75-Year-Old Man Regains Confidence with 3D-Printed Face Prosthesis
A 75-year-old British man, Dave Richards, has regained confidence after a cycling accident left him with severe facial injuries. The retired man lost an eye and suffered third-degree burns, multiple fractures, and damage to half of his face. After initial surgery, Richards was referred to the pioneering Bristol 3D Medical Centre for advanced reconstructive care using 3D technology.
The Bristol 3D Medical Centre, the first of its kind in the UK, integrates 3D scanning, modeling, and printing under the NHS. Specialists there created a custom 3D prosthesis for Richards, matching his skin tone, eye, and hair color. This innovative approach allows for prosthetics that adapt to movement and mimic natural tissue, using modern, skin-safe materials.
Richards continues treatment at the centre, wearing 3D-printed neck braces to help soften his scars. The new prosthesis has made a significant difference, helping Richards regain confidence and look people in the eye again.
The Bristol 3D Medical Centre's use of 3D technology in reconstructive care has proven successful in Richards' case. This innovative approach offers hope for other patients seeking advanced cosmetic restoration under the NHS.
