While doctors have experimented with 3D-printed prosthetics in the past, none has been quite as prominent or incredibly detailed as Eric Moger’s newest addition: a prosthetic, 3D-printed face. Four years ago, Eric underwent surgery to remove a tennis-ball-sized tumor in the left side of his face—along with almost the entire face itself. Left with what was essentially a gaping hole where one should not be, he’s been forced to eat and drink through tubes going directly into his stomach ever since. You’ll see why if you click the picture here, although be forewarned: this is probably not for the faint of heart. But in what is believed to be one of the first procedures of its kind, doctors used CT and facial scans of the remainder of his skull to recreate what it should look like in the form of a digital blueprint. The same digital blueprints one might use in 3D printing, for instance.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.