The Current Role of Three-Dimensional Printing in Plastic Surgery.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2016 Vol.137(3) p. 1045-1055

Kamali P, Dean D, Skoracki R, Koolen PGL, Paul MA, Ibrahim AMS, Lin SJ

Abstract

Since the advent of three-dimensional printing in the 1980s, it has become possible to produce physical objects from digital files and create three-dimensional objects by adding one layer at a time following a predetermined pattern. Because of the continued development of inexpensive and easy-to-use three-dimensional printers and bioprinting, this technique has gained more momentum over time, especially in the field of medicine. This article reviews the current and possible future application of three-dimensional printing technology within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

MeSH Terms

Bioprinting; Computer-Aided Design; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Male; Preoperative Care; Quality Improvement; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Role; Surgery, Plastic