Body Parts That Can Be Made With A 3-D Printer

Skin

When it comes to skin transplants, burn victims are especially benefited by this advance in technology. By taking healthy skin and using it to replace the affected area, people are given the opportunity to heal more quickly while reducing the risk of infection and minimizing the likelihood of developing noticeable scars.

With the use of 3-D printers, medical personnel can spray multiple layers of skin over a burn. As this technology advances, doctors are capable of treating even the more severe burns. This can make all of the difference in allowing a burn victim to go back to their normal routine, feeling like their old self.

Ears

Many times those that suffer hearing loss do so because of an irregularity of how their ear is formed. By simply changing the shape of their ear or by adding more to an underdeveloped ear, hearing can be improved dramatically, changing a person’s life and helping them to function more safely in the world.

Scientists have discovered a way to build ears with the use of existing cells. When the new ear is being formed, it is inserted with cartilage cells and collagen from actual humans. This advance allows the transplant a higher success rate since the ear is formed from actual cells, rather than other materials.