Many people have been amazed at the new applications engineers have been finding for 3D printing such as sleek and precision engineered parts for fantastic sports cars, and now 3D printing has been utilized in plastic surgery to help reconstruct the human body and save lives.
Recently in China an innovative and highly skilled plastic surgeon applied the science of 3D printing to create a perfect human skull for Han Han, a tiny 3-year old girl afflicted with congenital hydrocephalus whose brain was swollen to four times its normal size.
In a life-saving operation, Dr. Bo of the Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province replaced Han Han’s traumatized brain with a titanium model crafted using 3D printing technology. Since 3D technology can create an exact replica of an object to complete specifications, Dr. Bo was able to design a space-age metallic skull to replace Han Han’s damaged one. The comparisons before and after plastic surgery are dramatic as the infection in Han Han’s swollen skull was removed and the tiny titanium skull was put in place to safely cradle her brain.
According to Dr. Shahram Salemy, named “One of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons” in 2014 by The Consumers’ Research Council of America, the implications for 3D printing plastic surgery are far reaching, especially for individuals who need to replace damaged jaw, bone and skull areas. “Today’s plastic surgery is at the leading edge of medical discovery. 3D printing is yet another tool for today’s plastic surgeon in our ongoing efforts to better serve our patients,” states Dr. Salemy. He believes that combining state-of-the-art procedures like 3D printing and plastic surgery allows patients to fully benefit from the best in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
A clinical instructor at the University of Washington’s plastic surgery division, Dr. Salemy remains at the forefront of new developments in the field of cosmetic surgery. A distinguished and award-winning Seattle plastic surgeon, he utilizes the latest and the safest aesthetic techniques to meet patients’ cosmetic goals.
For a personalized consultation with Dr. Salemy call (206) 467-1101 or email his Seattle office.
