Man Reclaims Life, Appearance After Devastating bicycle Accident with 3D-Printed Facial Reconstruction
Bristol, UK – Dave Lizerts is rebuilding his life, adn his face, thanks to a groundbreaking 3D-printing procedure at teh North Bristol 3D Medical Center, the UK’s first dedicated facility of its kind. Lizerts, who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a vehicle while cycling, has received a custom-designed facial prosthesis that is restoring his appearance and his confidence.
The accident left Lizerts with severe burns and fractures,including damage that initially led doctors to fear brain injury. He was trapped under the vehicle and dragged for over 10 meters, resulting in the loss of one eye and extensive damage to one side of his face. “One side of my face was touched by the engine and exhaust, and my skin was damaged by the heat, and my face was crushed by the body of the car on the other side,” Lizerts recounted. Traditional reconstructive surgery, while extensive, couldn’t fully restore his pre-accident appearance, leaving him feeling self-conscious and fearful of public interaction.
The North bristol 3D Medical Center offered a new hope. Restoration expert Amy Davey explained that the 3D-printed implants, made from a high-quality plastic resin, are safe for long-term implantation and closely mimic the color and texture of natural skin. The center was able to produce a facial prosthesis for Lizerts just as it opened its doors, marking a meaningful advancement in reconstructive medicine.
Lizerts also received a 3D-printed neck protector, which he found helped conceal scars and made wearing the facial implant more comfortable. “After using the neck brace for about a week, the scars were hidden and it became easier to wear facial implants,” he said.
The results have been transformative.”I’ve become more and more familiar with the way I look, and I no longer care about how people see me,” Lizerts stated. ”Now, I’m gradually rediscovering my past self. Thanks to the surgery, I can meet people much more freely than before.” The case highlights the growing potential of 3D printing to offer life-changing solutions for patients with complex facial trauma and congenital conditions, offering a path towards renewed confidence and a return to normal life.
