Face reconstructed with 3D printer

Courtesy Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

Before and after photographs of Stephen Power, 29, of Cardiff, Wales, who received reconstructive surgery using groundbreaking 3D printing technology.

Power suffered from two broken cheek bones, broken eye sockets and a broken jaw, among other serious limb injuries, after a 2012 motorcycle accident.

Wales

Courtesy Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

After initial reconstructive surgeries, Power was left with a protruding cheek bone and sunken eye socket.

Surgeons at Wales' Centre for Applied Reconstructive Technologies in Surgery, scanned 3D images of Stephen’s face to create customized guides and plates for repositioning his facial bones.

A 3D printer was used to create models of Power's face, as well as medical-grade titanium implants.

Wales

Courtesy Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

Dr. Adrian Sugar (seated second from left) and his surgical team during the eight-hour facial rebuild operation at Morriston Hospital in Wales.

Wales

Courtesy Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

Power's skull after the operation. The L–shaped implant is clearly visible.

Wales

Courtesy Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

Power's skull after the operation.

Wales

Courtesy Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

29-year-old Stephen Power before his facial reconstruction surgery.

Wales

Courtesy Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board

Power is pictured after the surgery that used 3D printing technology to repair his extensive facial injuries.
"It has just made me look a lot better," he said. "I take my hat off to them."