A 75-year-old cyclist has undergone an extraordinary treatment at the Bristol 3D medical centre, becoming one of the first patients in the UK to receive a 3D-printed face after suffering third-degree burns in a horrific accident.
The victim, Dave Richards from Devon, was struck by a speeding drunk driver while out cycling with friends. The incident, which occurred in July 2021, left him with severe injuries, including full-thickness burns on his head, damage to his back and pelvis, and several broken ribs.
As part of his recovery, surgeons were forced to remove his eye due to concerns about potential infection spreading to the brain through the optic nerve. A free flap was then transplanted from his neck to cover the side of his face, giving him a temporary appearance.
However, Richards' treatment didn't end there. The NHS took it up another notch by offering him a 3D-printed face that mirrors his real-life features, including hair colour, eye colour, and skin tone. The printed face is designed to fit perfectly into the space left vacant by his injured area, giving him a new lease on life.
Richards himself describes this experience as "not the most pleasant" and initially felt vulnerable about showing himself in public after the accident. However, he has made significant progress since then and has come to terms with his image and how others perceive him.
It's a testament to the advancements in medical technology that Richards was able to receive such a unique treatment, allowing him to regain a sense of normalcy and independence. The Bristol 3D medical centre is now leading the way in 3D scanning, design, and printing in NHS locations across the UK.
Despite the reduced sentence handed down to the drunk driver, who was sentenced to three years with a seven-year driving ban, Richards expressed his discontent at the leniency of the punishment. Nevertheless, he remains grateful for the life-saving treatment he received and is now enjoying life on a daily basis, free from the pain caused by his injuries.
The victim, Dave Richards from Devon, was struck by a speeding drunk driver while out cycling with friends. The incident, which occurred in July 2021, left him with severe injuries, including full-thickness burns on his head, damage to his back and pelvis, and several broken ribs.
As part of his recovery, surgeons were forced to remove his eye due to concerns about potential infection spreading to the brain through the optic nerve. A free flap was then transplanted from his neck to cover the side of his face, giving him a temporary appearance.
However, Richards' treatment didn't end there. The NHS took it up another notch by offering him a 3D-printed face that mirrors his real-life features, including hair colour, eye colour, and skin tone. The printed face is designed to fit perfectly into the space left vacant by his injured area, giving him a new lease on life.
Richards himself describes this experience as "not the most pleasant" and initially felt vulnerable about showing himself in public after the accident. However, he has made significant progress since then and has come to terms with his image and how others perceive him.
It's a testament to the advancements in medical technology that Richards was able to receive such a unique treatment, allowing him to regain a sense of normalcy and independence. The Bristol 3D medical centre is now leading the way in 3D scanning, design, and printing in NHS locations across the UK.
Despite the reduced sentence handed down to the drunk driver, who was sentenced to three years with a seven-year driving ban, Richards expressed his discontent at the leniency of the punishment. Nevertheless, he remains grateful for the life-saving treatment he received and is now enjoying life on a daily basis, free from the pain caused by his injuries.
Can you believe this guy's story? I mean, 3D-printed face? That's some crazy tech right there! But seriously, it's like something out of a sci-fi movie. The thought that he had to get an eye removed because of infection and then have a fake one made for him is just... wow. And now he's back to being himself, minus the burned-out part. 
It's amazing how far medical science has come, but at the same time, it's heartbreaking thinking about what happened to this guy in the first place. 
I mean, 3D printing a face? It's just crazy how far medical tech has come, right? But what about the driver who hit Dave in the first place? A 7-year driving ban is a joke! I know it's not like they're gonna get back behind the wheel anytime soon, but still... three years for running someone down and leaving them with third-degree burns? 
It doesn't seem like a stiff enough punishment to me. On the other hand, I guess this 3D-printed face is pretty cool, even if it's just a temporary fix. I wonder what they're gonna do when he needs another one... 
... i mean who needs a face when you can just 3d print one? 
seriously though its mind-blowing to think about how far med tech has come. the fact that they could scan his body, design a new face and 3d print it for him is insane 
. and to see him make progress after going through all that trauma is super inspiring 
... only thing that would've made this story better is if the driver got a harsher sentence 
but still glad he's doing ok now 
. But you know what's even more interesting? The fact that we're only now getting to see advancements in medical tech like this because of people who've been through unimaginable pain and suffering 
.
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! But seriously, can you imagine having to deal with the trauma of an accident and then having to worry about what others think when they see your new face? That's gotta be some heavy mental baggage 
. On one hand, we've got these incredible medical advancements that can literally change someone's life for the better. And let's be real, it's not cheap 
. But on the other hand, what about the drunk driver who almost took Dave Richards' life? 
You'd think that would warrant some serious consequences... like a longer driving ban or even jail time 
. I mean, I get that we need to rehabilitate and all that, but come on! Three years with just a seven-year ban? That seems kinda lenient to me 
. Maybe it's the government trying to be too nice again? 
Anyway, back to Dave Richards: his story is an inspiration, no doubt about it. But let's not forget who's really behind the wheel here - our politicians! 
. but at the same time, it's amazing how far medical technology has come in saving lives like yours, dave 
. this stuff is def changing the game 
. It's crazy to think that 10 years ago, this kind of thing wouldn't have been possible. And who knows, maybe one day we'll be able to 3D-print entire bodies or something 
(just kidding, let's not go there).
! he got into accidnt w/ druvn car n almost lost eye cuz of infection lol but then he got new facia @ bristol medical centre 
its so cool they made it exakt like his 
skin tone, hair colur nd all that stuff! now hes feelin better nd can show face in public 
. gotta give a shoutout 2 NHS 4 makin this avansd treatment posibl!!! 
and btw, three years with a 7-year driving ban seems kinda light for someone who was drunk and hit an old dude on a bike... isn't that like, super serious? 
! This 3D-printed face thingy is literally mind-blowing 
. I'm sure it wasn't easy for Richards, especially with those nasty burns and broken ribs 
!