity, optical blending, and ultimately patient confidence.

Small anatomical decisions made in the operating room can significantly influence the long-term success of facial prosthetic rehabilitation.

Collaboration between surgeon and anaplastologist at the planning stage remains one of the most important steps in achieving the best possible outcome for our patients.

If you’re a surgeon, prosthodontist, or medical professional involved in head and neck reconstruction, thoughtful pre-surgical planning truly matters.

01/22/2026

The Slip-On Ear Prosthesis
Ear Prosthesis Wear for a Lifetime

Only people who wear an ear prosthesis know how important a truly accurate prosthesis is in their daily life. An ear prosthesis that fits perfectly, stays on securely all day, and looks natural in its coloration and blending with the skin is not only achievable, but also what we strive to deliver to patients nationwide daily. This is why Gabe has continued to return to us for over 22 years. We knew that Gabe liked wearing his original slip-on ear prosthesis.

Wearing an Ear Prosthesis is Personal

As we became reacquainted Gabe shared, at one point he got a prosthesis from a practitioner based in a Florida medical or dental clinic, but he was very dissatisfied with the aesthetics of the prosthesis that was delivered to him. In his sharing it was apparent that Gabe was sensitive to the artistic and very personal nature of the relationships in the small esoteric specialty of creating lifelike prosthetic ears. So, we were glad that our location in Tampa made it a little more convenient for Gabe to reconnect for a new prosthesis.

Durable Mold Produced Ears for 22 Years!

We got right up to speed quickly using Gabe’s original 22-year-old master mold which was safely archived. From that mold a wax prototype was processed faithfully capturing all the subtle details Gabe had sought after. It was then carefully aligned and adapted to the updated model of Gabe’s ear, since his own ear had grown in size and shape over the course of 22 years. See the photos of his ear from 2003 and 2025.

With all the updated information captured including the new size, shape, and fit of the prototype and the recording of all the colors seen in his skin the next step was back to the laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin.

Come back to see Gabe's New Ear Prosthesis

Anaplastologist Julia Schomberg will complete the molding and processing of Gabe’s new ear in our softer silicone material that he prefers. In Gabe's case the detailed laboratory work will take place in the main facility in Madison, Wisconsin. Stay tuned for the final details as Julia prepares and delivers Gabe’s ear prosthesis in Tampa, Florida.

12/08/2025

Our Loyal Client seen in Wisconsin and Florida

Beginning in 2017 our client wore nasal prostheses created by anaplastologists Greg Gion and Jim Hogue in the Madison, Wisconsin facility. In 2021 after 4 years of daily use Gion and his son Alexander, who was exploring anaplastology as a career, met with our client to deliver a new nasal prosthesis and clean and retint one of her prostheses. This session took place in professional offices located in Gainesville, Florida to accommodate our client’s location and that of 2 other patients needing nasal and larger midfacial prostheses. The durability of the prosthesis is evident in the photos which illustrate how well the very thin margins have remained untattered even with 4 years of daily adhesive cleanings. Much credit is given to our loyal client for her vigilant care in maintaining her prosthesis over 4 years!

That was 2021 and now in 2025 another 4 years have passed and so we see her again this time in Tampa, Florida. Tampa is our location previously served by anaplastologist Shay Kilby, MS who now lives and practices in Asheville, NC. This time in Tampa our client was seen by Gion and anaplastology representative Danielle Burgess, CMI, MFA. After our final tinting and fitting sessions, which were both accomplished in just one day, we delivered a new nasal prosthesis which we hope will continue to provide great service for at least another 4 years.

Since this meeting we have already had another Medical Art Prosthetics anaplastologist, Julia Schomberg, MSOP visit the Tampa location to get acquainted with new patients and work closely with Danielle. Please check back soon to learn more about the wonderful anaplastology of Julia Schomberg.

07/25/2025

From courage to craftsmanship — this little superhero now has an ear to match his spirit.
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Swipe to see the transformation: a custom prosthetic ear sculpted, color-matched, and fit with care by our team at Medical Art Prosthetics.⁠
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The journey from surgery to restoration isn’t just about appearance — it’s about confidence, connection, and being seen. ⁠
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We’re honored to walk alongside families like this one. 💜
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07/14/2025

This year Medical Art Prosthetics is celebrating 40 years of specialization in clinical anaplastology. Anaplastology is still a very small but extremely valuable medical field that has been challenged to grow and become more visible to the public and even to many medical and surgical specialists. However, there has been change in the field. Just to put it in perspective, in 1985 when our first office was established there was no internet or email so we had to call on doctors via direct mail and by phone - the old-fashioned kind with the cord☺️. The predominant mode of facial prosthetics delivery at that time was in major medical centers, dental schools, or through the auspices of prosthodontist's offices. Thus, our independent private practice in 1985 fell under the scrutiny of entrenched adherents of long established conventions. In 1985 Texas physicians still faced their own restrictions in advertising their own medical practices, presumably on the basis of ethics and protecting the consumer. The launch of the 1985 practice would happen a year before the first anaplastology meeting convened. The first American Anaplastology Association Conference occurred in San Francisco, California in 1986. Since our humble unassuming beginning we have witnessed a sea change in delivery of craniofacial prosthetics in the United States.

