3D surgery for sunken chest: less pain and fast recovery

Published on June 14, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Quirónsalud Hospital has launched a personalized surgery technique using 3D printing to correct sunken chest. This deformity, known as pectus excavatum, not only affects aesthetics but can also hinder breathing and damage self-esteem. Now, with a minimally invasive method, patients see visible results in 24 hours and return to their routine in a short time.

Pectus excavatum correction surgery using 3D printed custom implant, surgeon placing transparent biocompatible implant into chest cavity during minimally invasive procedure, augmented reality headset showing patient thoracic anatomy overlay, robotic surgical arm holding implant positioning tool, blue digital holographic scan of rib cage floating above operating table, sterile blue surgical drapes, bright LED surgical lighting, monitor displaying real-time 3D modeling software interface, cinematic medical visualization, photorealistic technical illustration, sharp focus on implant insertion point, dramatic cool clinical lighting, detailed surgical instruments and carbon fiber tools

3D Printing: Precise Planning and Custom Surgery 🏥

The key lies in 3D printing. Doctors create an exact model of the patient's thorax to design a personalized corrective bar. During the operation, it is inserted through small lateral incisions, without opening the sternum. The bar is temporarily fixed to elevate the depression. Everything is adjusted to the millimeter, reducing the risk of errors and surgical time. The result: less postoperative pain and an almost invisible scar.

Goodbye to the Crooked Mirror and the 'Ouch' When Breathing 😅

Before, fixing sunken chest meant weeks of rest and more than one scream when sneezing. Now, with 3D printing, the patient leaves the operating room almost as if they had been to the hairdresser, but with a straight chest. Of course, the quick recovery does not include going back to lifting weights the next day. But at least you can show off a flat torso without having to tell lies at the beach.