How Art and Grief Shaped a Prosthetics Specialist's Life-Changing Work

Taisiia Yarova works as an exoprosthetics specialist at the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv. She joined the facility a few months ago and creates custom silicone facial prostheses for patients with trauma or illness. Her work helps restore natural appearances for those in need. Yarova’s path to this profession began after her nephew died in the Donetsk region. This event shaped her determination to help others affected by conflict and injury. She holds a degree in fine arts and previously worked as a dental technician before specialising in prosthetics.

She taught herself to work with medical silicones by training with sculptors and makeup artists. Her prostheses closely mimic natural skin by replicating fine details and textures. The UNBROKEN Center supports patients through the 'Face to Face' humanitarian programme, which offers complex facial reconstruction surgeries for wounded soldiers.

Currently, the centre has a waiting list for prosthetic treatment. Valerii Nikolaiev, a soldier from the 80th Air Assault Brigade, is among those receiving care there. Yarova’s skills in silicone prosthetics provide vital support to patients recovering from facial injuries. Her background in art and dental technology contributes to the precision of her work. The centre continues to assist wounded defenders through specialised rehabilitation programmes.