Our new website has been a long time in the making, and we hope you will visit it for helpful information. Having been involved 40 years we find we have a dual purpose to define a practice model and to educate through the website. Thus, we make an effort within the site to introduce not only the types of prosthetics we offer but all the variations on attachment options and the nuances in fabrication we want patients and physicians to be aware of. Please visit us soon at www.medicalartprosthetics.com

Thanks!

07/04/2025

✨ From mold to moment ✨
This remarkable gentleman came to us seeking restoration. What you see here is more than just a prosthesis—it’s the result of careful artistry, color-matching, anatomical precision, and a deep belief that restoration is possible.

At Medical Art Prosthetics, we don’t just craft features—we restore dignity, confidence, and identity. His strength and resilience are what truly shine through.

🦋 Because every face deserves to feel whole again.

06/27/2025

“We couldn’t have imagined a better experience. Todd is a world-class medical artist.”
Three months after losing his ear, Captain Harry—U.S. Navy veteran of three wars—walked out of our clinic with a beautifully restored ear and a story that moved us all.

Thank you, Shari, for your kind words. It was an honor to serve someone who has given so much. At Medical Art Prosthetics, every patient’s story matters, and every detail counts.

06/17/2025

✨ Born with microtia. Restored with intention.
Even in adulthood, it’s never too late to find a solution. This patient’s ear prosthesis was crafted by working with his anatomy—not against it—honoring every contour that was already there.

Microtia is a congenital condition, but the path to confidence and symmetry can begin at any stage of life.

At Medical Art Prosthetics, we blend art and science to restore more than form—we restore identity.

👂🏽 Custom silicone ear prosthesis
🖐🏽 Hand-sculpted, color-matched
💜 Personalized care, lasting impact

06/09/2025

It’s never too late to feel comfortable in your own skin—or silicone.

This adult microtia case showcases the power of precision sculpting and custom color matching. Every curve, hue, and detail was designed to restore not just symmetry, but confidence. A reminder that restoration is always possible—and dignity is in the details.

04/10/2025

Meet Lisa, a resilient woman who, after losing her left eye to cancer in 2008, regained her confidence with a lifelike magnetic orbital prosthesis from Medical Art Prosthetics. Utilizing osseointegration, tiny implants anchor the prosthesis securely, offering both functionality and a natural appearance. Lisa’s story highlights the transformative impact of advanced prosthetic technology and dedicated care.

03/05/2025

Restoring more than appearance—restoring confidence, comfort, and connection. This implant-retained prosthetic ear blends seamlessly, offering a lifelike solution for those with craniofacial differences. Every detail is crafted with precision and care because everyone deserves to feel whole.

Address

7818 Big Sky Drive, Ste 111
Madison, WI
53719

Website

http://www.medicalartprosthetics.com/

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Why Hide Our Light Under a Bushel?

Do YOU hide your light under a bushel? A loyal patient driving up from Chicago for prosthetic work chided me this week for the second time in the last few years for “Hiding My Light Under a Bushel”. This fellow, a very articulate and thoughtful engineer shared some frustration with me for lamenting that I do not have the time or inclination to market our prosthetics services and our aesthetic results widely as they should be. In other words, we should let our light (talents) shine. The truth is I am very proud of our long commitment and prosthetic results, but much less comfortable with selecting samples and delivering a concise message for groups of doctors and the public through the most effective methods. Marketing is just very complicated today and decisions become very difficult. For us artist types its simply much more natural to focus on our prosthetic work each day, so we tend to “Hide Our Light Under a Bushel”.

Over the years however, we owe great thanks to the talented people who have helped develop our web presence. Sharing the results of our work needs to be graphic and informative but in a professional sensitive way too. The greatest outcome would be if everyone ended up feeling confident wearing their prosthesis but proud to reveal it for its precision, or completely comfortable wearing no prosthesis at all.

We just keep doing what we do best, and we always learn something from all the great people we have the privilege of making a prosthesis for. Thanks to Henry for sharing the parable...again!