Brody Whalen - Department of Plastic Surgery
Physical abnormalities due to tumors, disease, organ deformities, and many other forms of damage are a major cause of patient dissatisfaction. Because of this, plastic surgeons have sought to minimize these abnormalities using intricate techniques like implants and grafts. However, these traditional methods have proven to lack precision, while also causing infection and bleeding. A recent shift toward completing successful procedures, along with aesthetically pleasing results has led plastic surgeons down a new avenue: 3D printing. The technology available allows plastic surgeons to develop personalized grafts that fit each patient’s needs.
In this article, a group of researchers discusses the outdated methods that have been used in this field for decades. Further, they reveal the newfound benefits of using 3D technology to produce desirable products for reconstructive surgery. This article highlights the differences between using outdated skin grafts and 3D-printed skin scaffolds on trauma patients. Another example they emphasize is the use of 3D printing to reconstruct ears. By using this new technology, plastic surgeons can perfectly replicate an ear based on the other, healthy ear. Overall, the use of 3D printing will become increasingly helpful in many fields, especially those involving the aesthetic reconstruction of visible organs.
References:
Yang P, Ju Y, Hu Y, Xie X, Fang B, Lei L. Emerging 3D bioprinting applications in plastic surgery. Biomaterials Research. 2023;27(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40824-022-00338-7
Holub B. 3D Printing in Medicine: Facial Reconstruction Surgery. Zortrax. https://zortrax.com/blog/3d-printing-medicine-facial-reconstruction-surgery/. Published June 19, 2018.
Edited By: Firas Batrash, Editor-in-Chief
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