The Current Role of Three-Dimensional Printing in Plastic Surgery

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Mar;137(3):1045-1055. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000479977.37428.8e.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bioprinting / instrumentation*
  • Bioprinting / trends
  • Computer-Aided Design*
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Male
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / trends
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Quality Improvement
  • Role
  • Surgery, Plastic / methods*
  • Surgery, Plastic / trends