You’ve probably heard that 3D printers can print a wide variety of objects, such as architectural models or spare parts. But did you know that 3D printing is becoming an increasingly popular and useful tool in plastic surgery? That’s right—recent years have seen rapid advancements in technology and innovations across many fields, and plastic surgery is no exception.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional objects based on a digital model. How does it work? The process involves gradually layering material on top of itself until the desired shape is formed.
3D Printing and Its Use in Plastic Surgery
Can’t imagine how 3D printing technology could be applied to plastic surgery? There are numerous possibilities.
Manufacturing Customized Implants and Prostheses
3D printing allows for the creation of implants and prostheses that perfectly match a patient’s anatomy. This means that surgeons can better meet the specific needs and aesthetic requirements of the client. For example, printing an ear. How? The patient’s healthy ear is scanned with a 3D printer, and an identical new ear is then printed.
Creating Models and Simulations of Results
Surgeons can create an exact model of a patient’s body part, helping them better understand the anatomy and visualize the expected results. Patients can also easily imagine how they will look after the procedure thanks to simulations.
Models are created, for example, when replacing the jaw. A CT scan is performed, and a 3D reconstruction is made, which is then used to print a model of the jaw. Another example is creating a model of a tumor along with surrounding blood vessels and nerves. This allows doctors to choose the right surgical approach to avoid damaging nerves and blood vessels.
Interesting Fact: This technology is used, for example, before breast augmentation and rhinoplasty.
Manufacturing Templates and Surgical Tools
Doctors also use 3D printing to create templates and tools needed for surgical procedures. For example, a template can be printed to accurately position implants, or tools can be made that are specifically adapted to certain procedures.
What Advantages Does 3D Printing Offer for Plastic Surgery?
- Higher Precision and Customization of Procedures: Creating precise models leads to greater accuracy in planning and performing surgeries.
- Minimized Risks: Precise models and simulations allow doctors to identify potential problems and risks before the procedure itself. This enables them to plan the surgery to minimize these risks and issues.
- Shorter Recovery Time: Well-made implants and prostheses integrate easily with existing tissues, improving the healing process and reducing complications.
- Less Invasive Procedures: Thanks to specialized tools and templates printed with 3D printers, surgeons can perform procedures less invasively. This minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, leading to faster healing and smaller scars.
- Lower Costs: 3D printing allows for the production of implants and prostheses at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional methods. For example, producing titanium implants via 3D printing is up to 70% cheaper than conventional procedures. This could make these procedures more affordable for a larger number of people in the future.
Bioprinting in Personalized Medicine
In personalized medicine, everything is tailored to the specific patient. What Does This Mean in Practice? Doctors use various technologies and analytical tools to understand the unique needs of patients and optimize treatment. Unlike traditional medicine, which often relies on established procedures, personalized medicine aims to approach patients based on their specific genetic information.
Bioprinting is a revolution in personalized medicine. It is a 3D printing technology that allows the creation of biological structures and tissues. Unlike traditional 3D printing, which uses materials like plastics, metals, and ceramics in medicine, bioprinting uses living cells. The potential of bioprinting is enormous, and it’s speculated that it could be commonly used in the future to produce various implants, including organs.
Bioprinting and Plastic Surgery
Bioprinting is a highly promising technology for plastic surgery. With the ability to precisely model and print tissues, procedures could be even more individualized and tailored to the client’s needs. This would lead to better aesthetic results and higher functionality.
We’ll have to wait a little longer for bioprinting to be routinely used in practice. Until then, you can try the most advanced equipment available today at our clinic.