75-year-old Dave Richards, a resident of Devon, Britain, experienced the most difficult day of his life in 2021. While riding his bicycle, he was hit by a drunk driver, and this accident radically changed his fate. Half of the man's face was damaged by a third-degree burn, his eyes were injured, his bones were broken, and his face was deformed.
Doctors operated on him for hours to save his life. It was impossible to save the eyes - there was a risk of infection spreading to the optic nerve. Therefore, it had to be removed. Then the surgeons transplanted tissue containing blood vessels from another part of his body, thereby managing to cover half of his face.
"I have undergone several surgeries. "It was a very painful and mentally challenging process, but I wanted to restore my image and confidence," Dave recalled.
During her recovery, she met with specialists from a modern 3D medical center - Reconstructive Prosthetics. They offered him a unique opportunity: to recreate the missing part of his face using a 3D printer. The prosthesis was perfectly matched to her skin, hair color, and even eye shadow.
"This process was not pleasant, many molds, photographs, and measurements were taken. But 3D technologies have created amazing opportunities. Now my face looks almost natural, and I feel myself again," said Dave Richards.
Amy Davy, a leading specialist in NBT reconstructive surgery, notes that 3D scanning allows the prosthesis to be adapted to the patient's facial movements. At the same time, the materials used in printing are safe for human skin and close to the structure of tissues.
After the prosthesis was installed, Dave continued his rehabilitation course. A special orbital prosthesis and a 3D-printed corset for the neck were also made for him. Currently, he continues treatment to reduce the tension of the scars.
"At first, I didn't believe in this technology," he says, "but now I am infinitely grateful to the doctors and engineers. They radically changed my life. I feel human again."
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