ABSTRACT
The most effective method of creating most three-dimensional additions to the head, face, and neck is to use molded prosthetic appliances. The first step in creating a three-dimensional appliance is to reproduce the actor’s face, or some part of it, in plaster, urethane plastics, or epoxy resins. The primary type of facial casting material used is an alginate impression material, a seaweed derived powder, which when mixed with water becomes a flexible material easily removed from the skin. The setting time of different types of alginates may vary depending on the temperature of the room and water. Sagging eyelids are very helpful in aging youthful eyes. Unless the eyelids are part of an overall prosthetic makeup design, successful aging of the eyelids can best be accomplished using the “stretch and stipple” method of creating wrinkles. Receding chins can be built up or straight ones made to protrude; round chins can be made more square or square chins rounded.
