My name is Per Sommar and I am a plastic surgeon in Stockholm, Sweden.
Can you tell us about your experience with 3D implants?
I have been a plastic surgeon since 2006, working with both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Over the last six or seven years, I have been working with AnatomikModeling and performing reconstructions for sunken chest.
Are you satisfied with the result?
There are different types of applications for this kind of implant. One indication is when a person lacks a chest muscle, such as with Poland Syndrome, and another is when they have a hole in the chest. Most of the operations I've done have been for Pectus Excavatum. It’s like receiving a puzzle piece that fits perfectly based on the patient’s specific anatomy. The implant is placed in the center of the chest, and since it’s custom-made for each individual patient, the result is very good. I am definitely satisfied with the product.
Do you have a special case in mind?
Often, when it comes to Pectus, it’s men who have suffered from it since puberty and feel embarrassed to go to the beach, the gym, or show themselves naked. Their insecurity grows over time, and some of them, usually in their 40s, come to me for help. It’s amazing to see how you can give them back their self-confidence and strength through this type of surgery.
Can you explain if the patient needs to pay?
In Sweden, when it comes to Pectus Excavatum and Poland Syndrome, in some cases you can get compensation through the public healthcare system (Landstinget). However, this requires the condition to be assessed as very pronounced or severe. In less severe cases, which is the case for most patients, they have to pay for it themselves through privately financed healthcare.
