When beginning the journey to receive a custom prosthetic, one of the most common questions patients ask is, “How long will it take?” Understandably, people are eager to regain independence, improve their mobility, and return to everyday activities. While each case is unique, there is a general timeline most patients can expect after their initial consultation.
In this blog, we’ll walk through each step of the custom prosthetic process and offer insight into how long each phase typically takes. We’ll also explore the factors that may affect your timeline and how our clinic works to ensure your prosthetic is delivered promptly without compromising on fit or function.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation (1 Day)
The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this appointment, we evaluate your medical history, lifestyle needs, and physical condition. We also take measurements and examine the residual limb to determine the best type of prosthetic for you—whether it’s for a finger, hand, partial hand, or full upper limb.
This session usually takes one to two hours. It’s a vital part of the process, as it allows us to understand your expectations and make informed decisions about design, materials, and functionality.
Step 2: Assessment and Impression (Same Day or Within a Few Days)
After the consultation, we proceed with a detailed assessment of your limb, followed by either a physical mold or 3D digital scan. These impressions capture the precise shape, size, and contours of your limb to ensure a comfortable, accurate fit. If done on the same day as the consultation, this doesn’t add extra time. If not, we typically schedule it within a few days.
This data is then used to design your custom prosthetic, taking into account the appropriate weight, skin tone (for silicone models), articulation, and overall durability.
Step 3: Fabrication (2 to 4 Weeks)
Once the design is finalized, the fabrication phase begins. This is the most time-consuming part of the process and typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on:
- The complexity of the prosthesis (cosmetic vs. functional vs. robotic)
- The materials used (e.g., medical-grade silicone, carbon fiber, titanium)
- Custom coloration or anatomical details (like nails or skin texture)
- The need for mechanical or electronic components
Our skilled technicians handcraft each prosthetic with precision and care. For silicone-based partial hand prosthetics or artificial fingers, we also customize skin tones and surface finishes to match your existing hand as closely as possible.
We prioritize both function and aesthetics, ensuring that the device not only works well but also helps restore your confidence.
Step 4: Fitting and Alignment (1 to 2 Appointments Over 1 Week)
Once fabrication is complete, we schedule a fitting appointment. During this visit, we test the prosthetic for comfort, range of motion, and alignment. You may be asked to perform basic tasks to see how the prosthesis interacts with your movements.
If any discomfort or fit issues arise, we make adjustments either on the spot or within a few days. In most cases, two appointments are sufficient to finalize the fit.
Step 5: Final Delivery and Training (Same Week as Final Fitting)
After all adjustments are complete, we officially deliver your custom prosthetic. At this stage, you may receive training on proper use, hygiene, donning/doffing, and maintenance. We also provide detailed care instructions and offer ongoing support for questions that arise in the future.
The training process usually takes a few hours, depending on the complexity of your device and your previous experience with prosthetics.
Overall Timeline: 3 to 5 Weeks (on Average)
From the time of your initial consultation to the moment you receive your completed, properly fitted custom prosthetic, the average timeline is about 3 to 5 weeks. Some simpler cosmetic prosthetics can be delivered in as little as 2 to 3 weeks, while more complex functional or robotic models may take up to 6 weeks or more.
Factors That Can Affect the Timeline
Several factors may influence how quickly your prosthetic is delivered:
- Healing time: If your residual limb hasn’t fully healed or stabilized, we may need to wait before taking impressions.
- Material availability: Specialty materials or parts may extend fabrication times.
- Customization level: Highly detailed prosthetics with specific skin tones or robotic features may take longer.
- Revisions: If significant adjustments are needed after initial fitting, additional time may be required.
- Scheduling: The availability of both your schedule and our clinic’s capacity may influence timing.
We aim to balance speed with precision. Rushing the process can lead to poor fit or discomfort, which can be frustrating and costly in the long term. Our team is committed to providing prosthetics that meet the highest standards for both form and function.
Post-Delivery Follow-Up
Once your prosthetic is in use, we schedule follow-ups as needed to monitor wear, make minor adjustments, or address any concerns. Our support doesn’t stop at delivery—we’re here to ensure long-term satisfaction and comfort.
Final Thoughts
The process of receiving a custom prosthetic is a detailed journey that requires both technical expertise and personal attention. On average, most patients can expect to receive their prosthetic within 3 to 5 weeks after the initial consultation.
At our clinic, we’re committed to guiding you through every phase with care, communication, and craftsmanship. If you’re considering a prosthetic device or have questions about the process, we invite you to contact us and schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you move forward—confidently and comfortably.