Dave Richards, a 75-year-old resident of Devon, UK, went through one of the toughest trials of his life in 2021. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
He was hit by a drunk driver while riding his bicycle. As a result of this accident, half of Dave's face was damaged by third-degree burns, his eye was seriously injured, his bones were broken, and his face became deformed.
Doctors performed several hours of complex surgeries to save his life. During the surgery, it was not possible to save his eye because there was a risk of infection spreading to the optic nerves.
Additionally, surgeons managed to take vascularized tissue from another part of his body to cover the damaged area of his face. Recalling these processes, Dave says: "I underwent many surgical procedures.
It was a very painful and mentally challenging process, but I wanted to restore my appearance and confidence." Later, Dave met with specialists from the Reconstructive Prosthetics center who work with modern 3D technologies. They offered to recreate the missing part of his face using a 3D printer.
The prepared prosthesis was customized to match his skin, hair color, and even eye shade. "The process was not pleasant," says Dave, "many molds, photographs, and measurements were taken.
However, 3D technologies provided amazing opportunities. Now my face looks almost natural, and I feel like myself again." Emi, a specialist in reconstructive surgery, emphasized that 3D scanning technology allows the prosthesis to adapt to the patient's facial movements.
The materials used to create the prostheses are safe for human skin and closely resemble tissue structure. After the prosthesis was installed, Dave continued his rehabilitation course.
He was also provided with a special orbital prosthesis and a corset for his neck made with a 3D printer. Currently, he is continuing treatment to reduce the tension of the scars.
"At first, I was skeptical about this technology, but now I am endlessly grateful to the doctors and engineers. They have fundamentally changed my life.
I feel human again," says Dave Richards.
