Percepções e experiências de indivíduos reabilitados com prótese facial: estudo qualitativo

Abstract

This study aims to deeply explore the perceptions and experiences of patients with orofacial sequelae before and after treatment with maxillofacial prostheses. For this purpose, patients who required rehabilitation with conventional extraoral maxillofacial prostheses in various forms were selected and invited to participate in the study: ocular prostheses, facial prostheses for unpaired and paired organs, as well as combined prostheses, considering different levels of complexity. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews based on the concept of stigma, aiming to better understand the physical, emotional, and psychosocial impact of the sequelae, as well as the importance of aesthetic and functional rehabilitation in the reintegration into family, emotional, and social life. All interviews were audio-recorded with consent and later fully transcribed. The qualitative research narratives were carefully coded and categorized to allow for discourse analysis and the development of an interpretive theoretical model. The study sample consisted of 10 individuals—5 women and 5 men—with a mean age of 59.8 years, ranging from 42 to 76 years. A total of 7 themes were identified: 4 prior to rehabilitation—procrastination of orofacial health condition, anxiety, depression and social isolation, and resilience and healing; and 3 after rehabilitation—humanized care and support, self-confidence after prosthetic rehabilitation, and euphoria and life transformation. The loss of facial structure reinforces the theory of stigma, in which individuals often feel marginalized, resulting in a negative impact on their quality of life. Conversely, rehabilitation acts as a catalyst for social reintegration. In conclusion, it was evident that participants initially struggled with self-acceptance, self-recognition, and fears regarding the rehabilitative process. Following rehabilitation, the most prominent reports involved feelings of being welcomed by the healthcare team and the restoration of self-confidence.