3D Printed Scaffold Might Soon Replace Conventional Breast Implants

Australian scientists have succeeded in using additive manufacturing to produce scaffolds that could replace conventional silicone breast implants in the future. The scaffold is designed to look like a conventional breast implant and is made of the same material used for dissolvable stitches. Although the study is still in an early stage, the Brisbane-based research team hopes that the new technology could one day provide a safer and more natural alternative to conventional silicone implants, and thus, with the help of these new developments, revolutionize the way breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgeries are done.

After successfully conducting tests in animal trials, the new technology has recently been used on the first human patient. If the patient does not show any signs of complications, doctors will extend the test run on 15 to 20 otherwise healthy individuals. Patient Moana Staunton previously struggled with health complications from traditional silicone breast implants. Since the surgery, Ms. Staunton says all of her odd ailments have disappeared and she feels great. “My chest is light and I don’t have vertigo or anything like that anymore,” she said. “Overall, it’s been an excellent, amazing experience for me.”

The Technology Behind the 3D Printed Breast Implants

Thousands of Australians receive silicone breast implants every year, and many women suffer complications or illness after the procedure. Notably, awareness has been rising around Breast Implant Illness (BII), a poorly researched disease that can cause a number of health concerns in women with breast implants. In the future, the additively manufactured scaffold will ensure that women no longer have to suffer complications triggered by silicone implants after breast surgery.