Mimics Innovation Awards 2025 Finalist: Jürgen Schwarzbauer

To provide patients with a more individualized approach to reconstruction that could better address their anatomical situation and support recovery after breast surgery. The aim was to combine experience from anaplastology with 3D surface scanning and digital design to improve symmetry, fit, and aesthetic rehabilitation.

The techniques themselves were not entirely new, as the team was already experienced in similar workflows from anaplastology. The challenge was to transfer this expertise into breast reconstruction and adapt each solution precisely to the patient’s anatomy and expectations.

The individualized workflow was associated with improved outcomes in symmetry, aesthetics, and psychological well-being. The use of high-resolution 3D surface scans and customized templates supported a more accurate planning process and more natural-looking results.

This research presents a clinically relevant approach to individualized reconstruction, with clear implications for improving precision and predictability. Importantly, it goes beyond a theoretical concept, as the approach has already been applied in 50 patients, supporting its practical relevance and potential impact.

The work also demonstrates how digital technologies and personalized workflows can contribute to a more reliable reconstruction process. Although it is not a simple or fully standardized recipe and still depends on clinical expertise, the study offers a strong and transferable example of how personalized methods can be implemented in routine care.