Information about the impacts of amputation on your appearance, plus guidance about what support is available from Changing Faces and other organisations.
On this page, we talk about what amputation is, some of the different reasons for amputation and the support you will receive afterwards, as well as the psychological (mental and emotional) challenges you may experience because of the change to your appearance.
We explain how our services can help manage the challenges of acquiring a visible difference (a scar, mark or condition anywhere on your face or body that affects your appearance) as well as how other organisations may be able to support you.
Amputation is the surgical removal of a body part such as a hand, foot or limb (an arm or leg). Reasons for needing an amputation can vary. You may need an emergency amputation if you experience a serious injury after an accident or in military combat for example. Or your amputation may be planned due to a disease such as cancer or diabetes.
Either way, losing a body part may cause you significant practical and psychological challenges as you adjust to the changes to your body and find new ways of doing things. In some cases, you may need to rely on others for help with things you previously did independently. How much your appearance is affected will depend on what has been amputated. You may struggle with the change to your own self-image and how you feel others see you.
Amputation is sometimes needed when body parts are severely damaged. This could be due to:
For more information, have a look at the NHS page on amputations or the Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Please bear in mind that the statistics on the Johns Hopkins resource are applicable to the United States and not necessarily representative of the UK.
If you have experienced an amputation because of combat, we can help. We have a dedicated area especially for veterans with information about the services and support we can offer you.
See our veterans informationIn surgery, the surgeon will either cut directly through the bone or they may separate bones where they meet at the joint. There are three main types of amputation:
Before your surgery takes place, your medical team will carry out assessments to decide on the most suitable type of amputation for you.
Depending on whether the surgery is planned or an emergency, this may involve:
If your surgery is planned, you may also have the chance to meet someone who has had a similar type of amputation.
After surgery, you will be supported through rehabilitation and the transition to life at home.
Rehabilitation is the process of recovering and adjusting from your amputation surgery. It may include:
Soon after your operation, you will learn how to take care of your stump, which is the part of your limb that remains after amputation. This typically involves:
You will also learn how to look after your remaining limb, which will have to compensate for the loss of your amputated limb.
Some people have a prosthetic limb after their amputation. A prosthetic performs some of the functions of your original limb – for example, you may walk on a prosthetic leg. A prosthetic limb (or prosthesis) is not a suitable option for everyone. They can take a lot of energy to use due to the loss of muscle following an amputation. In some cases, you may be offered a “cosmetic limb”, which looks real, but does not perform a physical function.
If you have a prosthetic limb, you will spend some time desensitising the skin (making it less sensitive) so the prosthesis is more comfortable for you. This might involve wearing compression bandages to reduce swelling and gently rubbing, tapping or pulling the skin around your stump.
How long you stay in hospital will depend on the type of amputation you have had and how quickly you recover. An occupational therapist will visit your home and assess what adaptations you will need. For example, if you will need to use a wheelchair user, you may need a ramp installed so you get in and out of your home. Doorways may need to be widened and you may need a stairlift.
How much your amputation affects the way you look can vary, but it can take time to adjust. You might experience a range of emotions from relief to anxiety, anger and denial. Psychologists think the three main causes of psychological issues (those that affect your mental health and wellbeing) after your amputation are coping with:
Acquiring a visible difference can affect your confidence and self-esteem. You may become aware of other people looking at you and some may even make comments or ask questions about your appearance. This can be challenging, particularly if you are struggling with the other practical and emotional challenges of your amputation.
Here at Changing Faces, we can help. Through our counselling and wellbeing support service, we provide confidential, one-to-one social, emotional and psychological support which is available to adults, young people and children living with a visible difference. Our wellbeing practitioners are specially trained to work with you over a series of sessions, giving you a space to talk about what’s on your mind.
If it’s your child who has had an amputation, we offer online workshops for children, young people and their parents. These workshops provide an opportunity for your family to talk to others affected by visible differences and learn tools and techniques for managing the challenges you and your child may experience.
Our self-help guides cover a wide range of topics and are available freely on our website. They cover all aspects of life – from school and work to mental health, confidence and relationships. As well as resources for adults with visible differences, we have guides specifically designed for parents as well as a series for children and young people.
We also have a dedicated page for veterans who have acquired a visible difference, including amputations, as a result of combat.
There are several other ways we can support people with amputations here at Changing Faces:
Please contact our Support and Information Line if you’re interested in accessing our services. As well as connecting you to our services, our team can offer support calls for you to talk about the impacts of a visible difference on your life.
Guidance, support and advice is also available from other organisations. Please follow the links to their websites to learn more.
The Limbless Association provides information, advice, and support for people of all ages who have lost one or more limbs, as well as offering support to family and carers. They also help amputees connect online and in person and provide legal advice.
Have a look at our page for veterans, where we list a number of other organisations which provide support specifically for veterans and/or military families. We also outline the services and support we offer for veterans with visible differences.
Please have a look at the NHS conditions page for official guidance on amputation, information on when to see a GP, and advice about support available on the NHS. You will also find out what support is available on the NHS and how to seek help.