Long Island Man's Nose Reconstructed with Ancient Technique and 3D Printing

Life-Changing Surgery for Tyson Carter

• 💡 Tyson Carter, a 41-year-old man from Long Island, underwent a life-changing surgery after his nose was bitten off in a fight at a bus stop in Brentwood in January.
• 🎯 Just four months later, and after several surgical procedures, Carter is recovering and beginning to look like himself again.

Innovative Reconstruction Procedure

• 🔬 The procedure involved a modern twist on an ancient technique, utilizing 3D printing and a skin flap.
• 🛠️ Dr. Laurent Ganry at Long Island Jewish first 3D printed Carter's face to create a model for his missing nose.
• 🧠 A flap of skin and muscle was then created from Carter's forehead and arm, with the nose matched to selfies, allowing new blood vessels to grow and vascularize the reconstructed nose.

Historical Context and Modern Application

• 📜 This reconstructive technique dates back to 700 BC, when noses were reconstructed due to cultural torture and syphilis.
• ⚠️ Today, such procedures are typically used for reconstructing noses lost to skin cancer or dog bites, rather than human bites.

Patient's Relief and Hope for Others

• ✅ Carter expressed amazement at the outcome, calling it a "once in a lifetime kind of thing."
• 👓 A significant relief for Carter is the ability to wear glasses again, which was impossible without his nose.
• ✨ His case now offers hope to others who have suffered traumatic injuries.