The future of 3D printing
Dr. Baek predicts that 3D printers will become more affordable as they will be more widely distributed just as the price of photocopy machines were very high when they were first invented.
“As more 3D printers enter the market and technology improves, the price will go down. As the market for 3D printers is small, I sometimes worry that I ventured into this field too soon. But I am also excited for the advantages of the new market.”
[Advertisement] ATLAS(Long pulse 532nm & 940nm dual wavelength) – Manufacturer: MEDRO(www.medro.net)
As Dr. Baek is pioneering a new market, he has a small pool of patients but he remembers and values each of this patients.
“I once uploaded a video of the surgery on Youtube. The video had 7 views and considering 4-5 views by our staff members, it was viewed only 3 times. However, one day a patient showed up at my practice saying she saw my video. I was very surprised. Among the three people that saw the video, one came for a visit. I think the patients who need reconstruction are desperate to find a good doctor and there are not enough doctors specializing in reconstruction.”
One patient that he remember vividly was a victim of rampant plastic surgery.
“This patient received double jaw surgery as part of a focus group trial at a new practice. She experienced weird changes to her face and went back to the practice only to discover that the practice had disappeared. As a plastic surgeon, I felt responsible for her tribulations and provided a free reconstructive surgery. The patient made a donation in the amount she wanted to a charity organization. I feel proud to share the story of this patient’s return to her normal life after successful second surgery.”
On the other hand, there are patients that he feels regretful toward.
“I had a patient who had broken jawbones that were left untreated. The bones had melted and even teeth had fallen out. We prepared simulation and design for this patient but the MFDS did not approve titanium implant of the jaw and the surgery could not be performed. I also find it impossible to carry on without the approval of the health authority and am looking for solutions. As plastic surgery using 3D printing is a new field, I face various unexpected obstacles. The process is also slow as there are no relevant laws yet.”
Image 5. Patient unable to receive surgery due to lack of MFDS approval on titanium jaw implant.
As a pioneer of the 3D fit face sculpting, Dr. Baek shared his advice for other doctors who want to venture into this new field.
“3D printing technology requires consultation of many experts such as 3D modeling designer, engineer, chemical engineer, doctors with related ideas, lawyers and programmers for creating programs and simulations, etc. I could come across experts of other fields through my blog and plan to establish a corporation with my colleagues. A study predicted that medicine will take up more than 50% of all 3D printing market. I would like to see this highly promising market grow and flourish.”
-The end-
