Why Choose the SkinTones Systems?
Prosthetic covers are loosely split into two types: The common variety, cheap plastic-looking imitations of a natural leg and the very custom one-of-a-kind life-like silicone skins. We find this surprising considering how important regaining anatomical wholeness is for amputees. That’s why the research and development team at A Step Ahead Prosthetics embarked on a quest to create a line of skin covers which would offer amputees more choices without sacrificing quality and aesthetics.
First we decided that regardless of the price range, all SkinTones products would be fabricated from high-grade silicone to better replicate human skin texture and color. We also realized that since each one of our skins is sculpted by hand we could offer features only found on more expensive systems, such as split toes and a wide range of natural colors. After creating a strict set of fabrication guidelines and carefully considering what our patients had been looking for we settled on two distinct product lines: ProSystem Hyper-Realistic and Premium Ready-to-Wear protective silicone skin covers. Later, continuing to follow our patients’ needs and requests, we added the Ready-to-Wear silicone foot shells.
THE SKINTONES WAY
We created two distinct anatomical protective cover systems; both use our proprietary translucent-layering technique, they cover a wider price range than any other system on the market today. Both include the following:
Pediatric, Newborn, and Partial Prosthesis.
HOW DO OUR SKINS COMPARE?
PREMIUM READY-TO-WEAR
Affordable. Still Looks Like a Million Bucks.
A Step Ahead Prosthetics is proud to present the Premium Ready-to-Wear line of made-to-order protective silicone covers. Forget what you know about “off-the-shelf” covers, with their unnatural look and cheap plastic feel. Our high-quality covers are made by hand using a revolutionary process which yields a level of strength and detail never found on pre-fab covers before.
Affordable solution, great for a secondary prosthesis
Designed to fit over most prosthesis on the market
Pliable; stretches over foam core for a natural shape
Hard nails, split toes, skin textures, and up to 2.5″ heels
Remote color kit available to try and choose at home
Only “off-the-shelf” made with multiple silicone tones
Can be ordered online and delivered to your door
PROSYSTEM HYPER-REALISTIC CUSTOM
Only Nature Could Do Better. Barely.
The ProSystem Hyper-Realistic protective skins are just that: hyper-realistic. Our proprietary hand-layering technique allows our technicians and anaplastologists to vary the thickness and direction of the materials according to our strict fabrication guidelines. Several days of extreme attention goes into fabricating each one of these natural-looking protective covers.
Perfect for those looking for the ultimate expression
In-person, private consultation throughout the process
Extensive anatomical analysis for precise sculpting
Acrylic nails; veins; hair; split toes, up to 4.5″ heels
Most accurate color matching system available
Translucent multi-layering for unparalleled detail
One-of-a-kind covers made to each individual
GOT QUESTIONS?
You can order directly on this site! Just click the button below.
Sure! You can download/print the Care Instruction Sheet by clicking here.
The life span of a protective cover can vary based on usage and how well one cares for and maintains the skin. We’ve seen skins lasting three years or more.
Your natural varies between seasons. Since your skin color changes and the silicone skin does not, we recommend you go with your natural skin tone at its darkest. Don’t forget, summer is also the time when you’ll most likely be be showing off your skin!
You can order our swatch kit to ensure the best match. Swatch kits are only relevant to those ordering our Ready-to-Wear line – since the custom “ProSystem” skins are created with the patient at our New York facility.
We keep our skins as lightweight as possible, however they also need to be strong; they typically add between 400 and 600 grams to a bk prosthesis (14 to 21 ounces).
They will not hinder the function of your prosthesis, but skins do add some weight. Above knee amputees may see a difference in the way their prosthetic knee performs, although this can be adjusted by a prosthetist to compensate.
Generally speaking yes, we can help. Our Insurance Team invests a lot of time and resources preparing our claims, to ensure that insurance companies understand that strong, impermeable silicone skins will protect these costly medical devices against the elements. If you have an specific insurance question don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
There are a number of methods used to attach partial prosthetics including suction, adhesives, bone implants, and magnets.
Regular nail polish remover (with acetone) will not damage your silicone protective skin, but it will erode acrylic fingernails if your skin has them. However, you can use an acetone-free nail polish remover without any problems.
Oil and grease can cause molecular breakdown of the skin, so they should be avoided. If you do get oil or grease on your protective silicone skin, clean it as quickly as possible with Dawn dish soap and water.
No, sunlight will not affect the pigmentation of the skin at all. Unlike many skins on the market, A Step Ahead’s prosthetic skins have pigments mixed and baked within the silicone itself. It is important to notice that products with oils and dyes, such as tanning lotions, may stain the silicone and should be washed away as soon as possible.
Absolutely, water will not damage the skin. However, you should bear in mind that the skin cannot protect internal components from water damage if water seeps into your prosthesis from the top (in the shower, heavy rain or when submerged in water beyond the brim for example).
The Premium Ready-to-Wear skins were specifically designed to fit over a variety of third party devices. Your prosthetist will most likely install it without any problems however he or she can contact us directly if questions arise. Our Custom skins must fitted over prosthetics made by us.
The Premium Ready-to-Wear protective skin covers and foot shells were designed to follow industry-standard sizes (their size will match the size of your current foot shell). If you choose to get a ProSystem Custom skin our technicians will measure, manufacture and install it (at one of our facilities), to ensure proper fitment and best aesthetics.
Since we fabricate our Ready-to-Wear skins and foot shells based on your color choice, side and size they cannot be returned nor exchanged. However those coming to our facilities, to have a ProSystem custom skin made, will have a chance to work directly with our anaplastologist to find and decide on their preferred color tone before manufacturing begins.
Generally speaking no. Because our skins are made from pure high-grade silicone, they’re impervious to virtually any staining substances. In rare instances, where permanent ink is left on the skin for a long time, a faint mark may remain even after cleaning with rubbing alcohol.
Just like your body, the skin will get dirty with use. Fortunately, it is quite easy to clean! We recommend avoiding very dark demin, especially when new, and encourage our patients to periodically clean the protective skin with soap and water.
Our ProSystem Custom protective skins are fabricated to each individual and as such require one to be present in our New York facility. The second best alternative would be to purchase a Ready-to-Wear directly from our online shop! Remember, unlike most other skins on the market, our Ready-to-Wear skins come standard with split toes, color and texture nuance and are quite detailed.
Skins can be wiped down with Dawn dish soap (or the like) and water as needed. For tougher stains, alcohol and a kitchen scrubbing pad can be used. We recommended periodically cleaning your protective skin to avoid letting dirt and stains sit on the surface for too long.
While we do not offer financing, our Ready-to-Wear protective skins were developed as an alternative to the more costly custom skins. For those who decide to get a custom skin directly from A Step Ahead Prosthetics, our insurance staff can work closely with you, your employer, and your family to help reduce your financial exposure.
Yes, you can definitely go get yourself a mani-pedi with your SkinTones skin! Just make sure that you use an acetone-free nail polish remover, as acetone will erode the acrylic nails on the skin.
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